Switzerland and Europe
In view of the very close relations that Switzerland maintains with its European neighbours, it is crucial for Switzerland to pursue a concerted, targeted policy of interests in relation to the EU and its member states. With regard to its most important partner, the EU, this is achieved through the bilateral approach. As part of this, Switzerland has concluded bilateral agreements with the EU in clearly defined areas.
Located at the heart of the European continent, Switzerland maintains very close political, economic and cultural relations with the EU and its member states and contributes to European security. In an increasingly fragmented world, a stable and prosperous Europe is central to Switzerland's security, prosperity and independence.
At the heart of Swiss–EU relations: the bilateral approach
The EU plays an important economic, political and cultural role for Switzerland. It shares values, languages and part of its history with Switzerland. Switzerland is also an important partner for the EU thanks to its central location, its importance as an economic and financial centre and its outward-looking approach in terms of foreign policy.
Since the 1972 Free Trade Agreement, the framework of agreements with the EU has been continuously developed, particularly under the Bilateral Agreements I (1999) and II (2004). These agreements create extensive mutual market access and form the basis for close cooperation in policy areas such as research, security, asylum, the environment and culture. This bilateral approach enables Switzerland to pursue a policy of openness and cooperation with its European neighbours. With the new Switzerland–EU package, the Federal Council is demonstrating its commitment to stabilising and selectively expanding the tried-and-tested bilateral approach.
Centre of expertise
The FDFA represents Liechtenstein's interests abroad and, through its Europe Division, is the centre of expertise for European policy issues. Switzerland also maintains relations with European countries outside the EU/EFTA area. This primarily concerns the regions of South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, where Switzerland's engagement centres on peace and security, prosperity and good governance, sustainable use of resources and digital governance.
Links
Contact
State Secretariat STS-FDFA
Federal Palace East
3003 Bern