Swiss–EU: Federal Council calls for optional referendum
Today, the Federal Council took stock of the ongoing work on the Swiss–EU package. It decided to call an optional referendum on the agreements with the European Union (EU). In taking this decision, the Federal Council is signalling political continuity and coherence and giving Parliament and the cantons room for manoeuvre. Parliament will ultimately determine the nature of the referendum in the course of its deliberations.
In the course of the current talks, Switzerland and the EU have reached a common understanding regarding the Federal Council's package approach. For more background and information on the talks, which started in March 2022, visit the news ticker here. © FDFA
30.04.2025 – Federal Council calls for optional referendum
The Federal Council carefully assessed the results of the negotiations, undertook a thorough review of past decisions taken in similar cases, considered prevailing legal opinion, and held discussions with the cantons and foreign affairs committees. It concluded that an optional referendum was the most broadly supported and politically viable solution from a constitutional point of view.
This approach is in line with the practice previously followed for Bilaterals I and II, although the Schengen/Dublin Agreement, in particular, represents a step further in the dynamic adoption of legislation than that provided under the current package agreement. In deciding to call an optional referendum, the Federal Council is ensuring coherence with its previous practice and maintaining the continuity of Switzerland's European policy.
The option chosen by the Federal Council allows the agreements to be linked formally to their national implementation. From a democratic standpoint, this is also the most compelling solution, particularly in terms of key domestic measures in relation to wage protection and immigration.
The fundamental question of a mandatory referendum on international agreements sui generis remains unaffected by the Federal Council's decision. Today's decision creates maximum room for manoeuvre for Parliament and the cantons. Parliament will debate the issues and make a final determination on the matter.
10.04.2025 – Federal Council approves programme agreement between Switzerland and the EU
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved the EU programme agreement (EUPA) and the associated protocols on education, research, innovation and health. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin has been mandated to sign the agreement. The signature will allow association with retroactive effect from 1 January 2025 to the Horizon Europe, Euratom and Digital Europe programmes. The agreement will enter into force after the ratification of the Switzerland-EU package.
The initialing of the other elements of the Switzerland-EU package by the chief negotiators (and by Switzerland also the co-negotiators from the competent offices) is scheduled for May 2025 in Bern, while the start of the consultation by the Federal Council will take place before the summer.
Press release: Federal Council approves EU programme agreement, 10.04.2025
02.04.2025 – Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes
On 2 April, the chief negotiators from Switzerland and the European Union initialled an agreement in Brussels on Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes. The agreement comes into force once the overall Switzerland-EU package has been ratified, but could already be applied provisionally after the signing, which is due to take place in November.
Press release: Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes, 02.04.2025
Initialling
Initialling is defined as the approval of a contractual text by appending initials. The negotiators thereby confirm that the text corresponds to the results of the negotiations. After initialling, the two parties sign the agreement, which is done by the Federal Council on the Swiss side, followed by ratification, which involves Parliament and a possible referendum. The text of the EUPA will be published in the coming weeks.
19.02.2025 – Swiss–EU agreements: Federal Council takes stock
At its meeting on 19 February 2025, the Federal Council took stock of ongoing work on the consultation draft for the package to stabilise and further develop the bilateral approach with the European Union (EU). After being briefed on the process of formally vetting the agreements, as well as on the national implementing legislation and accompanying measures, the Federal Council determined which steps to take next.
20.12.2024 – Federal Council welcomes substantive conclusion of Swiss–EU negotiations
The Federal Council noted that the chief negotiators for Switzerland and the EU have concluded substantive talks with a positive outcome. It wishes to thank the entire negotiating team for its important work. Since 8 March of this year, when the Federal Council adopted the negotiating mandate, around 200 negotiating sessions have been held. The completion of substantive talks is a major step towards the formal conclusion of negotiations, scheduled for next spring, when both chief negotiators will initial the final text of the agreements.
