Publication date: 14.11.2025
Overview
- Author: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions / European Commission
- Source: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/news/switzerland-joins-marie-sklodowska-curie-actions
- Date: November 14, 2025
- Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Article Summary
What is this about? Switzerland has officially become an associated member of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the Horizon Europe Programme. The topic is important as it strengthens the European research landscape and creates new opportunities for cooperation.
Key facts:
- Swiss organizations can now participate as full beneficiaries in all MSCA calls 2025 and future Horizon Europe programmes
- Between 2021-2024, almost 190 Swiss organizations already participated in over 400 MSCA projects as associated partners
- Switzerland has hosted 140 international MSCA researchers
- Over 50 Swiss researchers were supported in MSCA projects
- Negotiations between EU and Switzerland were completed on December 20, 2024
- Association agreement was signed on November 10, 2025
Affected groups:
- Swiss research institutions and universities
- International researchers interested in Swiss institutions
- EU researchers seeking to cooperate with Swiss partners
- European research community overall
Opportunities & Risks:
- Opportunities: Full access to EU research funding, consortium leadership possible, enhanced international collaboration, access to talent and research infrastructures
- Risks: Potential dependency on EU programmes, political tensions could affect future cooperation
Recommendations: Swiss research institutions should strategically utilize the new opportunities and expand international partnerships.
Future Outlook
Short-term (1 year): Increased participation of Swiss organizations in EU research programmes, first consortium leaderships by Swiss institutions
Medium-term (5 years): Establishment of Switzerland as a central hub in European research networks, significant increase in research cooperation
Long-term (10-20 years): Potential model effect for other non-EU countries, enhanced integration into the European Research Area, potential extension to other EU programmes
Fact Check
The participant numbers and dates appear plausible and come from official EU sources. The mentioned negotiation dates are consistent. [⚠️ Still to verify] could be details about the financial conditions of the association and specific exclusion criteria.
Additional Sources
- Horizon Europe Programme: Official EU information on association opportunities
- Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation: National perspective on EU association
- Various Swiss universities: Practical experiences with MSCA programmes
Source List
Original source: Switzerland joins Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/news/switzerland-joins-marie-sklodowska-curie-actions
Additional sources:
- Switzerland joins Horizon Europe and other key EU research and innovation programmes, EU press release
- [Reference to Swiss government sources on EU association - to be added]
- [Reference to university reports on MSCA participation - to be added]
Facts verified: on November 14, 2025
Brief Conclusion
Through association with Horizon Europe, Switzerland gains full access to European research programmes and can act as an equal partner in the future. This development significantly strengthens both the Swiss research landscape and European scientific cooperation. Swiss institutions should strategically utilize the new opportunities to expand their international networking and research capacities.
Three Key Questions
What risks to Swiss research freedom arise from closer ties to EU programmes and their political framework conditions?
Where is more transparency needed regarding the financial obligations and long-term conditions of Swiss EU association?
How can innovation be promoted through better integration of smaller, non-EU countries into European research networks?