The case

Swiss researchers can apply for EU grants again.

Source: State Secretariat for Education (SERI) & SwissInfo

The commentary

The European Commission has announced that as of today, researchers in Switzerland will have access to the European Research Council’s “ERC Proof of Concept Grants.” This decision is part of the ongoing negotiations between Switzerland and the EU in order to update bilateral agreements. According to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the opportunity to be able to participate in new calls for proposals under the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme provides a unique chance to realize the commercial or social potential of innovative work.

This move is seen as a positive gesture from the European Commission during the negotiations, going beyond their previous commitments, as highlighted by the ERC. In July 2024, three calls for proposals were already made available to Swiss researchers, viewed as an act of goodwill by the Commission.

It’s important to note that agreements for potential grants can only be finalized if the association agreement between Switzerland and the EU is in place at that time. The issue of Switzerland’s participation in the EU research programme has a complex history. Following the breakdown of negotiations on a framework agreement in spring 2021, Brussels initially categorized Switzerland as a non-associated third country.

Since May 2024, researchers in Switzerland have once again been eligible to apply for certain ERC grants under Horizon Europe. With the resumption of negotiations between the Swiss government and the European Commission in March 2024, Switzerland will once more be considered an associated third country for grants.

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