Germany urges politicians to negotiate on Swiss Horizon 2020 participation

Higher education leaders in Germany have urged European politicians to take-up negotiations on Swiss participation in Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+.

The Rectors’ Conference (HRK), which represents the heads of German higher education institutions, said that due to the close links between Swiss academics and those in the EU, a more pragmatic approach to the outcome of the recent Swiss immigration referendum would be more appropriate than boycotting the country. The HRK said that a delay in negotiations regarding full participation would cause unnecessary damage to “close scientific co-operation in Europe”.

The HRK states that it is well aware of the referendum result clearly contradicting the core EU principle of free movement within Europe, and regards the suspension of financial support for Switzerland as justified. However, it argued that excluding Switzerland is “in stark contradiction” with the concept of a European Research Area.

The HRK stressed that free access for all present partners to European review procedures is of particular importance for higher education institutions if Europe is to remain competitive in research, education and innovation on a global scale.

“European higher education institutions need each other and the scientific contribution of the Swiss partners is not only welcome, but essential,” said the HRK.