On 20 December, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd confirmed the completion of negotiations on a broad package of agreements that aim to deepen and expand the EU-Switzerland relationship.
The broad package includes a wide range of elements:
- The update of five agreements which already give Switzerland access to the EU internal market – air transport, land transport, the free movement of persons, conformity assessment and trade in agricultural products. Bringing these agreements to a modern standard will enable citizens and businesses on both sides to fully benefit from the rights they provide and will create a level playing field for business.
Each agreement will reflect the evolution of EU legislation in the area concerned and will ensure it is updated dynamically. The agreements will include dispute resolution provisions and State aid disciplines will apply where relevant.
- A new agreement on food safety that will establish a Common Food Safety Area covering all dimensions of the food chain.
- A new agreement on health that will allow Switzerland to take part in EU mechanisms and bodies addressing serious cross-border threats to health, notably the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the Early Warning and Response System.
- A new agreement on electricity that will allow the participation of Switzerland in the EU internal electricity market.
- A new agreement on Switzerland's permanent and fair financial contribution to economic and social cohesion within the Union, reflecting the level of partnership and cooperation between the parties.
- A new agreement that will allow Switzerland to participate in several Union programmes open to association of third countries: Horizon Europe, Euratom Research and Training, ITER/F4E (Fusion for Energy), Digital Europe, Erasmus+, as well as EU4Health. The Commission will ensure transitional arrangements are in place from 1 January 2025 so that Swiss entities are able to participate in calls from that date.
- A separate agreement will cover Switzerland's participation in the EU Space Agency, for activities related to the Galileo and EGNOS components of the Union Space programme.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: "This agreement between the EU and Switzerland reflects the deep ties that have grown between us. Today marks a new chapter in our partnership as we elevate our cooperation to the next level and modernise the foundation of our strong relationship. This agreement ensures our partnership is fit for the future, enabling both sides to fully harness the potential of our close collaboration."
The negotiations were based on the Common Understanding agreed between the Commission and the Federal Council in October 2023 which outlined the key components of the package. The negotiations were launched on 18 March 2024, and conducted subsequently under the political leadership of Commissioner Maros Šefčovič and based on the mandate given to the Commission by the Council on 12 March 2024. Since then, over 200 negotiating meetings were held to reach an agreement.
The completion of the negotiation marks the end of an important phase. It also marks the opening of the signature and ratification process in the EU and in Switzerland. During this period, the EU is committed to work towards the successful completion of the process, and expects the same from the Swiss side, to bring our bilateral relations to a new level.
