Leading MEPs welcome EU-Switzerland deal

Statement by the MEPs with leading roles on relations with Switzerland on the announced conclusion of negotiations on a broad package of measures for bilateral relations.

The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister (EPP, DE), the Chair of the Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee Andreas Schwab (EPP, DE) and the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur on Switzerland Christophe Grudler (Renew, FR) made the following statement on Friday, 20 December:

"We welcome the conclusion of negotiations on a broad package of measures for future EU-Switzerland relations. This marks a significant milestone in advancing and deepening the already close relationship between the European Union and Switzerland.

The European Union and Switzerland have a long-standing relationship founded on common values. This partnership carries considerable political and economic significance, reflecting the importance both parties attach to ensuring that their cooperation, including through an enhanced parliamentary dimension, becomes modernised and remains predictable.

By aiming to secure a level playing field and greater certainty, the package of measures establishes conditions under which our citizens, businesses, and research communities can continue to thrive.

The European Parliament will now carefully analyse the text of the agreements and engage in a comprehensive, balanced, and future-oriented debate. We welcome the parliamentary cooperation foreseen in the package of measures and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure that the final outcome delivers tangible benefits for all citizens, consumers, and businesses on both sides, ultimately reinforcing trust, prosperity, and a shared vision for a stable and sustainable future."

Next steps

The text of the agreements will undergo a legal review, after which it will be translated into all official EU languages. When these steps are completed, the European Commission will present the package to Parliament and the Council. Once the Council concludes its deliberations and agrees on the signing of the agreements, it will request Parliament to give its consent. Parliament must give its consent for any international agreement to be concluded and enter into force. After a committee level examination, the plenary would decide whether to approve or reject the agreements.

For further information contact:

Office of Mr David McAllister: Tel. 0032 228 45130 email: david.mcallister@europarl.europa.eu

Office of Mr Andreas Schwab: Tel. 0032 228 45938 email: andreas.schwab@europarl.europa.eu

Office of Mr Christophe Grudler: Tel. 0032 228 45577 email: christophe.grudler@europarl.europa.eu