On 24 June 2025, representatives of the European Union and the Swiss Confederation signed a joint declaration in Brussels, establishing the framework for continued partnership and cooperation during the transitional period between the end of 2024 and the entry into force of the broad bilateral package.  

The declaration states that, beginning 1 January 2025, Swiss entities may participate in the EU’s Horizon Europe and Euratom Research and Training programmes. This marks the start of a transitional arrangement intended to bridge the gap until the full agreement enters into force. Both parties have committed to working toward the provisional application of the agreement on Switzerland’s participation in Union programmes from that date. 

This step follows the conclusion of negotiations on a broad bilateral package in December 2024 and aligns with the Common Understanding reached between the Swiss Federal Council and the European Commission on 27 October 2023. 

While education and research are emphasised, the declaration briefly addresses continuity in other sectors. These include electricity, health, transport, and financial markets, where temporary or ad hoc arrangements will ensure operational stability until the bilateral package is fully implemented.