Switzerland

Some in Switzerland had feared the country might have to wait years to associate. But with the European Commission opening exploratory talks yesterday, there are now hopes for a deal next year

Voters go to the polls on 22 October, following which wider talks with Brussels should resume. But with the Commission’s precise negotiating preconditions unclear, it’s doubtful whether association to the research programme can be agreed before EU elections next year

With the country’s association to Horizon Europe stuck in political limbo, the new measures will support Swiss scientists to take part in EU research projects

There’s no sign of a breakthrough just yet, but pressure is building domestically for Bern to re-engage with Brussels in order to get association moving

Research commissioner Mariya Gabriel has linked re-admittance to ESFRI to wider relations between the EU and Switzerland. Some see this as a sign the body is too heavily controlled by the Commission

Despite hosting CERN, the country is being excluded from ESFRI because it has not associated to Horizon Europe. Swiss scientists call the decision “unreasonable”

But 213 researchers chose to stay put, giving up their awards. These have now been reallocated. Meanwhile, the UK has extended its safety net for ERC grant winners

Locked out of the EU research programme, Swiss universities are nervous of losing money set aside for association. Parliamentarians now want to protect this cash in a ‘Horizon Fund’