On the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a broad package of agreements to consolidate, deepen and expand the bilateral relations with the Swiss Confederation
INTA-PA-785432
Committee on International Trade · Rapporteur: Željana Zovko
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The Committee on International Trade's draft opinion supports approval of the draft Council decision concluding a broad package of agreements with Switzerland. It says the modernised package gives frictionless access to a market of 460 million consumers, cuts technical barriers and aligns standards in key sectors.¶¶ It cites bilateral trade in goods of €328.3 billion in 2024 and trade in services of €245 billion in 2023, and says the EU accounts for around 53% of Switzerland's total trade.¶ It argues the package strengthens economic resilience, secures supply chains and reinforces a rules-based international trading system.¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the package of agreements with Switzerland.¶
Key points
- Switzerland is described as a like-minded and strategic partner with deeply integrated economies and closely interconnected markets.¶
- The EU and Switzerland are said to share a commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system in fora such as the World Trade Organisation.
- Common challenges cited include Russia's aggression of Ukraine, economic security issues and unfair competition from non-market economies.
- The modernised package is said to establish a stable, forward-looking framework reflecting the high level of integration.¶
- The package is said to enable frictionless access to a market of 460 million consumers, reduce technical barriers and align standards in key sectors.
- It is said to enhance legal certainty and facilitate trade, including in medical devices and agri-food products.
- It is said to strengthen cross-border supply chains and provide clearer, more consistent rules for individuals living, working or studying across the EU–Swiss border.
- The EU accounts for around 53% of Switzerland's total trade, and Switzerland remains one of the EU's top global trading partners.¶
- EU companies account for more than two-thirds of foreign direct investment in Switzerland, while Swiss investments in the EU amount to approximately €588 billion.
- Deepening relations with a trusted, like-minded partner is said to contribute to strengthening economic resilience, securing supply chains and reinforcing a rules-based international trading system.¶
- The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision.¶
Who is affected
- EU and Swiss businesses: the package is said to reduce technical barriers and facilitate trade in sectors such as medical devices and agri-food products.¶
- Individuals living, working or studying across the EU–Swiss border: the package is said to provide clearer and more consistent rules.
- The Committee on Foreign Affairs: asked to recommend approval of the draft Council decision.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 460 million consumers — size of the market to which the package is said to enable frictionless access.¶
- around 53% — the EU's share of Switzerland's total trade.¶
- €328.3 billion — bilateral trade in goods in 2024.
- €193.4 billion — EU exports in 2024.
- €58.6 billion — surplus in 2024.
- more than two-thirds — EU companies' share of foreign direct investment in Switzerland.
- approximately €588 billion — Swiss investments in the EU.
- €245 billion — total bilateral trade in services in 2023.