In the meantime, Switzerland will continue to work with the EU on putting the documents into final legal form and the translation process. At national level, discussions with institutional partners (the cantons and Parliament) and social partners will be completed in parallel. Finally, the federal departments involved will also need to complete the necessary legislative work.
Aim of the negotiations
The government's aim was to consolidate and further develop the bilateral approach with the EU. In the face of geopolitical instability and global crises, it is a strategic necessity for Switzerland to build stable, predictable relations with the EU and, in particular, with its neighbours. Developing trade, cooperating on scientific projects and jointly addressing current challenges are vital to Switzerland's security and prosperity. For nearly 25 years, the bilateral approach has contributed substantially to Switzerland's success.
In cooperation with the FDHA, FDJP, FDF, EAER, DETEC and Federal Chancellery, the FDFA has been instructed to prepare a draft dispatch on the overall Swiss–EU package. The Federal Council will need to decide whether to launch a regular consultation on the draft dispatch before next summer, with a view to submitting it to Parliament in early 2026.
To access all the factsheets published by the Federal Council, follow the link to the dossier:
28.11.2024 – Ignazio Cassis holds meeting with Maroš Šefčovič on 27 November 2024 in Bern
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, has met with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission's vice-president for interinstitutional relations and foresight. The exchange, which was held on 27 November in Bern, allowed the two politicians to take stock of the Swiss-EU negotiations and discuss the next steps, with the shared objective of concluding negotiations ideally by the end of the year.
06.11.2024 – Switzerland-EU: Federal Council takes stock
At its meeting on 6 November 2024, the Federal Council held an in-depth discussion on the status of negotiations with the EU and internal implementation of the package. In most dossiers, negotiations are well advanced. Negotiations on the free movement of persons, electricity and Switzerland's contribution to cohesion within the EU are continuing apace, with the aim of achieving a convergence of positions. Internal work and discussions with the cantons, the social and economic partners and interest groups have enabled progress to be made on a number of fronts.
26.09.2024 – State of affairs on the European dossier with Juraj Nociar, outgoing head of cabinet of European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels
Switzerland's chief negotiator Patric Franzen and State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met Juraj Nociar, outgoing head of cabinet to European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, and his successor, Bernd Biervert, in Brussels on Thursday to take stock of the negotiations.
The meeting took place almost a week after a telephone call between FDFA head Ignazio Cassis and Mr. Šefčovič on Friday September 20. Their exchange also provided an opportunity to take stock of progress in the negotiations and discuss the next steps. More than 110 rounds of negotiations have already taken place between Switzerland and the EU.
04.07.2024 – Phone exchange between Ignazio Cassis and the Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič
During his trip to Central Asia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis had a phone exchange with the Vice-President of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič. The conversation focused on Switzerland's participation in European research programmes. "Intensive work will continue in all areas to maintain the positive dynamic with the EU," tweeted Mr Cassis.
26.06.2024 – Federal Council takes stock of current negotiations
At its meeting on 26 June 2024, the Federal Council took stock of the negotiations with the EU and the internal implementation of the package which aims to stabilise and further develop the bilateral path. While tangible progress has been made in several areas, in others, such as immigration and wage protection, the positions of the two sides have not yet converged sufficiently. Meanwhile parallel discussions continue in Switzerland with interest groups on key sectors.
Alongside the negotiations with the EU, the departments concerned are also engaged in internal discussions with the cantons, the social and economic partners and the relevant interest groups in the key areas of immigration, wage protection, electricity and land transport. These exchanges will continue in tandem with the negotiations. The Federal Council is satisfied with this collaboration and with the progress of the work, and thanks the cantons and other partners for the joint efforts.
