EU Extends Decision-Making Privileges to Switzerland; Liechtenstein and Norway Take Advantage of This Opportunity
The new Switzerland-EU bilateral package, currently in the domestic consultation process, is set to strengthen Switzerland’s relations with the EU by updating cooperation frameworks and aligning Swiss legal structures with EU internal market regulations[1].
One of the key aspects of this package is Switzerland's commitment to adopt new EU law dynamically for six existing and future internal market agreements[2]. This means that Switzerland will not only continue to have market access but will also maintain regulatory alignment with the EU, without becoming a full member.
Furthermore, Switzerland will gain a say in new EU legal acts that concern internal market agreements, known as "decision shaping". This will provide Switzerland with structured channels to influence EU legislation that affects joint agreements and internal market access, improving predictability and stability for Swiss-EU relations[1][3].
It is important to note that the exact legal acts that will be subject to "decision shaping" are not specified in the new package[4]. However, the number of future internal market agreements that will be subject to this dynamic adoption is not specified either[5].
The EU is following Bern's lead on new legal acts in adapted internal market agreements, and Liechtenstein and Norway have had positive experiences with this approach[6].
Switzerland's participation in this process is relevant for the country today, but it will become more binding in the future[7]. Readers are advised to adjust their browser or ad blocker settings accordingly, as the news article on NZZ.ch requires JavaScript for its functions[8].
The package also includes financial contributions from Switzerland to specific EU projects and programs, reflecting Swiss participation in the internal market and EU cooperation program funding cycles[3]. Switzerland will also be able to participate in major EU funding programs such as Horizon Europe (research), Euratom, and Digital Europe, retroactive to January 1, 2025[1].
The package requires ratification to enter into force, but provisional application could allow early Swiss participation in the EU programs and continuation of bilateral relations[1].
In conclusion, the new bilateral package represents a measured intensification of Switzerland-EU relations, focused on preserving Switzerland’s bilateral approach while adapting to evolving EU rules and fostering cooperation that benefits both parties economically and institutionally. The Federal Council and EU representatives emphasize maintaining good faith collaboration to ensure the smooth functioning of existing agreements, even as institutional frameworks are upgraded[3].
[1] Swiss Federal Council (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/202506/index.html [2] Swiss Federal Council (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: Adoption of EU Law. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/202506/index.html [3] Swiss Federal Council (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: Key Elements. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/202506/index.html [4] Swiss Federal Council (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: Legal Acts. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/202506/index.html [5] Swiss Federal Council (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: Future Agreements. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/202506/index.html [6] Swiss Federal Council (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: Experiences of Other Countries. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/202506/index.html [7] Swiss Federal Council (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: Timeline. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/202506/index.html [8] NZZ.ch (2025). Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreements: News Article. Retrieved from https://www.nzz.ch/eu-schweiz/switzerland-eu-bilaterale-paket-neu-1.164202287
To fully participate in the new Switzerland-EU bilateral package, Switzerland must apply the policy-and-legislation outlined in the adoption of EU law, particularly for six existing and future internal market agreements. This application is a significant aspect of politics, as it will impact Switzerland's general news by strengthening its relations with the EU and ensuring regulatory alignment with the internal market.
