Horizon Europe: Swiss government pledges funds to plug shortfalls
The thermonuclear reactor in southern France is part of the ITER research infrastructure.
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The Swiss government has decided to allocate up to CHF400 million ($434 million) this year for scientists wishing to participate in Europe’s flagship research project.
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The direct funding covers a programme to boost digital technology and participation in a major fusion energy research infrastructure.
The government also pledged to examine other possible steps to ensure Switzerland’s standing as a location for research and innovation, it said in a statement on Wednesday. It added that the aim remains a re-association with the Horizon package “at the earliest opportunity”.
The move became necessary after the European Union relegated Switzerland to non-associated country status in the Horizon EuropeExternal link programme, notably cutting off Swiss researchers from funding by the European Commission.
In July, Brussels effectively locked Switzerland out of Horizon until further notice after the Swiss government walked away from seven years of negotiations concerning an overarching agreement to simplify bilateral relations with Brussels in May.
Horizon Europe runs from 2021 to 2027 is the has an overall budget of €95 billion.
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Why is Horizon Europe important for Switzerland and the European Union?
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Switzerland has been excluded for now from the EU’s key Horizon Europe research programme. This is a big blow for Switzerland’s research landscape.
‘Reliable’ Switzerland ready to play role in EU research
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Switzerland is ready to enter negotiations on association to the EU’s research and innovation programme “Horizon Europe”.
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