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.

The basis is the Bilateral Agreements I. The voters approved them in 2000. They regulate, for example, the free movement of persons, trade and transport. In 2004 the Bilaterals II followed, for example with Schengen. In 2026 Switzerland and the EU signed a new package, the «Bilaterals III». Parliament is currently debating it.

The EU is Switzerland's most important trading partner. About half of exports go to the EU, and around 70 percent of imports come from the EU. The most important single EU country is Germany. The USA and China are also important partners, but all EU countries together are much more important.

The close connection can also be seen in everyday life. Many people live in France, Italy, Germany or Austria and work in Switzerland. They cross the border every day or every week. They are called cross-border commuters (Grenzgänger). There are especially many in Geneva, Basel and Ticino. Someone who only works in another canton, on the other hand, is a commuter (Pendler).

Memory aid: 1992 no to the EEA, 2000 yes to the Bilaterals: instead of joining, one treaty after another.