Switzerland has become an associated country to Horizon Europe, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
Organisations based in Switzerland can apply to all MSCA 2025 calls for proposals as well as all future calls under Horizon Europe 2021-2027. This includes all schemes under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
Researchers from Switzerland continue to be able to participate in the programme, which is open to top researchers from all over the world.
Before the association, Switzerland has participated in MSCA calls under Horizon Europe as a non-associated country.
Between 2021 and 2024, nearly 190 Swiss organisations have participated in over 400 MSCA projects as associated partners. They have hosted 140 international MSCA researchers.
Over 50 Swiss researchers have been supported in MSCA projects, taking part mainly in MSCA Doctoral Networks and Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Background
Negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union on a broad package of agreements were concluded on 20 December 2024, including a specific agreement on Switzerland’s participation in Union programmes.
On 10 November 2025, the European Union and Switzerland signed the association agreement enabling Swiss entities access to Horizon Europe, including the MSCA, Digital Europe, and the Euratom Research & Training programme.
The agreement places Swiss researchers and organisations on the same footing as those in EU Member States: they may lead consortia, receive direct EU funding, and access all thematic pillars and instruments of the programmes.
It opens new capacity for pooling talent, research infrastructures and industrial capabilities across borders, accelerating progress on climate solutions, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, health innovation and energy security.
This step strengthens Europe’s position as a global centre for high-impact scientific and technological development.
