Statement by President von der Leyen with Swiss President Parmelin on the signature of a broad package of EU-Switzerland agreements

Mr President, dear Guy,

It is a great pleasure to meet again so soon after Davos. And on such an important occasion. But please allow me given the gravity of the situation, to start with some remarks on the Middle East. The developments in the Middle East are deeply concerning. I was in touch with nine Middle East leaders over the weekend and several European Leaders. The situation remains volatile, but three things are clear. First and most importantly, there is a renewed hope for the oppressed people of Iran, and we strongly support their right to determine their own future. Second, we must work hard to de-escalate and stop the conflict spreading. In the last hours, we have witnessed numerous attacks, including a drone attack targeting the British air base in Cyprus. We also saw a strike on the Saudi Aramco oil facility. And I condemn in the strongest terms these reckless and indiscriminate attacks by Iran and its proxies against sovereign territories across the region. And my third point is the stability of the region is of the utmost importance. The only lasting solution is a diplomatic one. And this means a credible transition for Iran, the definite halt to both the nuclear and ballistic programs, and an end to destabilizing activities in the region. This afternoon, we will discuss the overall situation in a meeting of the Security College here in the European Commission, because from energy to nuclear, from transport to migration to security, we must be prepared for the fallout from these recent events. 

Now Mister President let me turn to the main topic of our meeting today, and this is the EU-Switzerland Agreement. Two years ago, we set out to renew and modernise our partnership. Today, we deliver. We are signing this package, and we are turning our shared ambition and vision into reality. This is great news for people and businesses in the EU and Switzerland. Because these agreements bring concrete and lasting benefits.

Let me focus on a few priorities of our renewed partnership. First, our people. They are the body and soul of our partnership. More than 1.5 million EU citizens live in Switzerland. Nearly 450.000 Swiss citizens live in our Union. Every day, they live, work, study across our borders. And hundreds of thousands even cross those borders daily. With this package, we will improve their daily lives. We are modernizing our provisions on free movement. We are providing more clarity on key issues such as wages and residence. We are better protecting workers' rights. And we are creating new opportunities for students, who will be able to study at universities across the border without additional fees.

The second priority is our businesses. Naturally, our economies are deeply intertwined. We are talking about a combined market of 460 million consumers. The European Union is already Switzerland's largest trading partner. In 2024, over half of your trade was with us.

These agreements now will boost business opportunities. There is a simple expression for what companies need: A level playing field. This means – conditions that are fair and square on both sides. And predictable enough for business to invest and thrive.

This package strikes a fair balance between both our interests. Companies established in the EU and in Switzerland will enjoy more secure and predictable access to our massive market. We are deepening our relations on air and land transport. We are bringing our electricity markets closer. This will enhance security of supply and contribute to more stable prices. In addition, we are creating a common food safety area. It is a single set of rules for producers on each side. It will simplify their lives and at the same time guarantee the high health & safety standards that our citizens expect and deserve.

The third priority I want to highlight is a partnership built for the future. The work accomplished by our negotiators was guided by a clear objective. To build something long lasting. A foundation that empowers the next generations in Switzerland and in the EU alike.

Last November, we already signed agreements on EU programmes. That opened the door to Switzerland's participation in key European initiatives. For example, Digital Europe,
 Erasmus+, and of course, Horizon Europe. With these agreements now, we are adding another layer. We will be better equipped to protect our citizens from future health threats. Switzerland will participate in EU mechanisms addressing serious cross-border health threats. Notably, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the Early Warning and Response System. This is crucial, because health threats do not stop at borders. And coordination between neighbours is absolutely vital.

Mr President, let me conclude by saying: Today is an important day for the EU and Switzerland. Because the EU and Switzerland may be neighbours by geography. But we are partners by choice. Today's agreements will add to a precious list of partnerships that the EU values deeply. From partners across the world to our closest neighbours, the European Union is, and will remain, a reliable and predictable partner. In a volatile global context, this matters more than ever. I want to thank you and the Swiss Federal Council for your leadership, your commitment and your determination. And I want to thank our chief negotiators - Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Richard Szostak, and Ambassador Patric Franzen - for their excellent work and dedication. These agreements are an investment in our shared future. A future built on trust, stability and common prosperity.