Overview

The flags of Switzerland and the EU — Relations between Switzerland and the EU are constantly developing. © DEA

Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe and is surrounded almost entirely by member states of the European Union (EU). In view of its geographic and cultural proximity and particularly due to its political and economic importance, the EU with its 27 member states is by far Switzerland’s most important partner.

Map "Europe today"

Switzerland is also one of the EU’s major partners, which is why a concerted, target-oriented policy with regard to the country’s interests in the EU is essential for Switzerland’s prosperity. Switzerland is not a member state of the EU; instead, it conducts its relations with the EU on the basis of bilateral sectoral agreements. Since the Free Trade Agreement of 1972, an increasingly dense network of agreements has been developed in several steps. The bilateral approach allows Switzerland to pursue tailor-made policies with regard to its European neighbours. The approach has been endorsed by the Swiss electorate in various referendums. Strengthening and further developing this bilateral approach and the possible conclusion of new market access agreements with the EU is vital for Switzerland.

Chronology

2022: Start of exploratory talks with the EU on the Federal Council’s proposal for a new negotiation package (press release of 25 February 2022)
2021: Termination of negotiations on an institutional agreement; it will not be concluded
2019: Signing of the Agreement on the participation in the area of police cooperation (Prüm Decision)
2017: Signing of the Agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the linking of their emissions trading systems
2017: Full association of Switzerland in «Horizon 2020»
2016: Decision by Parliament on the implementation of Art. 121a Cst
2016: Signing of Protocol III extending the free movement of persons to Croatia
2015: Signing of the Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax Matters
2014: Signing of the EASO participation Agreement (European Asylum Support Office)
2014: Adoption of the federal popular initiative «Stop Mass Immigration»
2013: Adoption by the Federal Council of a mandate to negotiate an agreement on institutional matters
2013: Signing of the Satellite Navigation Cooperation Agreement
2013: Signing of the Agreement on Competition
2012: Signing of the Agreement on the European Defence Agency
2010: Signing of the Agreement on Education, Training and Youth
2009: Continuation of the free movement of persons and extension to Romania and Bulgaria
2008: Signing of the Agreement with Eurojust
2006: Adoption by the Swiss electorate of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the Countries of Eastern Europe
2005: Extension of the free movement of persons to the EU10
2004: Signing of the Agreement with Europol
2004: Signing of Bilaterals II (Schengen/Dublin, taxation of savings income, combating fraud, processed agricultural products, environment, statistics, MEDIA programme, pensions)
1999: Signing of Bilaterals I (free movement of persons, technical barriers to trade, public procurement, agriculture, overland transport, civil aviation, research)
1992: Rejection of EEA membership by the Swiss electorate
1990: Signing of the Agreement on Customs Facilitation and Security
1989: Signing of the Insurance Agreement
1972: Signing of the Switzerland–EU Free Trade Agreement