Brussels, 19/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European University Association (EUA) has expressed concern at Switzerland's isolation on the European higher education scene, following the decision of the European Commission no longer to grant Erasmus bursaries to Swiss students, under the partnership agreement in force. This decision followed the result of the Swiss referendum of 9 February, which approved limitations on immigration, including European immigration. Pointing out that Switzerland is a long-standing member of the European Higher Education and Research Area, the founding values of which are cooperation, mutual learning and the mobility of students, teachers and researchers, the EUA argues that the situation is untenable for Switzerland and the member states of the EU alike. “It is the responsibility of the European academic community as a whole to emphasise the importance of maintaining such exchanges and scientific collaboration given their importance for Europe and for all parties concerned”, states the EUA. The universities support the online petition launched by a number of Swiss organisations active in higher education and research, in favour of an “Open European Higher Education Area”. They call on the Swiss and European authorities to “make every effort to allow Switzerland to participate in all European higher education and research programmes”. (IL)