A balanced political compromise after years of uncertainty
Existing rights protected and cross-border life made easier
New cooperation on electricity, health and food safety — with scope to go further
On Thursday, the Foreign Affairs Committee endorsed a broad EU-Switzerland package delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses on both sides.
With 53 votes in favour, 3 against, and 9 abstentions, the Foreign Affairs Committee has given its consent to a broad package of EU agreements with Switzerland. In an accompanying resolution setting out their political assessment of the agreements, MEPs judge the package a balanced and responsible political compromise that will strengthen economic and strategic cooperation. The agreements were negotiated and submitted to Parliament as a single package, and MEPs therefore assessed and voted on them as a whole. MEPs highlight the close bilateral relationship between Switzerland and the EU in areas ranging from innovation to transport, trade and security, and stress their shared interest in closer cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world. The resolution was adopted by 53 votes in favour, 3 against and 9 abstentions.
Protecting what already works for citizens
The agreements will update Switzerland’s participation in key areas of the EU internal market, including air and land transport, free movement of persons, mutual recognition of conformity assessments, and trade in agricultural products. The package also deepens cooperation on food safety, health and electricity, as well as Swiss participation in EU programmes.
MEPs say the package aims to safeguard freedoms citizens already enjoy, including the ability to work, study and cooperate across borders, while preventing unnecessary legal and political obstacles from making cross-border life more difficult. They welcome provisions ensuring the recognition of diplomas, qualifications and professional experience, as well as Switzerland’s planned participation in Erasmus+ from 2027.
Making economic ties easier and cooperation stronger
The committee highlights the benefits for European industry and SMEs of improved market access, simplified procedures, mutual recognition of conformity assessments, and fairer, more predictable conditions for businesses. It also calls for deeper strategic cooperation on industrial policy and closer links between EU and Swiss research communities. MEPs also welcome a more stable framework for the future, a stronger Swiss voice in shaping relevant rules and a fair mechanism for resolving disagreements.
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The rapporteur, Christophe Grudler, (Renew, FR), said: “For years, EU-Swiss relations were stuck in uncertainty. Today, we choose the opposite: stability, trust and closer cooperation. In an unstable world, our neighbours must be able to rely on each other. These agreements protect what already works for citizens and businesses, open new areas of cooperation and give us a stronger basis for the future. We now call for their swift ratification.”
Background
EU–Switzerland relations have developed over several decades through more than 100 bilateral agreements covering a wide range of areas of cooperation. As the existing agreements no longer fully reflected current realities, an updated and more stable framework was needed. Parliament is therefore considering the package as a whole, with particular attention to its overall balance.
Political negotiations on the package were concluded in December 2024, and the agreements were signed in March 2026.
Both texts will be submitted for a final plenary vote. Once the European Parliament has given its consent, and subject to Switzerland completing its internal procedures, the Council will complete the process for the conclusion of the package, allowing the agreements to enter into force.