Switzerland agrees on maintaining unrestricted access to EU single market

Swiss authorities and the European Union have reached a historic agreement on maintaining economic and political ties after lengthy negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference with Swiss President Viola Amherd.

Report informs via Russian media that, according to the agreement terms, Switzerland will maintain unrestricted access to the EU single market.

The reached agreements still need to be ratified by the Swiss parliament. A referendum may also be required.

EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič noted that under the new treaty for closer economic integration with the European Union, Switzerland will pay the EU 375 million euros annually starting from 2030, with initial smaller contributions beginning to flow into the European treasury from late 2024.

"Switzerland will provide its first regular contribution to EU member states between 2030 and 2036. This involves annual payments of 375 million euros from the agreement's entry into force until 2036," said Šefčovič. He added that starting from the end of this year, Bern has committed to paying Brussels around 140 million euros annually until the agreements take effect.

According to the Commissioner, in exchange, Switzerland will gain access to new areas of the single European market, including energy and healthcare markets.

The parties also agreed that increased tuition fees at Swiss universities will be abolished for EU citizens.