Press release, Switzerland–EU: Federal Council takes stock of current negotiations, 26.06.2024
18.03.2024 – Switzerland and the EU officially opened negotiations
On Monday, 18 March, President Viola Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen officially opened negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) in the presence of the chief negotiators from both sides. While in Brussels, Ms Amherd also met with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice President of the European Commission. In addition to bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU, geopolitical and security policy challenges facing Europe were also discussed.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU, as well as the shared economic, cultural and social values. Ms Amherd stressed that in view of international challenges on matters of security, climate and migration for example, it is particularly important to maintain positive and constructive forms of cooperation in Europe. Switzerland and the EU are endeavouring to stabilise and further develop their relations. The adoption of the negotiating mandates represented a major step in this direction. The Swiss president and the European Commission president were pleased that negotiations on the various elements of the package were already to begin this week.
The vice president of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will aim to meet in June to discuss the status of the negotiations.
08.03.2024 – Federal Council approves definitive negotiating mandate
Negotiations will begin as soon as the European Commission has adopted its own definitive mandate, expected sometime in March 2024.
Apart from the FACs, seven other parliamentary committees wished to be consulted on the draft negotiating mandate. The social and economic partners were also invited to express their views. Numerous other interest groups and umbrella associations have also expressed their views to the Federal Council.
The Federal Council notes that the vast majority of stakeholders consulted support the opening of negotiations with the EU on the basis of the package approach. After analysing the views expressed in the consultation, the government has decided to adopt a large proportion of the recommendations, which will thus clarify the draft negotiating mandate of 15 December 2023.
The recommendations that were not adopted concern elements that are not in line with the core objectives of the package, in particular in the electricity sector, such as proposals to exclude electricity production from the scope of the agreement or not to take market liberalisation measures.
Federal Council’s package approach
Switzerland is seeking to further develop its relations with the EU. The Federal Council therefore developed and adopted new proposals for solutions in the form of the package approach in February 2022:
- Instead of regulating institutional issues in an agreement that provides the framework for other agreements (horizontal approach), these issues are to be resolved individually in each agreement (sectoral approach).
- Instead of one agreement, an entire package of agreements should be discussed, providing a more balanced solution overall. This allows for a broad balance of interests and increases the chances of success of any negotiations.
Switzerland would like to participate in EU programmes and be able to conclude new agreements, for example on electricity, on food safety and on health.
In individual agreements, Switzerland needs exceptions and safeguard clauses in order to be able to protect its essential interests. In the case of the free movement of persons, it must be ensured that further developments in EU law do not lead to immigration into the social system, that wage and working conditions are not undermined and that constitutionality is guaranteed.
The demand for exceptions stems from the fact that Switzerland is not a member of the EU and therefore neither demands the same rights nor has the same obligations as an EU member state. Switzerland seeks to achieve – while preserving its political autonomy – broad-based participation in the EU's single market.
Exploratory talks with the European Commission
With the Federal Council's decision on the package approach, State Secretary Livia Leu was mandated to explore this approach with the European Commission. In these exploratory talks, the potential of the new approach is being sounded out – an indispensable preparation for any negotiations. On 17 June 2022, the Federal Council decided to intensify the exploratory talks. Since then, talks have also been held at the technical level on free movement of persons and state aid. The aim of the exploratory talks is to find out whether there is a sufficiently solid basis on which to begin negotiations.
InstA: the points of contention
For Switzerland, differences on the following essential points were insurmountable:
- the threat to the tried and tested protection against wage dumping (accompanying measures);
- the feared increase in EU social welfare recipients and the impossibility of being able to withdraw residence rights or deport persons convicted of criminal offences (EU Citizens’ Rights Directive);
- open questions concerning the regulation of state aid (level playing field)
Domestic political support
The success of any negotiations depends not only on their outcome but also on their broad political acceptance domestically. The Federal Council has therefore been holding regular talks with the most important domestic political stakeholders in Switzerland, in addition to the exploratory talks. With a newly created sounding board, it has strengthened dialogue with social partners and the business community in particular. The exchanges with Parliament, the cantons and political parties has been institutionalised for some time. Close coordination within the Federal Administration is ensured by a steering group with representatives from all departments and the Federal Chancellery.
