61 leading research-intensive universities in Germany (German U15), France (Udice), the United Kingdom (Russell Group) and Switzerland (swissuniversities, Chamber of Universities) are united in their support for the association of Switzerland to Horizon Europe, the world’s largest ongoing programme for research and innovation.
The 4 groups most welcome the draft mandates by Switzerland and the EU to start negotiations as soon as adopted. The groups state why Switzerland has to be associated to Horizon Europe and empasise emphasising three key reasons for associating Switzerland.
” Switzerland is a research powerhouse. Given the multifaceted geopolitical and environmental challenges we face, Switzerland’s association is crucial to allow Europe to remain globally competitive and shape its own future successfully and on its own terms. Stronger research partnerships strengthen the whole of Europe.
[….]
We, the undersigned, envisage a strengthened European research environment capable of responding adeptly to the pressing global challenges. We call on both the European Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to work together, in a spirit of flexibility and compromise, in order to set up a stable legal framework allowing for a long-term association of Switzerland, so that we can unlock the full potential of our shared collaboration.”
Read the full statement: Switzerland’s association to Horizon Europe is crucial to tackle global challenges • German U15 e.V. (german-u15.de)