Switzerland has a knack for complicating its relationship with the EU whenever it depends on good relations. This is how it was in 2014 when the electorate said yes to the SVP mass immigration initiative. And so it is now, after the Federal Council broke off negotiations on the framework agreement.
Seven years ago, the EU excluded Switzerland from the Erasmus program. It was later renewed, but it became more difficult for students to do an exchange year at European universities.
It’s about the next seven years
Even now the worsening of the bilateral relationship comes at an inopportune moment; a decision is currently being made on the re-launch of the EU research programs for the next seven years. Above all, Switzerland would like to take part in Horizon Europe and the Erasmus program. But two weeks ago Brussels made it undiplomatically clear: it does not come in the bag.
Switzerland is treated as a non-associated third country as long as it does not pay out the cohesion funds. That is, she cannot even negotiate to participate in the programs.
The Federal Council wants to ask parliament in the autumn session to release the cohesion billion. However, even if Parliament agrees, participation in the research programs is not guaranteed.
Are Swiss universities falling behind?
Because in order to regulate the conditions of participation in the EU programs, Brussels first wants to conclude a framework agreement. That could take a while – and put the Swiss universities even further behind.
There are now voices in politics calling for the Federal Council to do more for top-class Swiss research in Brussels. SP foreign politician Eric Nussbaumer (61) thinks that Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (60) should start talks with the EU, “so that we can negotiate and sign the framework agreement for participation in the EU programs this year”.
Federal Council is waiting
But the Federal Council remains inactive, criticizes Nussbaumer: “It obviously doesn’t even know which programs it wants to be part of. This delay tactic doesn’t work like that! “
The liberal National Councilor Christoph Eymann (70) shares this view: “The Federal Council must do more to make it clear to Brussels that Switzerland wants to be part of Horizon Europe.”
Swissuniversities, the association of Swiss universities, relies on direct contact with European universities, “so that they can work towards their own governments that scientific Europe needs Switzerland”, as President Yves Flückiger (65) writes. In addition, one is in contact with the federal government, “to ensure that negotiations can be resumed”.
Pressure on the Federal Council remains
In the meantime, the Foreign Affairs Department states that Federal Councilor Cassis discussed research with EU representatives during his visit two weeks ago. The Federal Council continues to strive for an association with Horizon Europe as quickly as possible, writes a spokesman. To qualify immediately: “From today’s perspective, the conclusion of an association agreement in 2021 is not foreseen.”
The pressure on the Federal Council should therefore remain high. Both from Parliament – and from Brussels.