Stabilisation and further development of the bilateral approach
The bilateral approach forms the basis for a first-rate, mutually beneficial partnership between Switzerland and the EU. However, EU law continues to develop, and Switzerland, for its part, has interests that go beyond what already exists; so remaining with the status quo is not an option. The Federal Council is therefore committed to the stabilisation and selective expansion of the tried and tested bilateral approach.
The bilateral approach enables Switzerland to have a relationship with the EU that reflects its specific characteristics and is mutually beneficial. The EU and Switzerland share the same values, and personal, economic and cultural exchanges are also very extensive. Consequently, the partnership between Switzerland and the EU is very close.
However, EU law continues to develop, and the EU makes its willingness to cooperate further and to expand Switzerland's participation in the single market dependent on conditions of an institutional nature. For its part, the Federal Council wants to stabilise and selectively expand the multifaceted partnership for the benefit of both sides. Negotiations in several areas (electricity, food safety and public health) therefore began years ago.
Starting from the respective basic interests, it was possible to resume the thread of talks in 2022. For the EU, the integrity of its single market is important (same rules of the game for all participants); for Switzerland, tailor-made, barrier-free participation in the EU single market and the cooperation programmes.
Continuing the bilateral approach
Based on the ‘package approach’, the Federal Council adopted the mandate for negotiations with the EU at the beginning of March 2024. Negotiations began in mid-March 2024 and were substantially concluded in December. In May 2025, the agreements comprising the Switzerland-EU package were initialled in Bern, formally concluding the negotiation process. On 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements and opened the consultation process with a recommendation to adopt the agreements, the Swiss domestic implementing legislation, and the accompanying measures. The dispatch to Parliament is expected to be approved in the first quarter of 2026. The package approach allows for the continuation of the proven bilateral approach, makes new, additional agreements possible and increases the scope for solutions.
The five existing single market agreements (free movement of persons, air transport, land transport, technical barriers to trade and agriculture) are to be updated and two further agreements concluded in the areas of electricity and food safety. In addition, the Federal Council is seeking to conclude a cooperation agreement in the area of health and systematic participation in future EU programmes. Finally, a high-level political dialogue will serve as a steering instrument to facilitate an overview of bilateral relations on a regular basis.
Protecting Swiss interests
In return, the Federal Council is prepared to consider a steady contribution to cohesion and stability in Europe and is discussing with the EU the introduction of institutional solutions in the individual single market agreements. This concerns in particular the dynamic adoption of EU law and the settlement of disputes. Exceptions and internal measures in wage protection and good governance in the area of the free movement of persons (migration) should make it possible to safeguard Swiss interests. Three single market agreements – land and air transport as well as the planned electricity agreement – are to contain provisions on state aid. However, public services in Switzerland will remain guaranteed.
Contact
State Secretariat STS-FDFA
Federal Palace East
3003 Bern