We investigate the magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic insulator EuS in view of its potential in spin-filter tunnel contacts to silicon. We prepared thin polycrystalline EuS films directly on (001) oriented Si substrates that show well-defined magnetic properties down to the monolayer regime. Addressing the question of magnetic coupling between a EuS magnetic tunnel barrier and a CoO/Co magnetic electrode, we succeeded in realizing an independent magnetic switching behavior in this spin-valve-type system. These results are important prerequisites for future spin-dependent transport experiments.

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