Transcripts and reports from Swiss parliamentary sessions

Switzerland and EU Reach Historic Agreement to Ensure Single Market Access

Dec 20, 2024, 01:23 PM

Switzerland and the European Union have announced an agreement to overhaul their trade relations after nine months of negotiations, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship. The deal aims to ensure Switzerland's access to the EU's single market. Swiss President Viola Amherd described the agreement as advantageous for both parties, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed it as a historic agreement. The negotiations covered various topics including immigration, trade, wage protection, research, electricity supply, food safety, pandemic preparedness, and international rail transport. The Swiss government noted that all objectives set in the negotiation mandate were met. The agreement is expected to be formally signed in the spring and awaits parliamentary approval and a public referendum in Switzerland, which could take several years.