Due to changes in EU legislation in the field of statistics, a revision of Annex A was necessary in order to maintain the consistency and comparability of statistics between Switzerland and the EU. The bilateral agreement in the field of statistics enables the harmonisation of statistics and makes it possible to draw comparisons and to deliver information on the areas of cooperation between Switzerland and the EU, particularly those covered by the various bilateral agreements.

Furthermore, the approval of the specific Switzerland/EU annual statistical programme for 2013 enables priorities to be fixed for the statistical cooperation between Switzerland and the EU.

The main changes concern the "GDP and beyond" initiative (measuring progress), the Europe 2020 strategy, the measure of globalisation and quality of life, as well as the production methods of European statistics.

Address for enquiries:

Michel A. Di Pietro, European Affairs FSO, tel. 032 713 61 56

Publisher:

The Federal Council
Federal Department of Home Affairs
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs