The signature is a“strong sign” of cooperation between Switzerland and the European Union, Parmelin said at a media event in Bern at the signing ceremony. With the signing, Switzerland is also associated with the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme (DEP).

+ Swiss research chief sounds alarm over Horizon Europe exclusion

It will also enable Switzerland to work on the Iter nuclear fusion reactor from 2026 and be associated with the Erasmus+ education and mobility programme from 2027.

The agreement is part of the package of agreements between Switzerland and the EU. It was negotiated last year and is intended to update and expand bilateral relations.

+ The Swiss-EU bilateral treaty updates, explained

The agreement is now being provisionally applied. Once it has been successfully ratified, it will enter into force.

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