Popular votes and chronology

Votes

When the Swiss voted against joining the European Economic Area (EEA) in the referendum of 1992 Switzerland decided to develop further relations with the European Union on a bilateral basis. Since then there have been a number of other popular votes on questions related to European policy.

15.05.2022: Adoption of the EU Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex).
27.09.2020: Popular initiative «For moderate immigration (Limitation Initiative)»
19.05.2019: EU firearms directive
30.11.2014: Popular initiative «Ecopop»
09.02.2014: Popular initiative aimed at «Stopping mass immigration»
17.05.2009: Acceptance of the Federal Act of 13 June 2008 about the introduction of electronically stored biometric data in the Swiss passport and in the travel documents for foreign individuals (development of the Schengen acquis)
08.02.2009: Continuation of the agreement on the free movement of persons and its extension to Bulgaria and Romania
26.11.2006: Federal Act on Cooperation with Eastern Europe
25.09.2005: Extension of the agreement on the free movement of persons and the revision of the accompanying measures
05.06.2005: Acceptance of the Schengen/Dublin association agreement
04.03.2001: Popular initiative «Yes to Europe!»
21.05.2000: Bilateral Agreements I between Switzerland and the European Union
08.06.1997: Popular initiative «EU membership negotiations before the people!»
06.12.1992: Accession of Switzerland to the European Economic Area

Voting behaviour of the cantons on European policy proposals (PDF, 1 Page, 264.6 kB)

Chronology

Relations between Switzerland and the rest of Europe have been developed steadily. The highlights of this development process are listed in chronological order in the following document:

Data	Switzerland		EU
20.12.2024	At its meeting on 20 December 2024, the Federal Council took note with satisfaction the material conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). It noted that the Swiss delegation, led by chief negotiator Patric Franzen, has met the objectives set under the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has instructed the relevant departments to undertake the preparatory work needed to formally conclude negotiations. Press release, 20.12.2024
06.11.2024	At its meeting on 6 November 2024, the Federal Council held an in-depth discussion on the status of negotiations with the EU and internal implementation of the package. In most dossiers, negotiations are well advanced. Negotiations on the free movement of persons, electricity and Switzerland's contribution to cohesion within the EU are continuing apace, with the aim of achieving a convergence of positions. Internal work and discussions with the cantons, the social and economic partners and interest groups have enabled progress to be made on a number of fronts. Press release, 06.11.2024
26.06.2024	At its meeting on 26 June 2024, the Federal Council took stock of the negotiations with the EU and the internal implementation of the package. Meanwhile parallel discussions continue in Switzerland with interest groups on key sectors. The Federal Council has also begun work to transpose the various elements of the package into Swiss law. Press release, 26.06.2024
18.03.2024	On Monday, 18 March, President Viola Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen officially opened negotiations between Switzerland and the EU in the presence of the chief negotiators from both sides. Press release, 18.03.2024
08.03.2024	At its meeting on 8 March 2024, the Federal Council approved the negotiating mandate with the EU in its definitive form. The mandate adopted takes account of the results of the consultation with the foreign affairs committees (FACs) and other interested parliamentary committees, the cantons and the views of the social and economic partners. Press release, 08.03.2024
08.05.2024	At its meeting on 8 March 2024, the Federal Council approved the negotiating mandate with the EU in its definitive form. The mandate adopted takes account of the results of the consultation with the foreign affairs committees (FACs) and other interested parliamentary committees, the cantons and the views of the social and economic partners. Press release, 08.03.2024