Switzerland and Sweden, two European nations with distinct approaches to international engagement, are making headlines this week for their renewed efforts to deepen cross-border cooperation—one with the European Union, the other with Taiwan. Both cases reflect how smaller countries are navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape, with energy and stability at the heart of their strategies.
On December 5, 2025, the Swiss government announced a significant milestone: nearly three quarters of the cantons, political parties, and associations consulted had given a positive response to a new agreement designed to strengthen ties with the European Union. According to Reuters, the ruling Federal Council revealed that this package—negotiated in 2024 and covering everything from electricity and state aid to transport, freedom of movement, and Switzerland’s financial contribution to the EU—had garnered broad support across the political spectrum.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis addressed reporters at a press conference, emphasizing the strategic importance of the bilateral approach. “This package allows us to continue this path, to boost our security, underpin our prosperity and give our young people and our companies dependable options for the future,” Cassis stated, as quoted by Reuters. He further noted that this approach enjoyed significantly more support than alternatives such as a purely free trade deal, joining the European Economic Area, or even full EU membership.
This new agreement comes at a time when Switzerland is seeking to maintain stable and reliable relations with its neighbors amid mounting geopolitical tensions. The ongoing war in Ukraine and a global trend toward economic protectionism have only underscored the need for dependable partnerships. Despite opposition from some powerful interest groups, the Swiss government has gradually edged closer to Europe, aiming to secure its fourth-biggest export market and ensure continued economic growth.
One of the more contentious elements of the agreement is the so-called “dynamic alignment” of laws, which would require Switzerland to adapt its legislation to relevant changes in EU law—albeit with its own constitutional safeguards in place. Recognizing the sensitivity of this issue, the government has pledged to draft a new law to ensure greater transparency. The law will spell out how and when the Swiss parliament must be informed and consulted as EU rules affecting Switzerland are developed. This move is designed to reassure both lawmakers and the public that Swiss sovereignty will not be compromised in the process.
The timeline for the agreement’s implementation is ambitious but measured. The package is expected to be sent to the Swiss parliament in March 2026, with a public referendum potentially following in 2027 or later. According to Cassis, this gradual approach is intended to build consensus and avoid the pitfalls that have plagued previous attempts at closer integration with the EU.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, Sweden is also looking outward—but with a focus on energy cooperation and sustainability. On December 4, 2025, Helena Reitberger, Sweden’s top envoy in Taiwan, called for deeper collaboration between the two nations on clean energy. Speaking at a media roundtable organized by the Swedish Trade and Invest Council’s office in Taipei, Reitberger made it clear that both Sweden and Taiwan are committed to achieving net-zero emissions and see mutual benefit in working together.
“We expect broader, more comprehensive cooperation with Taiwan in energy and sustainability to achieve a net-zero future together,” Reitberger said, as reported by the Taipei Times. She pointed to Sweden’s track record of fostering successful public-sector and industry partnerships, suggesting this could serve as a valuable model for Taiwan as it seeks to modernize its energy infrastructure.
Energy resilience emerged as a central theme of the discussion. Reitberger emphasized that resilience in the energy sector is closely tied to the overall resilience of society, and she highlighted Sweden’s expertise in this area. The importance of stable, clean energy supplies was echoed by Simon Westerlund, Asia investment manager at the Swedish firm Baseload Capital. Westerlund noted that tech giants and data centers—key drivers of Taiwan’s economy—require more than intermittent renewables; they need reliable, round-the-clock power sources.
Geothermal energy, Westerlund argued, could be the answer. “Tech giants and data centers need stable, clean energy supplies beyond intermittent renewables,” he said, positioning geothermal as a 24/7 baseload solution, particularly given Taiwan’s rich geothermal resources. This perspective aligns with Sweden’s broader push for innovative, sustainable energy solutions that can power both industry and society at large.
The conversation didn’t stop at geothermal. Chen Yung-lung, project manager for Taiwan’s Minesto initiative, described how Swedish marine power devices are being used to harness low-flow tides and ocean currents. With operational sites already established in the Faroe Islands, Minesto is now partnering with TCC Green Energy and National Taiwan Ocean University to explore potential deployments in eastern Taiwan. These lightweight, scalable devices represent a new frontier in renewable energy, offering the promise of clean power even in challenging marine environments.
For both Switzerland and Sweden, these initiatives reflect a broader trend: small and midsize countries are increasingly seeking innovative partnerships to address global challenges. Whether it’s ensuring energy security, maintaining economic prosperity, or adapting to shifting geopolitical realities, collaboration is the name of the game.
In Switzerland’s case, the move toward a deeper relationship with the EU is as much about pragmatism as it is about principle. The country’s export-driven economy depends heavily on access to European markets, and stable relations are seen as essential in a world where old certainties are being upended. The Swiss government’s commitment to transparency and public consultation—particularly on the sensitive issue of aligning national laws with EU regulations—reflects a recognition that domestic buy-in is crucial for any lasting agreement.
Sweden, for its part, is leveraging its reputation as a leader in clean energy and sustainability to forge new alliances in Asia. By sharing its expertise and technological know-how, Sweden hopes to help Taiwan—and, by extension, the broader region—transition to a greener, more resilient energy future. The focus on practical, mutually beneficial projects like geothermal and marine energy underscores a common-sense approach to international cooperation.
Of course, challenges remain. In Switzerland, some influential voices remain skeptical of closer EU ties, wary of ceding too much autonomy. In Taiwan, the path to a net-zero future is complicated by energy demands, political sensitivities, and the need for substantial investment. Yet in both cases, the willingness to engage, consult, and innovate suggests that progress—however incremental—is possible.
As the world grapples with uncertainty, stories like these remind us that cooperation, transparency, and a willingness to try new things can still move the needle. Whether in the heart of Europe or across the seas in Asia, nations are finding ways to work together for a more secure and sustainable future.
