In a recent EU Council meeting, Member States called for the EU-Switzerland relationship to be updated to face modern threats and challenges, arguing the current framework risks “economic and political instability” in a changing world.
The European Council has called for the “modernisation” of its relationship with Switzerland, arguing that updated terms are a “prerequisite” to “consolidating and expanding the bilateral relations” with the bloc.
In March Switzerland’s Federal Council approved an updated Swiss–EU relations package, known as Bilaterals III.
The Federal Council said at the time it believed that a “bilateral approach remains the best option for shaping Switzerland’s relations with the EU.”
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That agreement covered the free movement of persons, trade and transport, Switzerland’s relationship with the internal market, particularly focusing on new elements of electricity, health and food safety, including a new “common food safety area”, among other measures.
They also ensure Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes on research, innovation, education, youth, sport, culture, and other areas.
That relationship has been “built up gradually and pragmatically over the past 25 years and has contributed significantly to Switzerland’s economic and scientific success. Bilateral Agreements I and II form the basis of this cooperation,” it added.
However, following a recent General Secretariat of the Council in Luxembourg on June 16th, it has emerged that Member States view changes as necessary to the continuation of the relationship.
In the ‘Outcome of Proceedings’ document published after the meeting, point 83 states that “despite the close cooperation” between the EU and Switzerland over many years, “the Council noted that several bilateral agreements, related to fields of the internal market in which Switzerland participates, needed modernisation and that such modernisation was a key stepping stone and prerequisite to consolidating and expanding the bilateral relations further.”
In fact, the Council warned that existing arrangements cannot continue and that “the successful conclusion of the package of agreements is essential for the stabilisation and further development of the EU-Switzerland relationship”.
“The status quo,” it adds, “would not be a viable alternative since cooperation under existing frameworks would steadily erode as EU legislation evolves, risking economic and political instability at a time when close partnership is indispensable to address shared challenges.”
The updated deal must still be approved by both Swiss lawmakers and voters before entering into force. A referendum on Bilaterals III is expected sometime in 2027.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party is opposed to the new deal, with some 79 percent of SVP voters polled rejecting the agreement.
However, new polling data shows that Swiss voters would back Bilaterals III by a two-to-one margin.
Swiss and international media alike have interpreted this as meaning that the bolstered treaty would likely be approved in a referendum.
According to polling of over 2000 people by pollster GFS Bern, 62 percent of voters said they would support the package, with 31 percent against.
In Luxembourg, the council also called for ratification of the deal as soon as possible.
In point 91 of the text, it states: “The Council calls on all parties to build support for the broad package of agreements and ensure its successful swift ratification and entry into force, to maximise the positive impacts on citizens, businesses, and the broader EU-Switzerland partnership.”
This comes as the Swiss parliament on Tuesday June 17th backed a possible defence deal with the EU after the Senate approved a motion from the House of Representatives.
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