Switzerland and the EU: closely linked
Switzerland and the EU are closely intertwined and share the same fundamental values, as illustrated by the following examples:
- The EU is by far our most important trading partner, with around half of our exports going to the EU and about two thirds of our imports coming from the EU.
- Switzerland is one of the EU's biggest trading partners, and the EU is Switzerland's biggest trading partner. In 2021, Switzerland was the EU's third most important trading partner in services, after the US and the UK.
- At the end of September 2022, 374,000 cross-border commuters were working in Switzerland. Or seen from the other perspective, Switzerland obtained 374,000 workers from the EU/EFTA.
- Cooperation in research: among third countries, Switzerland was the biggest contributor to the EU budget in 2014–19 with EUR 2.2 billion, 80% of which was devoted to research and innovation.
- With the construction of the New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA) at a cost of around CHF 23 billion, Switzerland has significantly increased capacities for environmentally friendly freight transport and smooth trade in the EU single market.
- The EU and Switzerland share the most important basic political values ('community of values'): the unconditional commitment to human rights, to an open and liberal society, to a pluralistic democracy with freedom of expression and a free press, and to free trade as a driver for prosperity and stability. This is particularly important in times of war and the rise of authoritarian forces.
Regulated relations between Switzerland and the EU are important, providing both with a guarantee of prosperity and stability.
15.12.2023 – Federal Council approves draft negotiating mandate with European Union
The draft negotiating mandate is based on the parameters approved by the Federal Council on 21 June this year, as well as the outcomes of the exploratory talks with the EU and the discussions held with social and economic partners in Switzerland. It sets out the guidelines to be followed by the Swiss delegation in each component of the negotiating package.
The FDFA has been instructed to conduct consultations on this document with the Foreign Affairs Committees and other interested committees of the Parliament as well as the cantons, in collaboration with the FDHA, the FDJP, the FDF, the EAER and DETEC. The social and economic partners will be invited to comment.
In addition, the Federal Council adopted the report on the exploratory talks. The report sets out the objective of the talks, details the outcomes, and reports on the internal process that is already taking place in Switzerland and will continue until the end of the talks with the EU.
The Federal Council's primary objective is to consolidate and further develop the bilateral path with the EU. To this end, on 25 February 2022, the federal government decided to adopt a comprehensive approach based on a package of cooperation and market access agreements. Compared with the institutional agreement – which the Federal Council terminated in 2021 – the package allows greater flexibility and scope for action to safeguard Switzerland's interests during the negotiations.
27.11.2023 – Switzerland and the EU have decided to strengthen their dialogue on security and defence policy
The annual consultations will take place for the first time in their new format on 27 November 2023. They will enable a regular political exchange on all areas of security cooperation between Switzerland and the EU, ensuring consistent follow-up on the various dossiers.
21.11.2023 – Secretary Alexandre Fasel meets EU counterpart Stefano Sannino
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel was received by the secretary-general of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Stefano Sannino, in Brussels on 21 November for the biannual consultations on foreign and security policy. In this context, Mr Fasel and Mr Sannino agreed to establish a structured dialogue on security and defence, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in this area. They also discussed the topic of cooperation and solidarity in response to current crises, and exchanged views on various multilateral issues.
In an international context marked by a number of simultaneous conflicts and the need for greater cooperation between partners sharing the same values, Switzerland and the EU have decided to strengthen their dialogue on security and defence policy. Mr Fasel and Mr Sannino agreed on this pattern today in Brussels.
08.11.2023 – Federal Council instructs FDFA to prepare mandate for negotiations with European Union
At its meeting on 8 November 2023, the Federal Council reviewed the outcomes of the exploratory talks with the EU and the work undertaken within Switzerland, and instructed the FDFA to prepare a draft negotiating mandate together with the departments concerned. It has informed the European Commission of this decision.
The Swiss–EU exploratory talks towards establishing a solid common basis for future negotiations came to an end on 27 October. Launched in March 2022, they covered all the components of the Federal Council's package approach.
