Commission advances on the modernisation of EU-Switzerland relations

European Commission - Press release Commission advances on the modernisation of EU-Switzerland relations Brussels, 13 June 2025 Today, the European Commission takes a significant step to strengthen and expand the relationship between the EU and Switzerland. It is submitting proposals to the Council to authorise the signature and conclusion of a comprehensive package of agreements, marking an important milestone towards the ratification of a modernised framework for cooperation. Key Components of the Package At the core of the package is the modernisation of five agreements originally signed in 1999, which grant Switzerland access to the EU internal market in air and land transport, free movement of persons, conformity assessment, and trade in agricultural products. Updating these agreements will bring them in line with current EU legislation, ensure Switzerland's dynamic alignment with EU law, and establish clear dispute resolution mechanisms. State aid rules will apply to both the air and land transport agreements. These updates aim to ensure that citizens and businesses on both sides can fully benefit from their rights, while promoting fair competition. In addition, the package introduces several new and cross-cutting agreements to further enhance bilateral cooperation. A food safety agreement will establish a Common Food Safety Area, covering all aspects of the food chain and ensuring dynamic alignment with EU standards. A health agreement will strengthen joint...