Bern, Switzerland — A significant new cooperation agreement aimed at revitalizing relations between Switzerland and the European Union was finalized on December 20, 2024. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit to the Swiss capital marked this historic moment, with Swiss President Viola Amherd directly engaged in sealing the deal. The agreement aims to modernize the existing bilateral ties, improve daily life for citizens and businesses, and maintain legal and economic cooperation between the wealthy Alpine nation and its key trading partner.
The negotiations leading to this agreement were not smooth sailing. Switzerland's relations with the EU had soured after the Swiss government unexpectedly walked away from talks back in 2021, which were aimed to create a comprehensive framework for their relationship. After two years filled with uncertainty, discussions resumed earlier this year, culminating in what both sides herald as a mutually beneficial pact.
The agreement will bring forth new bilateral arrangements covering electricity, health, food safety, and other key facets of the economy. It marks significant progress on multiple fronts, especially as Switzerland will also participate more actively in European programs, such as Horizon Europe. These developments are touted to facilitate trade and address long-standing regulatory issues.
According to Christophe Grudler, the European Parliament's rapporteur for relations with Switzerland, this deal is more than just a piece of paper—it reflects the reality of shared values and mutual interests post-Brexit. He stated, “This agreement marks a significant milestone in Swiss-EU relations, addressing the need for solutions in an increasingly uncertain global environment.”
Swiss business advocates, like the CEO of economiesuisse, Monika Rühl, have hailed the conclusion of the negotiations as pivotal for maintaining stability and legal clarity. “The conclusion of the negotiations is an important milestone... securing long-term market access is central for our economy,” she remarked.
While the agreement has garnered support, not all voices are singing the same tune. The Swiss People's Party (SVP), the largest party in Switzerland, has voiced strong opposition to any semblance of yielding sovereignty to the EU. SVP President Marcel Dettling expressed his party's concerns starkly: “We are supposed to pay for it! The government is handing us Swiss over to the EU.”
This fierce opposition is compounded by fears of public backlash, as the potential for referendums looms on the horizon. Dettling and fellow party members have staged vigils to rally against what they’ve termed the “package of lies” associated with the agreement.
Despite these hurdles, many sectors within the Swiss economy, including the Swiss Trade Union Federation, have indicated the need for nuanced negotiations to safeguard Swiss wages and employment amid the new arrangements.
Public opinion will play a decisive role, especially if the proposals end up on the ballot. Observers note the strategic shift by Bern to break the overarching package of agreements down—termed as “slices”—to simplify voter approval on distinct areas rather than facing one broad legislative vote.
The significance of this agreement cannot be overstated. It reflects years of dialogue, realignment of mutual interests, and hopefully paves the way for more streamlined interactions between the EU and Switzerland going forward. Karin KARLSBRO, member of the Northern Cooperation and relations with Switzerland Delegation, underscored this sentiment when she noted, “Just as this season brings people together, this agreement draws us closer in Europe.”
Looking forward, the focus shifts to implementation processes and the potential impacts this agreement may have on immigration, economic contributions, and various social programs. While the EU remains supportive of the new relationship, the Swiss government must tread carefully to maintain domestic harmony and uphold the interests of its citizens and economy.
