The European Union has sought to deepen its relationship with Switzerland, following the signing of a broad package of agreements by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Guy Parmelin, president of the Swiss Confederation.
The package establishes a ‘modern framework’ for the EU-Switzerland relationship, the Commission said in a statement, providing ‘frictionless’ access to a market of some 460 million consumers.
It will align standards and rules in sectors where economic integration has already been established, providing legal certainty and a simplification of trade in areas such as medical devices and food products.
It will also ease cross-border supply for businesses located on both sides of the EU-Switzerland border, and ensure ‘more consistent rules’ for those that live, work, or study across said border.
‘Fair and forward-looking’
“After intensive negotiations, we have reached a fair and forward-looking agreement that reflects both the European Union’s interests and Switzerland’s priorities,” commented Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.
“The package signed today goes beyond updating existing agreements. It opens new avenues for cooperation while safeguarding a level playing field. We are laying the foundations for a partnership that delivers tangible benefits to citizens and businesses on both sides on a daily basis. This is a positive step forward for both our Swiss partners and our citizens.”
Agreement updates
The package updates four existing agreements, concerning air transport, land transport, the free movement of persons, and mutual recognition of conformity assessment, and introduces new agreements in areas such as food safety, energy, health and ‘economic and social cohesion’. It also ensures Switzerland will now be able to participate in the EU Agency for the Space Programme.
In addition, the package also addresses Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes, such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, which had been signed separately in November 2025.
“This landmark package reflects the strategic importance of the partnership between the European Union and Switzerland,” added Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. “It means our cooperation is fully aligned with the realities and ambitions of the 21st century. By modernising and deepening our ties across key sectors – from trade and transport to health and energy – we are strengthening legal certainty, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for our citizens and businesses.” Read more here.
