EU plan would shut Swiss firms out of innovation procurement
Thursday 10th September 2026 on 06:15 in
Switzerland
The European Commission wants to overhaul public procurement in the European Union, but Swiss companies would generally be unable to bid under the proposed rules, SRF reports.
The proposal aims to make it easier for public bodies to buy experimental technologies that are not yet available on the market, such as robots for hospitals or artificial intelligence software for waste collection.
The EU says only 60 cents of every 100 francs currently spent on public procurement in Europe goes to innovative projects. In the United States, the figure is 7.50 francs, according to the Commission. The EU wants to close that gap and strengthen innovative industries in Europe.
The draft law would introduce a European preference. Half of the funding would have to remain in the EU or go to countries with corresponding agreements, including European Economic Area states and Balkan countries. Switzerland has no such agreement and, as a non-member, would be excluded from the benefits despite its important research and innovation sector.
EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zareva said the exclusion was not directed against Switzerland. The proposal would also create an integrated digital procurement marketplace to reduce administrative work and make it easier for public authorities and companies to participate. A so-called once-only principle would prevent authorities from repeatedly requesting the same information and documents.
Swiss companies could benefit if Switzerland concluded a corresponding agreement, according to the EU. However, Brussels does not want to sign new agreements until Switzerland has clarified its relationship with the EU through the Bilaterals III package.
Stefan Brupbacher, director of Swissmem, the association representing Switzerland’s mechanical, electrical and metal industries, said the sector was disappointed. Swiss companies and universities were among the best and most important partners for research infrastructure, he said. Switzerland must now try once again to persuade the EU to include it in the new rules.
The European Parliament and the Council of the EU member states will decide on the Commission’s proposal.