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Bilateral approach

Overview bilateral path

Main bilateral agreements and arrangements between Switzerland and the EU.

Stabilisation and further development of the bilateral approach

The bilateral approach forms the basis for the partnership between Switzerland and the EU. The Federal Council is committed to its stabilisation and selective expansion.

Bilateral agreements and cooperations since 2004

Switzerland's European policy goals remain the securing and further development of extensive access to the EU internal market as well as cooperation with the EU in selected areas of interest while maintaining the greatest possible political autonomy.

Bilateral agreements II (2004)

Switzerland and the EU signed nine further agreements in 2004.

Bilateral agreements I (1999)

In 1999, Switzerland and the EU signed a first package of seven agreements, bound together by the «guillotine clause».

Bilateral agreements until 1999

Between 1972 and 1999, Switzerland signed treaties with the EU that enabled a free trade area without customs duties, as well as agreements on insurance and the transport of goods.

Contact

Europe Division
Federal Palace East
3003 Bern