ZURICH (Reuters) -The Swiss cabinet on Friday said it has approved the agreements struck with the European Union last year to regulate their relationship and has now launched a domestic consultation process.
The uncertain global geopolitical situation made it a “strategic necessity” for Switzerland to maintain stable and predictable relations with the European Union, its biggest trading partner, the government said.
“After Switzerland brought the negotiations with the EU to a successful close in December 2024, the Federal Council finalised the implementing legislation and accompanying measures,” the cabinet said.
Issues such as wage protections, immigration and electricity as well as the type of referendum to be held on accepting the proposals have all been agreed over the last five months.
The consultation process will last until October 31, 2025, the Swiss cabinet said. Parliament will debate the package before a referendum is held, likely in 2028.
“With this package, the cabinet is aiming for customised sectoral participation in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas,” the cabinet said in a statement.
“Given the current global unrest, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is key,” it added.
(Reporting by John Revill, Editing by Miranda Murray)
