Switzerland downgraded to third country status in Horizon Europe for 2021

Over the last years, Switzerland was fully associated to the EU Framework program Horizon 2020. The new program for research and innovation, Horizon Europe was launched this January. After the Federal Council took the decision not to sign the institutional agreement, and communicated this decision to the EU, the European Commission informed on 22 June in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide that Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country for the submission of project proposals in Horizon Europe and other related programmes and initiatives. According to the information published by the European Commission on its website on 12 July 2021, this status applies until further notice and applies to all calls for proposals in 2021.

With this status, project participants in Switzerland can still participate in approximately 2/3 of Horizon Europe and notably in most collaborative projects. The Swiss project partner will not be funded by the EC but by the SERI. The participation in mono-beneficiary instruments (individual ERC grants, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, MSCA COFUND and the EIC Accelerator) is by principle excluded as a non-associated third country.

No direct funding via EIC Acclerator

The exclusion from the EIC Accelerator Programme is a major setback for Swiss start-ups. In 2020 alone, start-ups received 40 million Swiss francs. It is notable that the start-ups were each funded with relatively high amounts - usually between 2 and 2.5 million euros. Last year, 17 companies received funding. The list reads like a Who's Who of Swiss deep-tech start-ups. This year, no new funding will be added.

SERI recommends institutions based in Switzerland (including companies and notably SMEs) to participate in consortia responding to calls for proposals in Horizon Europe and in the Euratom programme. However, a number of limitations apply that need to be taken into account. Any proposal needs to fulfil the general eligibility criteria. Any consortium needs a minimum of 3 independent partners from 3 different Member States or associated countries, of which at least one based in a Member State. Any participants from non-associated third countries would only be possible as addition to these 3. In addition, participants from non-associated third countries cannot coordinate projects. They can however lead work packages as any other participant.

The Euresearch network, which is funded and mandated by SERI for this purpose, will continue to advise researchers and innovators in Switzerland planning to participate in Horizon Europe projects. Updated information can be found on the SERI website.

(Stefan Kyora)