In 2004, a series of sectoral agreements (known as “bilateral II”) were signed, including Switzerland`s participation in Schengen and Dublin, as well as agreements on the taxation of savings, processed agricultural products, statistics, anti-fraud, participation in the EU media programme and the Environment Agency. These agreements cover a wide range of topics, including the free movement of persons, Schengen/Dublin, agriculture and air transport, agriculture, research, statistics, free trade and customs services. In summary, this so-called “bilateral” approach works well for both parties and in particular allows for a fluid trade relationship. These relationships can be problematic. Switzerland and the EU are currently working on issues related to cross-border services and wage protection (the so-called eight-day rule). At the same time, Switzerland is not in a customs union with the EU, which means that it is not obliged to respect the same tariffs on third countries. That is why Switzerland has been able to conclude free trade agreements with third parties, such as China and Indonesia; Negotiations are ongoing with India. Bilateral agreements I are expressed as interdependent. If one of them is pointed at or not renewed, they no longer apply to all of them. In accordance with the preamble to the EU`s decision to ratify the agreements: Switzerland participated in the negotiations of the EEA agreement with the EU, signed the agreement on 2 May 1992 and applied for EU membership on 20 May 1992. In a Swiss referendum on 6 December 1992, membership of the EEA was rejected.
Subsequently, the Swiss government suspended EU accession negotiations until further notice. By ratifying the second round of bilateral agreements, the Federal Council in 2006 lowered the characterisation of Switzerland`s full adherence to a “strategic objective” to an “option”. Membership continued to be the government`s objective and a “long-term goal” of the Federal Council until 2016, when Switzerland`s request, which had been frozen, was withdrawn. [25] [26] The request was adopted in June by the Council of States and then by the Bundesrat. [27] [28] [5] In a letter dated 27 July, the Federal Council informed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union that it was withdrawing its request. [29] How does Switzerland achieve such integration without being a member of the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA)? Answer: with the so-called “bilateral” approach.
