EU and Switzerland begin negotiations on a package of measures that will deepen bilateral relations

Brussels – The European Union and Switzerland are at it again following last week’s green light from the Council of the European Union to the political directors to begin negotiations on a package of measures to deepen bilateral relations between Brussels and Bern. Presenting the new beginning of the dialogue – interrupted in 2021 by Switzerland – were the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and her counterpart from the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, during a joint press point this morning (March 18). “Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship with Switzerland based on a renewed trust and engagement between partners and neighbors,” the President of the EU executive said.

The new negotiations – which, unlike in the past, do not envision a single framework agreement – involve talks on an agreement on the association of Switzerland with several Union programs, with institutional provisions that would be replicated in agreements related to the EU Internal Market and a basis for Bern’s contribution to social and economic cohesion. It should ensure a level playing field between companies on both sides operating in the Internal Market and the protection of the rights of EU citizens working in Switzerland. The stated goal in the common understanding is to conclude the negotiations in 2024 since “it is in the EU and Switzerland’s interest to advance quickly,” the Commission underlined.

The package consists of updating five agreements related to market access: air transport, rail, road freight, passenger transport, free movement of persons, recognition in conformity assessment, and trade in agricultural products. In addition, there is a resumption of negotiations on electricity, food security, and health agreements. An agreement on electricity would integrate the Swiss electricity grid “even more” with that of the 27 Member States, ensure grid stability, security of supply, and transition to a net-zero-emissions energy system. “An agreement on food security would contribute to establishing an EU-Swiss food safety area,” and one on health would “reinforce bilateral cooperation in an area of great importance to Swiss and EU citizens alike,” the Commission said.

Also included in the new negotiations is Switzerland’s participation in EU agencies and programs on research and innovation, education, training, youth, sports, and culture, namely Horizon Europe, Euratom Research & Training, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, Digital Europe, Erasmus+, Creative Europe, EU4Health and Copernicus. The basis for these arrangements would be a set of institutional arrangements to be included in “existing and future” agreements related to the Union’s Internal Market, “providing for dynamic alignment with EU law, its uniform interpretation and application, and dispute settlement,” and state aid arrangements. Finally, there would be an understanding on Switzerland’s “regular and permanent” financial contribution to the Union’s social and economic cohesion to reduce economic and social disparities between regions. “Such a contribution would be a natural consequence of Switzerland’s access to the EU internal market,” the EU executive points out.