Mass immigration referendum results for Universities

9 February 2014, Swiss voters approved a referendum aimed at restricting immigration to Switzerland. Until the situation is resolved, the European Union is one of the principles of free movement of people, be contrary to the principle that the EU's current negotiations with Switzerland suspended all.

In Switzerland, this decision will have a negative impact on students and researchers in the upcoming academic year to finance the Erasmus student exchange and research programs will be part of the + and Horizon 2020.

However, his performance more challenges for public higher education in Switzerland, depending on the result of the referendum can be developed.

Negotiations between the EU and Switzerland held a referendum before the end of them because it's not a problem for the above-mentioned programs will occur. Erasmus + Horizon 2020, the EU and the signing of contracts for the extension of the free movement of people from the new EU member Croatia has a case.

Since the referendum goes against the Swiss government decided to sign up for expansion after the vote. Therefore, the EU is likely to be effective in the next academic year, there will not be a part of the programs put negotiations on hold and Switzerland.

Both the exchange and research program is updated regularly by the European Union. The Swiss branch of the EU to non-members as well as programs.

Switzerland from 2011 to 2013 was a member of the Erasmus student exchange program.

Erasmus program offers three components to facilitate study abroad. First, it regulates the exchange of students between educational programs is a legal framework for inter-university agreements. Secondly, the EU's chief for members of Erasmus + financing costs. And third, contributing to a significant portion of the costs of living abroad provides scholarships for exchange students.

Switzerland is not a member of the Erasmus + upcoming academic year. It still will be able to participate in the exchange scheme, but independent of both the outgoing and incoming exchange students will be able to finance the entire program. The Swiss government is currently financing the scheme are designed to ensure the participation of Switzerland.

Insecurity is everywhere

the most pressing problem for students is a lack of confidence has occurred since the referendum.

The EU decided to put on hold all talks with Switzerland is not yet clear whether the incoming and outgoing students to be financed and whether they get a grant from Erasmus +.

In addition, if the partner universities will accept students in Switzerland, it was clear for a long time. While the appearance of this issue, inter-university agreements are completed or canceled universities that are of serious concern.

Erasmus exchange semester are scheduled well in advance, since the 2014-15 academic year, this uncertainty is disastrous for students who want to participate in the program.

Applications were submitted by the end of February. After the approval of the foreign exchange students to study abroad and the money to fund the need to find a place to stay.

With the prevailing uncertainty, many of these tasks are not performed. And neither universities nor the result of the government is still not known exactly what the situation is because they are able to inform students.

Erasmus + Horizon 2020, as well as more than just talk. The international research program provides financial support for research projects.

Without affiliation to the project, the Swiss have to be canceled or delayed planned projects under the umbrella of the Horizon 2020 research consortium will not be able to perform as part of a proposal. They are open to researchers of any nationality is not affected at least since Marie Curie grants.

This may have devastating effects on the highest international Swiss research projects.

Long-term problems

at hold talks Furthermore, the question remains: what will be the long-term impact on the education referendum?

I hope that the current crisis can be resolved and the Swiss-EU relations in 2015, and Horizon 2020 will be a member of the Swiss Re Erasmus.

The referendum did not set a clear path for its implementation and the actual results of the specific laws that are not yet compiled, it is important to understand. Compatible with a referendum that does not require the termination of all international treaties to protect the interests of the economy calls for quotas on immigration.

The free movement of people as well as quotas and open to accommodate some of the ways you can leave. Indeed, it can be done, most likely, Erasmus + and Horizon 2020 program will be a way to Switzerland.

For a referendum to be implemented will be crucial for students living within the law, to all the rules on immigration to come to Switzerland to participate in the program of the Swiss higher education opportunities for students who may be affected.

Swiss Students' Union students choose to continue their studies without interfering in the country and immigration barriers that need to be considered, in principle, is very strong. We will fight for the rights issue and students to stay alert.

* Lea Meister, Melanie Gayer Dominican Fits and VSS-Uses-USU Student Union and Switzerland, respectively, and the president of the board members and Erasmus + and students are working on migration issues.