Switzerland, EU Sign Package Of Agreements To Strengthen Ties

“This is an important day for the European Union and for Switzerland”, von der Leyen said before the signing of the agreements.

“From the [Swiss government's] point of view, these agreements constitute a balanced, pragmatic and mutually beneficial package that will drive prosperity, employment and stability,” Parmelin said during a joint press conference.“They benefit our citizens, our economies and our societies as a whole.”

The Swiss president was received at the European Commission's headquarters. The signing ceremony lasted around 30 minutes.

No fewer than 18 texts were initialled by the two officials, following lengthy negotiations that began in 2014 but were interrupted in 2021 and then resumed two years ago. Discussions held between 2014 and 2021 were meant to lead to one institutional framework agreement, but those talks failed.

The agreements signed on Monday cover, among other things, the free movement of persons, trade and transport between the two partners.

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 Switzerland has negotiated a new agreement with the EU, marking a new chapter in the history of a complex relationship. What is set to change?