Brussels, 13/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Students' Union (ESU) fears that the referendum in Switzerland on 9 February may have heavy consequences on the mobility of students. It is for this reason that the national union of students in Switzerland (VSS-UNES-USU) is calling for political leaders not to approve any decision that could jeopardise Switzerland's good relations with the European Union in the education and research sectors. Switzerland - like EU countries - is currently a stakeholder in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and takes part in the Bologna process. “This decision goes against the very foundation of the European Higher Education Area and could therefore have immense adverse effects for Switzerland. It is in the best interest of Switzerland to stay committed to the agreements of the European Higher Education Area. However, Switzerland is on a slippery slope of isolating its students and academics from the outside world. This could have devastating effects that would be difficult to reverse”, said vice-chairperson of the ESU, Elisabethe Gehrke. Around 2,600 Swiss students benefitted from Erasmus in 2011-2012, with Switzerland participating in the European programme since 2011 under a bilateral agreement with the EU. Meanwhile, Switzerland hosted nearly 2,900 foreign students over the same period. “By voting against free movement, Switzerland has shocked this fragile structure between both parties. Not only could this affect the Erasmus+ programme, but also the Swiss education systems as a whole, where it is key to have a strong international focus and cooperation with partner universities in joint research and mobility programmes”, said international officer of the VSS-UNES-USU, Lea Meister. (IL/transl.fl)