In parallel, over the last few months the Federal Council has pursued discussions with the cantons, social partners and the business community, in particular on wage protection and state aid. Sufficient progress has been made to date to make it possible to prepare a draft negotiating mandate.
Federal Council confers mandates for next steps
The Federal Council also mandated the EAER to pursue, in cooperation with the FDFA and the FDJP, the technical discussions with social partners and the cantons on internal measures that could safeguard current wage levels in Switzerland.
DETEC, in cooperation with the EAER and the FDFA, has been instructed to initiate discussions with the electricity sector, the cantons and social partners on internal measures to implement an electricity agreement.
With regard to overland transport, DETEC, in cooperation with the EAER and the FDFA, has also been instructed to continue discussions with social partners and the Swiss Federal Railways (the SBB) on international rail passenger services and state aid issues.
Federal Council decision by the end of the year
The Federal Council will decide by the end of the year whether to adopt the draft negotiating mandate and submit it for consultation to Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committees (FACs) and the Conference of Cantonal Governments (CCG). The Federal Council will continue to involve Parliament, the cantons, social partners, the business community and other key stakeholders closely in the next stages of the process.
21.09.2023 – First visit of State Secretary Alexandre Fasel to Brussels
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met Juraj Nociar, Head of Cabinet of EU Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, in Brussels. In addition to getting to know each other, Alexandre Fasel used his first visit to Brussels as State Secretary to take stock of the talks between Switzerland and the EU to date. "Technical talks were resumed at the end of August and have been intense since then," Fasel said. If the talks with the EU and internal work continue to progress well, the Federal Council will prepare to adopt a negotiating mandate by the end of the year, he said.
18.07.2023 – Ignazio Cassis meets with Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels
The visit forms part of the regular exchanges between Mr Cassis and Mr Šefčovič since the latter's visit to Bern in March.
Mr Cassis and Mr Šefčovič took note of the progress made in the discussions held by the Swiss and EU delegations at technical and diplomatic level. They addressed the outstanding issues and the efforts required to resolve them over the coming months.
Against this backdrop, Mr Cassis reaffirmed Switzerland's determination to bring these discussions to a successful conclusion and to find solutions capable of generating a broad support among the main stakeholders in Switzerland with a view to adopting a negotiating mandate.
Mr Cassis and Mr Šefčovič also reaffirmed their commitment to continue providing positive momentum to the process. They agreed to maintain regular contact.
Switzerland will pursue its discussions with the EU on the basis of the parameters of a negotiating mandate approved by the Federal Council on 21 June. The Federal Council will reassess the situation again in the autumn.
28.06.2023 – Alexandre Fasel appointed new State Secretary in the FDFA
At its meeting on 28 June 2023, the Federal Council appointed Alexandre Fasel as the new State Secretary at the FDFA. Ambassador Alexandre Fasel is currently Special Representative for Science Diplomacy in International Geneva. He succeeds Livia Leu Agosti, who will move to Berlin as Swiss Ambassador in November 2023.
21.06.2023 – Federal Council adopts parameters for EU negotiating mandate
At its meeting of 21 June 2023, the Federal Council reviewed the current situation regarding European policy and adopted the parameters for a negotiating mandate with the EU. The Federal Council will continue talks with the EU based on these guidelines and with a focus on clarifying outstanding issues. It will then prepare to adopt a negotiating mandate by the end of the year if the talks and work to be carried out in the Federal Administration continue to progress well.
The Federal Council's adoption of these parameters is a crucial step in its package approach. The parameters set out the areas to be covered by a new mandate, its general and specific objectives, as well as the potential leeway to safeguard Swiss interests. There are also sub-objectives for each area. The parameters are confidential as they may become the focus of future negotiations.
Wide-ranging cooperation with the EU: Federal Council's package approach
The package approach is intended to enable Switzerland to secure its access to the single market and mutual cooperation with the EU. It includes the sectors already covered by the existing agreements – free movement of persons, land and air transport, agriculture and technical barriers to trade – as well as three new agreements on electricity, food safety and health.
