Switzerland's European Policy

Bilateral approach in Swiss–EU relations

Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe and is surrounded almost entirely by member states of the EU. In view of its geographic and cultural proximity and particularly due to its political and economic importance, the EU with its 27 member states is by far Switzerland’s most important partner. And Switzerland is also a first-rate partner for the EU. In view of its close and wide-ranging ties with the EU, Switzerland has adopted an approach based on an array of bilateral agreements in clearly defined areas: the bilateral approach.

The package approach allows for the continuation of the proven bilateral path. The five existing internal market agreements (free movement of persons, air transport, land transport, technical barriers to trade, and agriculture) are to be updated. Two further internal market agreements in the areas of electricity and food safety, as well as a cooperation agreement in the area of health, are to be concluded.

Package approach

Both Switzerland and the EU are interested in maintaining smooth and orderly relations. Negotiations based on the package approach began in mid-March 2024. The substantive conclusion was reached in December 2024, followed by a formal conclusion in May 2025 with the initialling in Bern. In June, the Federal Council approved the agreements with the EU and opened the consultation process.

The package approach allows for a continuation of the proven bilateral approach. The five existing single-market agreements (free movement of persons, air transport, land transport, technical barriers to trade, and agriculture) must be updated, and two additional ones need to be concluded in the areas of electricity and food safety. A cooperation agreement is required as regards health.

Swiss contribution to selected EU member states

Since 2007, Switzerland has been helping to reduce economic and social disparities within the EU by making a contribution to selected EU member states. Switzerland works directly with partner countries to decide which programmes and projects to support. The contribution is a key component of Switzerland's European policy and underpins its strong economic and political ties with the EU and its member states.

How the cantons help shape Switzerland's European policy

Switzerland's 26 cantons are the constituent members of the Swiss Confederation and have far-reaching constitutional powers. They play a significant role in foreign policy and European policy in particular, to the extent that their competences come into play. Their participation in foreign policy is enshrined in Article 55 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees them the right to be informed in good time, to be consulted with, and to participate as appropriate in the federal government's foreign policy decisions.

The cantons coordinate their positions via the Conference of Cantonal Governments (CCG). At the Swiss Mission in Brussels, the CCG has a permanent representative that monitors EU-related developments that may have an impact on areas in which the cantons have competences, such as taxation, education, health, police, energy and the environment.

Relations with the EU Parliament

The Swiss Mission to the EU monitors the work of the European Parliament (EP) as the legislative body and represents Switzerland's positions. The focus is on relevant legislative proposals and their potential impact on bilateral relations.

The mission also supports interparliamentary exchanges, which take place, among other things, in the form of regular meetings between the EFTA/EU delegation of the Federal Assembly and the EP's DEEA delegation, which is responsible for relations with Switzerland.

Other thematic areas

Contact

Mission of Switzerland to the European Union
Place du Luxembourg 1
Belgium - 1050 Brussels