This autumn, Parliament will decide on the funding for Switzerland’s association with the EU’s Erasmus+ programme. This will require the approval of an additional grant of 130 million Swiss francs. SVEB is convinced that this investment is worthwhile.
In November 2024, the Federal Council took a decision in principle, thereby laying the foundations for Switzerland’s association with the EU’s Erasmus+ programme from 2027. This means that next year, Switzerland will be able to join the European education programme Erasmus+.
Erasmus+ is the most comprehensive education programme for promoting mobility and cooperation in Europe and beyond. Over 30 countries are involved. It has a budget of 26.2 billion euros.
In autumn 2026, Parliament will now discuss the funding for Switzerland’s participation. An additional appropriation of 130 million Swiss francs is required.
Association holds great potential
Under current arrangements, Swiss organisations can only participate in cooperation projects as ‘silent partners’ – that is, in practice-oriented development projects in which solutions to challenges in further training are sought jointly with project partners in Europe. Mobility opportunities are also available: people working in further training – such as trainers or programme developers in further training organisations – can take advantage of opportunities or exchange programmes abroad.
Association would also provide the opportunity to develop innovation and pilot projects themselves. These could then be tailored to Switzerland’s needs. Through association, Swiss continuing education institutions and organisations would also have unrestricted access to Erasmus+ programmes, tools, networks and funding opportunities. Switzerland could thus contribute to thematic platforms and networks and participate in European working groups. Swiss providers could take part directly in European calls for proposals, join consortia and would be an attractive partner for foreign organisations.
Impact on Switzerland’s competitiveness
From SVEB’s perspective, association would therefore be highly desirable. This is because international cooperation and the associated transfer of know-how from Europe would make further training in Switzerland more efficient and effective. In turn, this means that investments made in further training in Switzerland would yield a higher return on investment – which has a direct positive effect on Switzerland’s competitiveness.
“Erasmus+ is Switzerland’s only structured access to European cooperation in the field of further training – and as such, there is no alternative,” says SVEB Director Bernhard Grämiger.
“The programme enables further training in Switzerland to develop in a targeted manner in areas where it is already performing well by international standards, and to improve in areas where there is still room for development.”
‘Significant added value’
Grämiger cites the recognition of learning outcomes through so-called micro-credentials and the digitisation of learning environments as examples of areas where Switzerland currently still has a great deal to learn from its partners in the EU.
Association with Erasmus+ opens up the possibility of deepening and expanding cooperation with Europe. “Compared with the current Swiss solution, it offers significant added value. We therefore view it as a huge opportunity for Switzerland, one that we should seize.”
SVEB is accordingly calling on Parliament to vote in favour of association.