Switzerland: ETH Domain's payment framework increased by CHF 50 M by Federal Parliament

"The Federal Parliament has just decided to increase the ETH Domain's payment framework by CHF 50 M (€53.12 M) for the period 2025-2028", announces Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, on 24/09/2024.

"The government has set a spending ceiling of CHF 29.2 Bn for the Education, Research and Innovation (ERI) 2025-2028 Dispatch. Because of the tight financial situation of the Confederation, it has provided for cuts, such as a reduction of CHF 100 M in the contribution to the ETH domain in 2025", says the Swiss Parliament.

But the National Council twice rejected this cut, while the Council of States approved the government's decision. Parliament has now adopted a compromise, with CHF 50 M more than the CHF 11.1 Bn envisaged by the Federal Council.

"Several Members of Parliament welcomed the step taken by the Senators in their direction. Only the SVP (Swiss People's Party), followed by some members of the FDP (The Liberals) and the Centre, criticised the additional expenditure", reports the Parliament.

Michael Hengartner welcomes this decision: "Education, research and innovation…