Switzerland associates with Horizon Europe and other EU research programmes – new opportunities for Bavarian science and innovation

The European Union and Switzerland have signed the Association Agreement on Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and the Euratom Research & Training Programme. This means that Swiss research institutions and companies now have the same participation conditions as partners from EU member states: they can coordinate consortia, apply directly for EU funding, and participate in all programme pillars. For Bavaria, this opens up new opportunities for cross-border cooperation in research, innovation, and technology transfer—particularly in key areas such as climate and energy solutions, digital transformation, health, Industry 4.0, and security.

The agreement will take effect retroactively on January 1, 2025. It will strengthen the European research landscape by facilitating the talent mobility, providing joint access to research infrastructure and promoting closer cooperation in future technologies. Additionally, Switzerland iss et to join Fusion for Energy in 2026, allowing Swiss partners to contribute to the international fusion energy project ITER. Access to Erasmus+ is planned for 2027, followed by participation in the EU4Health programme once the health agreement comes into force.

These measures form part a comprehensive package designed to strengthen the relationship between the EU and Switzerland, paving the way for long-term cooperation and stable framework conditions for universities, research institutions, companies, and start-ups.

Further information can be found here.

Benefits for Bavarian stakeholders

• Expanded choice of consortium partners with access to Swiss research excellence
• Stronger innovation networks and new transfer opportunities
• Shared use of research infrastructures
• New areas of cooperation in energy, digitalisation, and health

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) supports Bavarian institutions in project development, partner search, and application for Horizon Europe and other EU programmes.

Planning your project with Swiss partners?

Contact us early on – we will be happy to advise you.