Swiss policy on the European Union

Federal Council decides on next steps regarding negotiating mandate

The Federal Council issued the mandate to draw up key parameters for a negotiating mandate with the EU.
Federal Council presents report on assessment of Swiss-EU relations

The Federal Council presents the draft report Assessment of Swiss-EU relations. It is now consulting the foreign policy committees of the National Council and the Council of States.
Federal Council debates status of exploratory talks with EU

The Federal Council decided to continue the in-depth exploratory talks phase.

News All News

Ukraine: Switzerland to implement tenth package of sanctions

29.03.2023 Press release

Two Swiss take on important roles at the European Space Agency ESA

24.03.2023 Press release

Working meeting between Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider

14.03.2023 Press release

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Slovenian foreign minister in Riehen (BS)

21.02.2023 Press release

Ukraine: price caps for Russian petroleum products to take effect

15.02.2023 Press release

Switzerland – UK: Federal Council approves negotiating mandate

15.02.2023 Press release

Talks conducted by the President of the Swiss Confederation in Davos focused on security situation in Europe and the work of the UN Security Council

19.01.2023 Press release

WEF Annual Meeting: Switzerland and Germany hold talks on energy and economic issues

16.01.2023 Press release

Last official visit as Federal Councillor: Ueli Maurer meets his UK counterpart

22.12.2022 Press release

MRA Schweiz-EU: Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses

14.12.2022 Press release

Dossiers

History of Swiss–EU relations

The 1972 Free Trade Agreement laid the foundation for Swiss–EU relations, which are now regulated by over 100 bilateral agreements. Switzerland is a reliable and committed partner for the EU, its member states and for the EEA and EFTA states.

File History

Swiss contribution

With the Swiss contribution, Switzerland invests in security, stability and prosperity in Europe. It strengthens and deepens its bilateral relations with partner countries and the EU as a whole.

File Swiss contribution

Free movement of persons

The agreement on the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU has been in force since 1 June 2002 as an important part of the Bilateral Agreements I.

File Free movement of persons

Twitter

swissMFAeurope @swissMFAeurope

RT @alain_berset: Vor 100 Jahren wurde der Zollvertrag zwischen 🇱🇮 und der 🇨🇭 unterzeichnet 📜💯 Heute feiern wir nicht nur die erfolgreiche…

30.03.2023 09:09
swissMFAeurope @swissMFAeurope

🇨🇭and 🇳🇱 share the same values and goals: Fruitful discussions on bilateral, #European and multilateral issues with DG Anita van den Ende @DutchMFA in Den Haag confirmed that today. Looking forward to continue our constructive partnership of strategic dimension 🤝 https://t.co/jhY7GQVZVu

29.03.2023 15:29

Schengen/Dublin

Internal security and migration challenges require international cooperation. Switzerland works closely with European states in the areas of justice, police, visas and asylum.

File Schengen/Dublin

Institutional agreement

The Federal Council has taken the decision not to sign the InstA. The negotiations with the EU did not produce the outcomes Switzerland needed to sign the agreement.

File Institutional agreement

Brexit

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU will have consequences for Switzerland’s relations with this country. Switzerland wants to maintain its close relationship with the UK beyond Brexit.

File Brexit