Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK) are linked by a close and important partnership, which today is largely based on the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU. After the UK has left the EU, these treaties will no longer be applicable, at the latest after a transitional period.

In the context of its ‘mind the gap’ strategy, Switzerland has concluded a number of new agreements with the UK. This ‘mind the gap’ strategy aims to secure and, where appropriate, extend existing mutual rights and obligations. They cover, among others, trade, migration, road and air transport and insurances.

Chronology

• 31.10.2019: New exit date following postponement of withdrawal
• 10.07.2019: Signing of the Agreement on mutual access to the respective labour market
• 25.02.2019: Signing of the citizens’ rights Agreement
• 11.02.2019: Signing of the trade Agreement
• 25.01.2019: Signing of the insurance Agreement and the overland transport Agreement
• 17.12.2018: Signing of the air transport agreement
• 29.03.2017: Introduction of the withdrawal process from the EU by the UK under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (original exit date: 29.03.2019)
• 19.10.2016: Adoption of ’mind the gap’ strategy by the Federal Council
• 23.06.2016: UK’s referendum on withdrawal from the EU (leave: 51.9%)
  

_{Status September 2019}

Additional information