The European Union (EU) and Switzerland have long enjoyed close economic ties, which have been formalized through a series of bilateral agreements. These agreements cover a wide range of topics, including the free movement of people, trade, and research cooperation.
The most significant of these agreements is the Bilateral Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Signed in 1999, this agreement allows Swiss and EU citizens to live and work in each other`s countries without requiring a visa or work permit. This has been a significant boon to both economies, with Swiss businesses benefiting from access to a larger pool of skilled workers and EU citizens being able to take advantage of the opportunities available in Switzerland`s prosperous economy.
Another important agreement is the Bilateral Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. This agreement aims to eliminate technical barriers that could hinder trade between Switzerland and the EU. It does this by ensuring that regulations related to product safety, health, and environmental protection are harmonized between the two parties.
Other notable agreements include the Bilateral Agreement on Agriculture, which provides for the free movement of agricultural products between Switzerland and the EU, and the Bilateral Agreement on Research, which allows Swiss researchers to participate in EU research programs.
However, the relationship between Switzerland and the EU has not always been smooth sailing. In 2014, Swiss voters approved a referendum calling for the reintroduction of quotas on EU citizens living and working in Switzerland. This move was viewed as a violation of the Bilateral Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, and the EU responded by suspending negotiations on a comprehensive framework agreement with Switzerland.
The issue has yet to be resolved, and the EU has threatened to retaliate by restricting Swiss businesses` access to the EU single market. This could have a significant impact on the Swiss economy, as the EU is its largest trading partner.
In conclusion, the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU have been crucial in maintaining close economic ties between the two parties. However, challenges remain, especially with regards to the free movement of people. It will be interesting to see how these issues are resolved in the coming years and how this will impact the relationship between Switzerland and the EU.