In a significant step toward deepening ties, Chief Negotiators from the European Union and Switzerland have today initialled a comprehensive package of agreements aimed at consolidating, deepening, and expanding their bilateral relations. The initialling follows the political conclusion of negotiations in December 2024 and underscores a shared commitment to closer integration and cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
The newly initialled agreements will bring mutual benefits to citizens and businesses on both sides, enhancing collaboration in key areas including:
- Free movement of persons
- Air transport
- Cross-border rail and road transport
- Mutual recognition in conformity assessment
- Agricultural trade and food safety through a common safety area
- Electricity market integration
- Public health cooperation
- Swiss financial contributions to reduce economic disparities in the EU
- Swiss participation in the European Union Agency for Space Programmes
In addition to these sectoral agreements, the two sides also initialled a Protocol on parliamentary cooperation, laying the groundwork for greater legislative dialogue. A Joint Declaration was also signed to establish a high-level dialogue aimed at further strengthening the bilateral relationship. Another declaration outlines the level of engagement between the EU and Switzerland during the transitional period from the end of 2024 until the package enters into force.
A key component of this wider agreement—Switzerland’s participation in Union programmes—was already initialled on 2 April 2025. This includes cooperation in research, education, innovation, and other EU-led initiatives, reinforcing Switzerland’s role in shaping European development and integration.
Today’s milestone signals the material conclusion of a complex negotiation process that has spanned years. It comes at a time when both partners are seeking greater alignment to tackle shared challenges such as climate change, energy transition, technological innovation, and regional security. As a next step, the European Commission will submit proposals for Council Decisions to authorize the formal signing and conclusion of all instruments. The Commission will also release the full texts of the agreements, including the Union programmes agreement published on 9 April 2025.
Both the EU and Switzerland will now move forward with ratification through their respective domestic procedures. The European Union has reiterated its full commitment to seeing the process through to successful completion, paving the way for a more integrated and cooperative European future.
