Switzerland is no closer to regaining full access to European Union science and education collaborative programmes, despite a further round of exploratory talks between the two sides on Friday.
The EU first banned, and later only partially re-admitted, Swiss participation in its flagship Horizon Europe projects after a souring of political relations.
Diplomats have been tasked with exploring potential options after intensive top level negotiations between ministers to find a way forwards broke down last year.
A fourth exploratory round of talks ended with no concessions, Swiss State Secretary Livia Leu said on Friday.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t see much movement today,” said Leu in Brussels. “The EU Commission continues to uphold its position as a means of exerting pressure.”
A fifth round of talks, this time exploring Switzerland’s future contributions to a fund aimed at reducing economic and social disparities between EU member states, will take place on October 12.
Switzerland has agreed to pay a further CHF1.3 billion ($1.3 billion) so-called ‘cohesion’ payment, but there is no long term plan for future contributions.
Experts from both sides will also tackle the subject of the free movement of people in the next few weeks, said Leu.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
The citizenship obstacle course facing spouses of Swiss Abroad
This content was published on
The Ethos Foundation recommends that shareholders vote against all compensation-related items at the Annual General Meeting on March 7.
Top Swiss firms close to reaching gender quota in boards
This content was published on
The proportion of women on the boards of directors of the fifty largest listed companies in Switzerland currently stands at 28%.
Swiss committee wants to end government resignations during legislative term
This content was published on
Members of the Federal Council should no longer be able to leave office before the end of their term, according to a House of Representatives committee.
Swiss government seat: Ritter and Pfister nominated to succeed Amherd
This content was published on
Markus Ritter from St Gallen and Martin Pfister from Zug were officially nominated by the Centre Party on Friday to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd.
Top Swiss court rejects Russian request for administrative tax assistance
This content was published on
There is currently no reason to transmit banking information to the Russian Federation, the Swiss Federal Court has ruled.
After strike by radiologists, doctors demonstrate in Bern
This content was published on
Following a strike by radiology technicians in Fribourg, doctors, vets, dentists and chiropractors expressed their frustration on Friday outside parliament in the Swiss capital.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland signs off CHF1.3bn EU payment
This content was published on
Switzerland and the EC sign a memorandum of understanding for Switzerland to pay a so-called cohesion contribution of CHF1.3 billion to Brussels.
Swiss research funding drops due to Horizon Europe freeze
This content was published on
Switzerland’s exclusion from the Horizon Europe scheme is having an impact on the level of funding of Swiss science projects.
This content was published on
Switzerland resolves to "step up" exploratory talks with the EU aimed at resolving differences concerning future bilateral relations.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.