The European Union is untying the purse strings. Researchers in Switzerland will be able to access Proof of Concept Grants from the European Research Council (ERC) from Wednesday.
This decision was taken as part of ongoing negotiations between Switzerland and the EU to update bilateral agreements. “The possibility of applying for new calls for tenders from the EU’s Horizon Europe research program is a unique chance to unlock commercial or social potential for innovative work,” writes the State Secretariat for Training, at research and innovation (SERI) in a post on
This decision is a “clear sign of goodwill” from the Commission in the negotiation process. It goes beyond what it committed to, writes the ERC. Already in July, three calls for tenders had been opened to Swiss researchers. At the time, too, there was talk of “goodwill” on the part of the Commission. However, agreements on possible subsidies can only be signed if the association agreement between Switzerland and the EU is in force at that time.
A long history
The discussion about Switzerland’s participation in the EU research program has a long history. After negotiations on a framework agreement between Switzerland and the EU broke down in spring 2021, Brussels initially classified Switzerland as a non-associated third country.
Only since May this year have researchers in Switzerland been able to apply again for certain ERC grants from Horizon Europe. With the resumption of negotiations between the Federal Council and the European Commission in March 2024, Switzerland will once again be treated as an associated third country for subsidies.
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