Stable relations with the EU are becoming increasingly important in times of geopolitical uncertainty

The majority of the Swiss electorate continues to view the bilateral agreements with the European Union positively. Although the perception of benefits has declined slightly from previous highs, positive views still clearly predominate. At the same time, the proportion of people who recognise both advantages and disadvantages is increasing.

Economic considerations have a particularly strong influence on the assessment of the bilateral agreements. Access to the European export market, the removal of technical barriers to trade, access to skilled workers from abroad, and participation in education and research programmes are perceived as key advantages by large majorities. However, certain reservations about the EU remain. For instance, many voters view the EU as bureaucratic and see risks to wages and social security systems as a result of the free movement of persons. Overall, however, the view that the advantages of the Bilateral Agreements for Switzerland outweigh the associated disadvantages continues to prevail.

Against the backdrop of multiple geopolitical crises and conflicts, stable relations with the EU are becoming increasingly important to many voters. The view that Switzerland is dependent on the EU is shared significantly more frequently than in previous years. Support for the view that Swiss market access can be secured by adopting EU law and that a dispute settlement mechanism between Switzerland and the EU is needed has also risen significantly compared with January 2025.

This trend is also evident in the future scenarios. With 53 per cent support, the further development of the bilateral agreements through the adoption of EU law is the only model capable of securing a majority. By contrast, joining the EEA, a free trade agreement instead of the bilateral agreements, or abandoning the further development of the existing treaties find less support. It is thus evident that, above all, pragmatic models of cooperation with the EU remain capable of securing a majority, whilst extreme positions on European policy continue to be clearly rejected.

The negotiated Switzerland–EU package currently enjoys sufficient support to secure a majority. If a vote were held today, 62 per cent of eligible voters would approve it, whilst 31 per cent would reject it. There is particularly strong support for the view that the time is ripe for stable cooperation with the EU, and that the Swiss export industry requires regular updates on market access.

The key driver for support is the conviction that the package is a prerequisite for concluding new agreements that benefit Switzerland. Conversely, arguments critical of sovereignty and integration have a particularly negative impact on the likelihood of a ‘yes’ vote. Those who believe that the European Court of Justice will ultimately always have the final say, or that the free movement of persons only benefits the EU, are particularly sceptical. However, both concerns are shared only by a minority.