Switzerland-EU Relations – between economic integration and bilateralism

Abstract

Switzerland’s foreign policy priorities include, among other things, relations not only with neighbouring countries, but also with the EU. Being a country which is located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland considers the relations with the European Union (EU) and its Member States to be of special importance. The paper aims to present mutual relations between Switzerland and the European Union over the past years, demonstrate benefits and threats arising from Switzerland’s decision to choose, as the only one of all third countries, a path of “bilateral agreements”, as well as describe possible scenarios for mutual relations following the rejection of an institutional agreement, which was expected to put that relationship on a new path. The strategy of bilateralism brings many bene fits to Switzerland. However, due to the firm position of the EU, it will be necessary to look for new scenarios for the development of mutual cooperation. Perhaps such a solution would be to renegotiate the free trade agreement with Switzerland and turn it into a next-generation trade agreement.