Switzerland and Horizon Europe: Back in the game? Here’s what you need to know
18th February 2025 at 9:26 pm
After years of uncertainty, Switzerland is set to return as a fully associated country in Horizon Europe and other EU research and innovation funding schemes from 1 January 2025. This long-awaited development brings significant changes for Swiss research institutions and companies, including several new rules that we described in one of our previous blogs on Switzerland associated to Horizon Europe again – new rules as of 1 January 2025. However, until the EU and Switzerland have agreed on the formalities, a transitional agreement is in place. For Swiss researchers and innovators to get acquainted with the new rules quickly, here are some key questions about how this transition affects project participation, funding and coordination.
1. What is the transitional arrangement and what does it include?
The transitional arrangement is fully activated, allowing researchers and innovators in Switzerland to participate as so-called beneficiaries in Horizon Europe and Euratom programme calls from 2025 onwards. This means that:
- Swiss researchers can apply for funding directly from the EU.
- They can now submit project proposals as coordinators.
- Switzerland’s participation in strategic areas (e.g., quantum and space research) will be subject to further discussions with the EU.
- For the first time, Swiss participants can also take part in for example the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), except in cybersecurity and semiconductor-related calls, which are limited to EU and EEA countries.
This opens new opportunities for Swiss-led research and innovation.
2. How will projects under the transitional arrangement be funded?
Swiss participants must apply for EU funding as beneficiaries, meaning their budgets will be included in the total grant requested by the consortium.
- If the above-mentioned association agreement is in place at the time of signing the EU funding contract, namely the grant agreement, Swiss participants will receive EU funding.
- If the agreement is not yet in place, Swiss participants will (continue to) be funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
A financial guarantee is in place to provide funding certainty for Swiss participants in case of delays in the association process, covering both multi- and mono-beneficiary grant applications.
3. How should Swiss project participants prepare their budgets?
For all calls for proposals from the 2025 programmes year onwards, Swiss applicants should assume they are applying for EU funding and prepare their budgets accordingly. Swiss organisations’ costs must be included in the total EU project funding requested by the consortium. If Switzerland’s association is delayed, SERI will cover funding within its allocated budget.
4. Can Swiss researchers coordinate Horizon Europe projects from 2025 onwards?
Yes! Swiss organisations can once again submit project proposals as coordinators. However, there is one important condition:
If the association agreement is not in place at the time of signing the grant agreement, the Swiss coordinator will have to step down and become a so-called associated partner. In such a case, the consortium must then ensure another partner can take over the coordinator role. The Swiss partner’s budget will need adjustments, as coordination-related costs will be removed. Thus, we recommend you discuss a “Plan B” with your consortium partners prior to submission, ensuring an easy transition of the coordination during the Grant Agreement preparation.
5. Will SERI financially support Swiss coordinators?
Previously, SERI supported Swiss applicants with CHF 10,000 when applying as a coordinator. The funds were intended to help coordinators cover additional proposal preparation costs. However, due to budget constraints, this support will no longer be available.
6. Can researchers in Switzerland apply for ERC grants in 2025?
Yes, researchers in Switzerland can apply for European Research Council (ERC) grants from 2025 onwards. Applications will be evaluated by the ERC Executive Agency (ERCEA) as usual. Step-2 evaluation results and interviews will take place for eligible applicants.
If an ERC grant is recommended for funding, the funding source will depend on Switzerland’s association status:
7. How will ERC grants be funded?
If associated: The ERC grant will be funded directly by the EU.
If not associated: The grant can still be funded, but the researcher must either:
- Transfer the project to an eligible institution in an EU or associated country, or
- Stay at a Swiss host institution and receive funding from SERI (within its budget limits).
A financial guarantee ensures that recommended ERC projects receive funding even if association is delayed.
8. Can Swiss start-ups and SMEs apply for the EIC Accelerator in 2025?
Yes, Swiss start-ups and SMEs can apply for the EIC Accelerator in 2025. They can submit Step 1 applications as usual. If selected, they can also submit a full proposal (Step 2) before 12 March 2025.
9. How will EIC Accelerator grants be funded?
Funding will depend on Switzerland’s association status at the time of the grant agreement:
- If associated: The EU funds the project as usual.
- If not associated: SERI will fund the grant portion (not the equity award portion), within the limits of the available budget. The contribution requested in the project proposal will be relevant for the funding.
10. Can Swiss institutions participate in the Digital Europe Programme (DEP)?
Yes, Swiss institutions can take part in Digital Europe Programme (DEP) calls from 2025 onwards under the transitional arrangement.
- Swiss participants can apply as beneficiaries and submit project proposals, including in the role of coordinator.
- Exceptions: Specific calls related to Cybersecurity (Objective 3) and Semiconductors (Objective 6) are only open to EU member states and, to some extent, EEA countries.
Swiss applicants must include their budget in the total project funding requested from the EU. If the association agreement is not in place at the time of signing the grant agreement, SERI will step in to fund Swiss participants within its budget limits.
Looking ahead – what does this mean for you?
Switzerland’s return to Horizon Europe brings significant opportunities for researchers, companies, and innovators. With full access to many programmes and the ability to coordinate projects again, Swiss participants can fully engage in the EU’s largest research and innovation programme.
Do you need help navigating the new situation? With Switzerland set to become an associated country as of 1 January 2025, we are excited to support Swiss-led consortia and many Swiss organisations in their efforts to participate in future Horizon Europe projects. Our team has many years of experience in Horizon Europe applications – from funding advice and proposal writing to project implementation. Whether you are a researcher in Swiss academic institutions or represent a technology-oriented company, you are welcome to reach out to us.
Dr. Johannes Ripperger
Research & Innovation Manager