ESFRI statement on collaboration with Switzerland and other third countries

The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) aims to support a coherent and strategic approach to European research infrastructure policy-making. It is organised as a European Commission’s expert group with membership limited to EU member states, countries associated to the research framework programme and the European Commission. With Switzerland not being associated to Horizon Europe, its participation in ESFRI as a full member of the Forum was no longer possible. The Swiss government and the delegates were informed that their participation in ESFRI is discontinued as of September 29th 2022.

ESFRI recognises the value of collaboration with Switzerland and other third countries and is highly interested in further engaging with these partners within ESFRI’s international cooperation activities, aiming to sustain the partnership built over the past two decades. R&I cooperation between the EU and Switzerland, including in the area of research infrastructures, is part of the overall cooperation framework, so the potential of bringing Switzerland back to ESFRI, even as an observer, depends on the outcome of political decisions on EU-Swiss relations at the highest level. Due to its status, Switzerland, or any other third country, does not take part in the Council meetings, ERAC, ERA Forum and similar groups composed of representatives of EU member states. 

The Competitiveness Council’s Conclusions of 2nd December 2022 welcomed ESFRI's consideration on how best to involve relevant third countries on a case-by-case basis, and ESFRI has proceeded with reflections on this topic.