The European Commission and Switzerland completed negotiations Friday on a broad package of agreements to deepen and expand the EU-Switzerland relationship.
“Today marks a new chapter in our partnership as we elevate our cooperation to the next level and modernize the foundation of our strong relationship,” said EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: “This agreement ensures our partnership is fit for the future, enabling both sides to fully harness the potential of our close collaboration.”
Ms von der Leyen and the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd confirmed in Bern, Switzerland a package updating 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.
The agreements, which reflect the evolution of EU legislation in the area concerned and ensure dynamic future updating, also include dispute resolution provisions and State aid disciplines will apply where relevant.
The agreements include:
- 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.
The completion of the negotiation ends an important phase, and 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.
