Policy background
Switzerland is an important partner of the European Union (EU) in research and innovation. Researchers from Swiss universities and the private sector have participated in the research and innovation framework programmes (FP) since 1987. In the same year, the EU-Switzerland S&T Agreement entered into force. Switzerland has been strongly involved in most European R&I programmes, including CERN, the European Space Agency, COST and EUREKA. It was also associated to the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2020-2024 and participated in the activities carried out by the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion for Energy for 2014-2020, where it is set to participate again as of 2026.
Association to Horizon Europe and Euratom R&T
Horizon Europe is the EU’s research and innovation programme, with more than €90 billion of funding available over 7 years (2021 to 2027).
On 20 December 2024, negotiations were successfully concluded on an agreement on Switzerland’s participation in Union programmes, including Horizon Europe and the Euratom Research & Training programme. Switzerland will become an associated country to both programmes with retroactive effect as of 1 January 2025, once the agreement is signed. Until the signature of the agreement, transitional arrangements are granted to Swiss applicants.
The transitional arrangement for Switzerland applies to all Pillars of Horizon Europe Programme and the Euratom Research & Training programme for award procedures implementing the 2025 budget (i.e. 2025 Calls for Proposals) and onwards. Consequently, applicants established in Switzerland can apply as if Switzerland was already associated, but will only receive funding if the Association Agreement is signed by the time of awards.
Funding opportunities
The transitional arrangement for Switzerland applies to the whole Horizon Europe Programme (all Pillars) and the Euratom Research & Training programme for award procedures implementing the 2025 budget and onwards. Consequently, applicants established in Switzerland will be treated for such award procedures as entities established in an associated country, subject to the association agreement being applicable at the time of awards.
Projects and results
Research project database (CORDIS)
The Commission's primary portal for results of EU-funded research projects. Here you can find projects related to Switzerland.
Contact
National Contact Points
The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.
European Commission
DG Research and Innovation unit 03: International cooperation
Documents
- 30 DECEMBER 2014