EU and Switzerland Sign Landmark Partnership
The EU and Switzerland have signed a broad package of agreements to modernize their relationship. The deal establishes a new framework for regulatory convergence and cross-border infrastructure, which is expected to create new opportunities for joint projects in mobility, energy, and circular construction for Dutch border regions and firms.
This agreement marks a significant reset in relations, following the collapse of a previous framework negotiation in 2021. The new package replaces a complex web of over 120 separate bilateral treaties that has governed the relationship since Swiss voters rejected joining the European Economic Area in 1992. A core element of the deal is Switzerland's agreement to "dynamic alignment" with relevant EU law, a major sticking point in past talks. This means Switzerland will continuously adopt evolving single market rules and recognizes the European Court of Justice as the final authority on their interpretation. The negotiations, launched in March 2024 by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and then-Swiss President Viola Amherd, were concluded in December 2024. The final package was signed by von der Leyen and the 2026 Swiss President, Guy Parmelin, with Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič leading the political negotiations. A key breakthrough is the new electricity agreement, which integrates Switzerland into the EU's internal electricity market after nearly two decades of negotiations. This is designed to bolster grid stability and the security of supply for both partners, crucial for the continent's renewable energy transition. For research and innovation, Switzerland fully rejoins the Horizon Europe programme, effective retroactively from January 2025. This allows Swiss entities to once again lead and receive direct EU funding
