Historic EU-Switzerland Agreement revamps bilateral relations

After a decade of negotiations, Switzerland and the European Union have finally reached a groundbreaking cooperation agreement to revamp their relationship. This agreement aims to strengthen ties between Swiss and European citizens, modernize common rules, facilitate daily life for citizens and businesses, ensure balanced economic development and solidarity.

Renew Europe Group has advocated for long for such an agreement between the EU and Switzerland based on mutual trust and a level playing field.

The EU is Switzerland's main trading partner and Switzerland is the EU's fourth largest trading partner. Today, around 1.4 million EU citizens live in Switzerland, representing 16% of the country's population, while 400,000 Swiss citizens live in EU countries. In addition, 340.000 EU citizens travel to Switzerland every day to work.

The agreement includes :

1. New bilateral agreements in crucial areas such as electricity, health, and food safety.

2. Dynamic alignment of existing and future agreements with EU law

3. Swiss participation in European programs (e.g., Horizon Europe, Creative Europe).

4. Regular Swiss financial contributions to the EU for social and economic cohesion.

The European Parliament will examine the agreement before ratification and Switzerland will likely hold a referendum for approval.

Renew MEP Christophe GRUDLER (MoDem, France), the European Parliament's permanent rapporteur for relations with Switzerland, said : “This agreement marks a significant milestone in Swiss-EU relations, addressing the need for solutions in an increasingly uncertain global context following the failed 2021 negotiations. Switzerland, although not part of the European Union, is deeply linked to our Europe. We share common values. I would like to pay tribute to the work of the European Commission and the Swiss Federal Council, who have demonstrated a genuine political will to move forward together.”

Renew MEP Karin KARLSBRO (Liberalerna, Sweden), member of the Northern Cooperation and relations with Switzerland Delegation said : "The long awaited agreement between the EU and Switzerland is an early Christmas gift that strengthens our ties and creates new win-win opportunities. It strengthens Switzerland's integration into the European single market and simplifies a complicated pile of almost 120 bilateral agreements. Just as this season brings people together, this agreement draws us closer in Europe."