EU and Switzerland advance agreement on Swiss participation in Union programmes

The European Commission and Switzerland have initiated an agreement facilitating Switzerland's involvement in key Union programmes. Concluding negotiations on 20 December 2024, the agreement outlines Switzerland's association with Horizon Europe, Euratom Research and Training, ITER/F4E (Fusion for Energy), Digital Europe, Erasmus+, and EU4Health. This collaboration opens doors for Swiss researchers and organisations to secure funding and collaborate on projects with their European counterparts.

Starting on 1 January 2025, transitional measures allow Swiss entities to submit applications for Horizon Europe, Euratom Research and Training, and Digital Europe. Once full association is achieved, Swiss participants will qualify for direct EU funding and can lead consortia on a par with EU Member States. Switzerland's participation in Fusion for Energy (F4E)/ITER is anticipated to begin in 2026, with Erasmus+ integration planned for 2027. Switzerland's Association to EU4Health will become applicable after the Health Agreement is signed.

Following today's initialling, formal signing is expected after the completion of each party's internal procedures.

For more information:

Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes