Horizon Europe and Digital Europe: full access for Swiss institutions to 2025 funding calls in strategic areas

Starting with the Work Programme 2025, Switzerland will also be able to fully participate in competitive calls of Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) in strategic areas such as: artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, communication and networks, space (still under evaluation) and other sensitive topics. This was officially announced by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) on 28 April 2025.

This outcome is the result of a validation process at the European Commission, which has positively assessed the documentation submitted by Switzerland, recognising its status as an associated third country for areas considered to be of strategic importance.

What changes for Swiss institutions

• Horizon Europe 2025: full eligibility for calls in strategic areas, such as Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space). Access is confirmed for the programme year 2025 only and will be subject to annual reassessment.
• Digital Europe Programme: guaranteed access for the period 2025-2027 to areas SO1 (High Performance Computing), SO2 (Artificial Intelligence), SO4 (Advanced Digital Skills) and SO5 (Deployment and Best Use of Technologies).

The SO3 (Cybersecurity) and SO6 (Semiconductors) areas remain reserved for EU Member States and European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

A strategic opportunity for research and innovation

This important update strengthens the prospects for collaboration between Swiss institutions and European partners and enhances Switzerland's contribution to the development of key technologies for Europe's future.

For more information:

• Horizon Europe - SEFRI (DE/FR/IT/EN)
• Digital Europe Programme - SEFRI (DE/FR/IT/EN)