Šefčovič praised the signing of the joint declaration on partnership between the EU and Switzerland
Brussels – The joint statement on partnership between the EU and Switzerland represents another important step forward in the relations between both parties. This was stated on Tuesday evening by the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, reports the Brussels correspondent of TASR.
Šefčovič made this statement during a joint press conference after the signing of the joint statement on partnership between the EU and Switzerland. The statement was signed on the Swiss side by Federal President Ignazio Cassis.
“The joint statement that we have just signed represents another important step forward between the EU and Switzerland. It builds on the proposal of the European Commission from the beginning of this month to sign and conclude a comprehensive package of agreements that we negotiated last year,” explained the Slovak European Commissioner.
According to Šefčovič, the mentioned package of agreements is the key to modernizing and deepening the mutual bilateral relations of the two close neighbors and important trading partners. He specified that after their ratification, these agreements will bring real benefits to citizens and businesses on both sides.
“Today’s statement confirms our joint commitment to strengthen cooperation in critical areas while the ratification process is ongoing,” emphasized Šefčovič. He added that this cooperation is already yielding tangible results. He reminded that in the field of research, transitional measures already now, within the EU budget for 2025, allow Swiss entities to apply for calls for research and training within the Horizon Europe and Euratom programs.
This means that after the signing of the agreement, planned for this year, Swiss participants will gain full access to EU financial resources. In the field of land transport, according to him, both parties agreed to extend the transitional agreements with the EU Agency for Railways, ensuring seamless rail transport between the EU and Switzerland.
The agreements also apply in the field of health, where the priority of both sides is the protection of citizens. In the case of serious cross-border threats, the European Commission and Switzerland are ready to quickly coordinate their actions through ad hoc mechanisms. Šefčovič emphasized that the EU will fully support the rapid ratification process of the agreements and expressed hope that the Federal Council will do the same on the Swiss side. (June 25)
“The joint statement that we have just signed represents another important step forward between the EU and Switzerland. It builds on the proposal of the European Commission from the beginning of this month to sign and conclude a comprehensive package of agreements that we negotiated last year.” Maroš Šefčovič