The new electricity agreement should address grid stability and supply issues; the new food safety agreement would remove further barriers to trade; and the aim of a health agreement would be to ensure cooperation in managing cross-border health risks like COVID. Switzerland is also seeking to resolve the impasse regarding Horizon Europe 2020 and, going forward, to ensure participation in programmes in the areas of research and innovation (Horizon and follow-up programmes), education (Erasmus+) and space (including Copernicus).
If the overall result is satisfactory, the Federal Council is open to make a regular solidarity-based contribution to cohesion and stability in Europe, with the aim of meeting common challenges.
The Federal Council is adopting a vertical approach by sector to settle institutional issues with the EU. It proposes that the dynamic adoption of law developments and dispute settlement can be addressed pragmatically in any single market agreement, old or new. It also involves the Federal Council negotiating exceptions and principles with the EU in order to safeguard Switzerland's essential interests. The many discussions held at technical, diplomatic and political level over the last 12 months show that such an approach in the interests of Switzerland is possible, providing greater legal certainty and predictability for individuals and businesses as well as stabilising and developing Swiss-EU relations.
The Federal Council's package approach: what's next
At today's meeting, the Federal Council instructed the FDFA, working with the EAER and the FDJP, to continue discussions with the EU in order to consolidate the common ground. Instructions for discussions at technical level were also issued. In the autumn, the Federal Council will assess the progress and decide whether to prepare for the adoption of a negotiating mandate by the end of the year.
Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation, smooth cooperation with the EU is essential. Switzerland and the EU are closely interconnected and share the same basic values. The EU is Switzerland's main trading partner by far – around half of Swiss exports go to the EU, and about two thirds of imports into Switzerland come from the EU. Well-regulated relations between Switzerland and the EU are essential, and guarantee prosperity and stability for both sides.
Factsheet “Parameters” (PDF, 2 Pages, 327.2 kB, English)
Factsheet “Package Approach” (PDF, 1 Page, 234.9 kB, English)
17.06.2023 – Federal Council intends to step up exploratory talks with the EU
At its European policy retreat on 17 June 2022, the Federal Council was briefed on the status of the exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU. The Federal Council decided on this basis to step up the exploratory talks with the EU. It also took note of the final report on the removal of regulatory differences between Swiss and EU law. The scope for action and possible solutions identified in the final report will be taken into consideration in further exploratory talks with the EU.
30.05.2023 – Tenth round of exploratory talks between Livia Leu and Juraj Nociar
Today, on the occasion of the tenth round of exploratory talks, State Secretary Livia Leu and Juraj Nociar, the head of the cabinet of the European Commission's vice-president, took stock of the work completed to date. On the basis of the technical and exploratory talks held thus far, the two parties confirmed in Brussels that progress has been made in a number of areas. Common ground is possible, particularly in the areas of state aid and the free movement of persons.
At this stage in the exchanges between Switzerland and the EU, the aim is reconcile foreign and domestic policy interests.
On this basis, the Federal Council will discuss the broad parameters of a negotiating mandate at the end of June and determine the next steps in the process. Defining these parameters is crucial, as they will determine the framework and core components of the negotiating mandate. They will also set the objectives the Federal Council wishes to achieve during the negotiations. Domestic and foreign policy interests will be taken into account and incorporated.
Even after the discussion in the Federal Council at the end of June, talks with the EU will continue in order to clarify open questions with a view to a possible future negotiating mandate.
10.05.2023 – Livia Leu named Swiss ambassador to Germany
After three years as head of the FDFA's State Secretariat, Livia Leu is transferring to Berlin at her own request. The Federal Council appointed Leu as chief negotiator with the EU in October 2020. As state secretary, she was responsible for renegotiating the institutional agreement with the EU in 2021. After these negotiations were concluded, Leu set the general direction of a new negotiating package with the EU, which the Federal Council adopted in February 2022. She has been conducting exploratory talks with the EU on this basis since then, and has thus played a key role in getting the talks between Switzerland and the EU off to a new start.
