Common Understanding with Switzerland sets out measures to develop bilateral relations with EU

On 15 December 2023, the European Commission announced that a Common Understanding was reached after 18 months of exploratory talks with representatives of Switzerland's Federal Council. The package includes an agreement that would provide for the association of Switzerland to Union programmes, including Horizon Europe. The Common Understanding also provides a way forward for transitional arrangements that would enable Swiss entities to apply for grants under some Union research programmes before the negotiations are concluded.

As a next step, the Commission will adopt a Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the opening of the negotiations with Switzerland. The negotiations between the EU and Switzerland will start once both sides have had their negotiating mandates approved according to their respective procedures.

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