Following the signing of the agreement on Switzerland's participation in EU programmes last November, the remaining agreements, protocols and a joint declaration on the establishment of a high-level dialogue were signed today.

At their meeting, Guy Parmelin and Ursula von der Leyen commended today's signing as a significant milestone in bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU. The status of the respective ratification procedures was also discussed. The Federal Council is expected to submit the dispatch on the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Switzerland–EU relations’ package (Bilaterals III) to Parliament this month.

The talks covered other topics of mutual interest, such as the international geopolitical situation, particularly regarding trade, and the measures being discussed by the EU to ensure economic security in Europe. In this context, Mr Parmelin emphasised that Switzerland, given its close economic ties with Europe, is an integral part of any solution to strengthen the continent's competitiveness. Switzerland wants to work with the EU to help strengthen Europe's resilience and innovative capacity.

The EU is Switzerland's most important trading partner by far, accounting for around 60 per cent of goods traded. Conversely, Switzerland is the EU's fourth largest trading partner and third largest investor, which is why stabilising and further developing relations between Switzerland and the EU through the proven bilateral approach is at the heart of the Federal Council's foreign and economic policy.

Further information:

Switzerland’s European policy:

Address for enquiries:

GS-EAER Communications +41 58 462 20 07 info@gs-wbf.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research