20.04.2023 – Ninth round of exploratory talks between State Secretary Livia Leu and Juraj Nociar, head of cabinet of the Vice-President of the European Commission
The delegations have undertaken a strategic stocktake of all the issues to be covered in the exploratory talks and discussed next steps on this basis. The aim is to establish common ground across all areas of the package, creating a sound basis for possible future negotiations. At its retreat on 29 March, the Federal Council noted the positive momentum in the talks between Switzerland and the EU at the technical, diplomatic and political levels. The visit of Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič to Switzerland on 15 March also played a part in this. The Federal Council also decided that key parameters outlining the interests involved, objectives and content of a potential negotiation mandate should be drawn up by the end of June. These will provide a framework for the preliminary work to be undertaken. Clearly, Switzerland needs to secure exceptions to protect its essential interests. At the same time, national unity is needed in searching for solutions that can command broad support further down the line. The next round of exploratory talks will take place on 30 May 2023.
29.03.2023 – Federal Council decides on next steps regarding negotiating mandate
Today, the Federal Council took note of the status of the talks between EU and Swiss representatives and made an in-depth domestic and foreign policy assessment. The Federal Council notes that there is a positive momentum in the talks between Switzerland and the EU at the technical, diplomatic and political levels. The task now is to work out solutions for the remaining outstanding issues, in order to establish common ground for the preparation of a negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has instructed the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in close cooperation with the cantons and the social partners, to draw up proposals that enable the current level of protections on the domestic labour market to be secured with supplementary measures.
Based on the positive momentum across the board between Switzerland and the EU, the Federal Council has instructed the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), in cooperation with the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) and the EAER, to draw up the key parameters of a negotiation mandate by the end of June. At the same time, the state secretary of the FDFA, Livia Leu, has been given the task of finalising the common basis for future negotiations as part of the ongoing talks with the EU. The next round of exploratory talks is scheduled for 20 April in Brussels. Technical talks with the EU continue to take place on a weekly basis.
15.03.2023 – Switzerland and EU in dialogue: Šefčovič and Cassis exchange views in Bern
- Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with the Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič on 15 March 2023 in Berne.
- The meeting took place in the context of the first visit of Mr. Šefčovič to Switzerland in his capacity as responsible for EU-Swiss relations.
- The exchange between Mr. Cassis and Mr. Šefčovič provided an opportunity to take stock at political level of the exploratory process between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) started in March 2022 as well as to discuss the next steps.
- Mr. Cassis and Mr. Šefčovič acknowledged and appreciated the work so far by the Swiss and European Commission delegations during the exploratory talks led by State Secretary Livia Leu and head of the Vice-President’s cabinet Juraj Nociar and during the related technical talks.
- The delegations’ work has produced concrete outcomes. Switzerland and the EU have in fact sharpened their common understanding and have come closer together in several areas over the past few months.
- The work towards a common understanding between Switzerland and the European Commission on all structural issues has achieved some progress and a better shared understanding on a number of issues.
- Foreign Minister Cassis highlighted that the exploratory process with the EU has been accompanied in Switzerland by extensive internal consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the cantons, the economic sector, the trade unions and the political parties.
- Mr. Cassis underlined that this important, inclusive approach has facilitated the search for solutions and strengthened the process. It has also demonstrated Switzerland’s commitment to achieving concrete and durable outcomes that would be viable for both Switzerland and the EU.
- Mr. Cassis and Mr. Šefčovič took note that despite the progress made so far, a number of outstanding issues remain, which will require efforts from both sides in order to further narrow the gaps in the shared understanding.
- To this effect, the next exploratory talks will take place on 20 April 2023 in Brussels.
