EU-Switzerland Agreements reinforce business relations

On 20 December, the President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the Swiss Confederation Ms. Viola Amherd confirmed the completion of negotiations on a broad package of agreements that aim to deepen and expand the EU-Switzerland relationship.

The broad package includes a wide range of elements and updates five agreements which already give Switzerland access to the EU internal market – air transport, land transport, the free movement of persons, conformity assessment and trade in agricultural products. Bringing these agreements to a modern standard enables citizens and businesses on both sides to fully benefit from the rights they provide and will create a level playing field for business.
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer stated: "The conclusion of negotiations between the EU and Switzerland is an important step to stabilise and further reinforce bilateral relations. For European businesses, these agreements are critical for safeguarding and deepening existing value chains and ensuring that companies operate under clear and predictable rules. In today’s complex geopolitical environment, the agreements help to create a more integrated and resilient European economy. We now call on both sides to show a strong political commitment and take the necessary steps for swift implementation of the agreements."

Each agreement reflects the evolution of EU legislation in the area concerned and ensures it is updated dynamically. The agreements include dispute resolution provisions and State aid disciplines will apply where relevant.

- A new agreement on food safety that will establish a Common Food Safety Area covering all dimensions of the food chain.

- A new agreement on health that will allow Switzerland to take part in EU mechanisms and bodies addressing serious cross-border threats to health, notably the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the Early Warning and Response System.

- A new agreement on electricity that will allow the participation of Switzerland in the EU internal electricity market.

- A new agreement on Switzerland's permanent and fair financial contribution to economic and social cohesion within the Union, reflecting the level of partnership and cooperation between the parties.

- A new agreement that will allow Switzerland to participate in several Union programmes open to association of third countries: Horizon Europe, Euratom Research and Training, ITER/F4E (Fusion for Energy), Digital Europe, Erasmus+, as well as EU4Health. The Commission will ensure transitional arrangements are in place from 1 January 2025 so that Swiss entities are able to participate in calls from that date.

- A separate agreement will cover Switzerland's participation in the EU Space Agency, for activities related to the Galileo and EGNOS components of the Union Space programme.

More details on the concluded negotiations are available here.