Swiss agree to Croatia deal to save EU research programme

The Swiss government has agreed a treaty with Brussels, extending the free movement of people accord to Croatia. The signature had been on hold for two years following Swiss voters’ approval in 2014 of limiting immigration from the European Union. The foreign ministry said both parties signed the agreement in Brussels on Friday. The deal, which is subject to approval by parliament, is expected to lead to the full readmission of Switzerland to the Horizon 2020 research programme of the EU. The European Commission in February 2014 froze Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon 2020 and the Erasmus+ programmes. Switzerland paid CHF4.4 billion ($4.4 billion) in 2013 towards the €95 billion programme. Parliament is due to begin discussions on the accord next month hoping to implement it by early 2017.  Safeguard clause The Swiss cabinet is shortly due to announce plans to unilaterally introduce a safeguard clause to curb immigration, despite opposition by Brussels.