On 2 March 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Guy Parmelin, the President of the Swiss Confederation, signed a comprehensive package of agreements to deepen and expand the relationship between the EU and Switzerland. This package establishes a modern framework that enables seamless access to a market of 460 million consumers across key sectors, delivering economic benefits to both parties.
By aligning standards and regulations in closely integrated areas, the agreements will provide legal certainty, simplify trade in goods such as medical devices and food products, and facilitate cross-border supply for businesses on both sides. Furthermore, it will create more consistent rules for individuals who live, work, or study across the EU-Swiss border.
“This landmark package reflects the strategic importance of the partnership between the European Union and Switzerland. And it means our cooperation is fully aligned with the realities and ambitions of the 21st century,” said President Ursula von der Leyen. “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.”
Switzerland will contribute to the development of legislation in the areas covered by this package and will have the opportunity to influence these regulations as they are designed. This package also includes updates to four existing agreements that already allow Switzerland access to the EU internal market, covering air transport, land transport, the free movement of persons, and mutual recognition of conformity assessment.
By bringing these agreements up to modern standards, citizens and businesses on both sides will fully benefit from the rights they provide, creating a level playing field for businesses.
The text outlines several new agreements between Switzerland and the European Union (EU): It establishes a common food safety area covering the entire food chain, enables Switzerland’s participation in the EU internal electricity market, and allows Switzerland to engage with EU bodies that address serious cross-border health threats, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Additionally, it mandates a fair financial contribution from Switzerland to support EU economic and social cohesion. It also covers Switzerland’s involvement in the EU Agency for the Space Programme, focusing on Galileo and EGNOS.
The agreements will update dispute resolution provisions in agricultural trade and align with recent EU free trade agreements. They will ensure Switzerland keeps pace with EU legislation and will include necessary state aid regulations.
Additionally, a Joint Declaration will establish a high-level dialogue on bilateral relations. An agreement signed on 10 November 2025 permits Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and EU4Health, facilitating immediate research collaboration.
In March 2024, President Ursula von der Leyen and Viola Amherd, then-President of the Swiss Confederation, launched negotiations, which concluded in December 2024 under the auspices of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. The signing is a key step towards completing the ratification of the agreement, enabling both sides to advance their processes.
