Swiss Passport

Question 242 of 350 · Switzerland in the world

What laid the foundations of Switzerland's current relations with the EU?

Mit was wurden die Grundlagen der heutigen Beziehungen der Schweiz zur EU gelegt?

Correct answer: A

  1. Athe voters' approval of the Bilateral Agreements I in 2000mit der Zustimmung des Stimmvolks zu den Bilateralen Verträgen I im Jahr 2000
  2. Bthe rejection of EEA membership in the popular vote of 1992mit der Ablehnung des EWR-Beitritts durch die Volksabstimmung im Jahr 1992
  3. Cthe withdrawal of Switzerland's application for EU membership in 2016mit dem Rückzug des Gesuchs für einen EU-Beitritt der Schweiz im Jahr 2016
  4. DSwitzerland's accession to the UN in 2002mit dem UNO-Beitritt der Schweiz im Jahr 2002

Why

The bilateral path began with the yes to the Bilateral Agreements I in 2000. It still governs the relationship with the EU today.

Common mistakes

B: the rejection of EEA membership in the popular vote of 1992
The no to the EEA in 1992 was the reason to look for another path. But the foundation itself is the Bilateral Agreements I.
C: the withdrawal of Switzerland's application for EU membership in 2016
Withdrawing the old membership application in 2016 was only a formal step. Relations were already governed by treaties before that.
D: Switzerland's accession to the UN in 2002
Joining the UN has nothing to do with the EU.

Topic

Switzerland and the EU

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU). In 1992 the voters also rejected joining the European Economic Area (EEA). After that Switzerland looked for its own way: it concludes treaties with the EU on individual topics. These treaties are called «Bilateral Agreements» because two sides sign them.

Culture, economy and Switzerland in the world · Switzerland in the world

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.