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 Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss authorities file criminal complaint for false signatures
This content was published on
The case of allegedly forged signatures for popular initiatives in Switzerland continues: the Federal Chancellery has filed a criminal complaint for the third time.
Swiss government must prioritise transport projects
This content was published on
Following the no to motorway expansions and additional costs for future rail infrastructure, the Swiss government must set priorities for road and rail expansion.
SMI back above 12,500 points for first time since beginning of 2022
This content was published on
The leading SMI index rose by almost 1% at times in the morning and traded above 12,500 points for the first time since the beginning of 2022.
Markus Ritter enters race for seat in Swiss government
This content was published on
Markus Ritter from the Centre Party has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd on the seven-seat Swiss government.
Lausanne hospital produces drug from faecal bacteria
This content was published on
The University Hospital of canton Vaud (Chuv) is the first Swiss hospital to receive approval for the production of such drugs from donor stool.
Increase in heat deaths set to outweigh decrease in cold deaths
This content was published on
The growing number of heat-related deaths due to climate change will significantly exceed the decline in the number of cold-related deaths in Europe, according to a study.
Every second Swiss buys from Chinese online retailers
This content was published on
Chinese online retailers are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Every other person has already made such a purchase in the past year.
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.