- Mr. Cassis and Mr. Šefčovič reiterated Switzerland’s and the Commission’s commitment to continue working together towards a common understanding on all structural issues in order to have the way towards a possible decision with respect to the start of formal negotiations.
07.03.2023 – More in-depth discussion at the eighth round of exploratory talks
State Secretary Livia Leu and Juraj Nociar, the head of cabinet of the EU Commissioner responsible for Switzerland, met once again in Brussels on 7 March. Their discussions highlighted the progress made in the previous rounds of talks, in particular on the issue of state aid. Consensus was also reached that additional new agreements need to be concluded, for example on electricity. Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the flexibility afforded by the package approach. The discussions took place in a constructive atmosphere.
A number of questions remain outstanding, however, which is usual in such a process. Further more detailed discussions will be needed on several key issues. Switzerland is seeking to secure exceptions within several agreements to better protect its own interests. Particular issues surround the smooth functioning of the labour market and the high level of wages, making it essential that any solution must take into account Switzerland's interests in this regard.
The rounds of exploratory talks are therefore continuing and will pave the way for the future negotiations. The next round of talks will take place on 20 April 2023.
Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission's vice-president for interinstitutional relations and foresight, will also be in Switzerland on 15 and 16 March. He and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take the opportunity to exchange views on 15 March. This will not be a negotiation, but an in-depth dialogue on all elements of the package. The discussions between Mr Šefčovič and the Swiss representatives will be an opportunity for both sides to improve their understanding of each other's positions.
The development and stabilisation of relations between Switzerland and the EU creates security and prosperity for both sides.
20.01.2023 – Seventh round of exploratory talks with the EU
The seventh round of exploratory talks between the FDFA and the European Commission took place on 20 January 2023, between FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu and Juraj Nociar, the head of cabinet of the EU Commissioner responsible for Switzerland. Discussions focused on the new agreements, which could form part of the Federal Council's package approach, especially in the areas of food security, electricity and public health.
The package approach proposed by the Federal Council increases the scope for solutions. The essential interests of Switzerland can be better addressed. This approach therefore offers good conditions for a balanced alignment of interests. The EU is Switzerland's most important trading partner and Switzerland is the EU's fourth most important trading partner. Switzerland and the EU share the same fundamental values. The development and stabilisation of relations between Switzerland and the EU is a source of prosperity and stability for both.
09.12.2022 – Federal Council presents draft report Assessment of Swiss-EU relations
At its meeting on 9 December, the Federal Council discussed the draft report 'Assessment of Swiss–EU relations. The Federal Council concludes in the report that the bilateral approach remains the most favourable solution for Switzerland. The report was adopted subject to the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees of both chambers of Parliament. Parliament, for its part, had repeatedly called on the Federal Council to conduct an assessment of Swiss policy on the EU.
23.11.2022 – Federal Council debates status of exploratory talks with EU
On 23 November 2022, the Federal Council met to discuss Switzerland's relations with the European Union (EU). The main item on the agenda was the progress made in exploratory talks held thus far with the European Commission. The Federal Council welcomed the fact that progress had been made but noted that differences remained. It therefore decided to continue the in-depth exploratory talks phase.
11.10.2022 – Exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU: organisational structure to ensure better management of policy and content
On 31 August 2022, the Federal Council decided to establish an organisational structure to ensure better management of policy and content for Switzerland's exploratory talks with the EU. This consists of a steering group involving all departments and a sounding board with representatives from the cantons, social partners and the business community. Both bodies are chaired by head of the FDFA and President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis. The steering group was formed in September and the sounding board has been set up today.
25.02.2022 – Federal Council sets out approach for negotiations
At its retreat dealing with European policy on 23 February 2022, the Federal Council continued to debate the issues at hand and adopted a set of guidelines for its negotiating package with the EU. Regarding the institutional issues, the Federal Council decided on a vertical approach aimed at anchoring the different aspects in each individual single market agreement. This will be the basis for initiating exploratory talks with the EU. Ongoing work on the existing regulatory differences will continue in parallel.
