Eu Swiss Framework Agreement

The EU-Swiss Framework Agreement: What You Need to Know

The European Union (EU) and Switzerland have been negotiating a Framework Agreement since 2014 to simplify their bilateral relationship. The Agreement, if adopted, would replace the existing patchwork of more than 120 bilateral agreements that currently govern the EU-Swiss relationship.

The EU-Swiss Framework Agreement aims to provide a clear legal framework for the EU-Swiss relationship, enhance market access for both parties, and improve cooperation in areas such as research and education, transport, and energy.

Key Points of the Agreement

The EU-Swiss Framework Agreement covers a wide range of areas, including:

1. Trade: The Agreement aims to enhance the existing trade relationship between the EU and Switzerland. It includes provisions for the mutual recognition of technical regulations and standards, which would reduce technical barriers to trade.

2. Labour: The Agreement includes provisions on the free movement of people between the EU and Switzerland. It would allow EU citizens to work and live in Switzerland, and vice versa.

3. Research and Education: The Agreement includes provisions to enhance cooperation between the EU and Switzerland in research and education. It includes provisions for the mutual recognition of qualifications and the creation of joint research projects.

4. Transport: The Agreement aims to enhance transport links between the EU and Switzerland. It includes provisions for the mutual recognition of driving licenses and the harmonization of transport regulations.

5. Energy: The Agreement includes provisions to enhance cooperation between the EU and Switzerland in the area of energy. It includes provisions for the creation of cross-border electricity and gas markets.

The Status of the Agreement

Negotiations on the EU-Swiss Framework Agreement have been ongoing since 2014. The negotiations have been complicated by concerns over the free movement of people and other issues. Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU, has also had to navigate its relationship with the EU in the context of ongoing Brexit negotiations.

In 2018, the Swiss government proposed a compromise on the free movement of people in an attempt to unblock the negotiations. The proposal would have given Swiss employers priority in hiring over foreign workers but was rejected by the EU.

The Swiss government and the EU continue to negotiate the Framework Agreement, but progress has been slow. In 2020, the EU threatened to terminate negotiations if the Swiss did not agree to a new treaty covering the future of their relationship.

Conclusion

The EU-Swiss Framework Agreement is a complex and ambitious undertaking that seeks to simplify the relationship between the EU and Switzerland. If adopted, it would have implications for a wide range of areas, from trade to education to energy. However, negotiations have been slow, and the outcome remains uncertain. As negotiations continue, it will be important to monitor developments and understand the potential implications for businesses and individuals on both sides of the EU-Swiss border.