What is the Bilateral III package and why is it important for Swiss companies?

The Bilateral III package is a set of new agreements between the Swiss Confederation and the European Union to update market access agreements, which have been blocked since 2021 after the abandonment of negotiations on the institutional framework agreement. It is important because it provides Swiss companies with regulatory certainty, lasting access to the European market, and significantly reduces compliance costs and administrative procedures. Without it, Swiss companies would continue to face increasing costs and complexity.

What is the current status of the Bilateral III package?

The Bilateral III package is currently under consideration by the Swiss Federal Parliament and has not yet been definitively approved. The explicit support of the CGSO provides an important political basis to support its approval, but the parliamentary debate and scrutiny will continue according to the timelines set by Parliament.

How does the package affect research and European programmes such as Horizon Europe?

The package guarantees continuous and regular Swiss participation in European research programmes such as Horizon Europe. This is crucial for Swiss universities, research centres and innovative startups, which depend on these funds and international collaborations to remain globally competitive in the field of research and innovation.

What does the Bilateral III dispute resolution mechanism contain?

The package includes an official and structured mechanism for resolving disputes between Bern and Brussels over the interpretation and application of the agreements. This mechanism reduces regulatory uncertainty for Swiss companies and accelerates the resolution of disputes that currently go on indefinitely, offering greater security for business investments.

Bilateral III: Cantonal governments say yes (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 3 September 2026

Swiss Federal Palace in Bern with Swiss and European flags, seat of the Federal Parliament

The Conference of Governments of Western Switzerland meeting in Fribourg supports the package of agreements with the EU, underlining the importance for stable access to the continental market

Context

In brief

Western governments support Bilaterali III in Fribourg
7 cantons gathered at the CGSO headquarters say yes to the package
Package under review by the Federal Parliament
Update agreements to protect access to the European market

Key facts

What: Bilaterali III package between Switzerland and EU
When: Today's meeting of the Conference
Where: Fribourg
Who: Governments of 7 western cantons (Berne, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Vaud, Valais)
Status: Under review by the Federal Parliament
Importance: Ensure long-term access to the continental market for Swiss companies

The Conference of the Governments of Western Switzerland (CGSO) gathered today in Fribourg the representatives of seven cantons—Berne, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Vaud and Valais—to express full support for the package of agreements between the Confederation and the European Union, known as Bilaterali III. The decision is relevant because the package is currently under review by the Federal Parliament and is considered essential to ensure Swiss companies stable access to the continental market.

The origin of the stalemate: from 2021 to the blocking of updates

In 2021, Switzerland abandoned the negotiations on the institutional framework agreement with the EU. Since then, Brussels has refused to update several market access agreements, blocking the evolution of European legislation in the affected sectors. This situation exposes Swiss companies—in particular SMEs—to complicated procedures and additional costs to operate within the Union.

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Operational details

The concrete impact on Swiss companies

The lack of updated agreements directly affects Swiss companies exporting to the EU. Currently, a Swiss SME faces administrative procedures that diverge from European legislation: duplication of certifications, additional audits, longer customs clearance times. For a small to medium-sized company, these costs are significant in relation to overall turnover and operational margins.

The dispute resolution mechanism included in the Bilaterali III package is a crucial novelty compared to the status quo. So far, disputes between Bern and Brussels have been resolved slowly or not at all, blocking entire sectors and creating prolonged normative uncertainty. A defined mechanism would accelerate disputes and significantly reduce the business risk for Swiss exporters.

Research, innovation, and global competitiveness

Access to European research programs such as Horizon Europe is not a mere administrative detail: Swiss universities, research centers, and innovative startups depend on these funds to remain competitive in the international landscape. The absence of regular participation would result in the loss of critical international collaborations, reduced access to R&D funds, and the gradual marginalization of Swiss research in the European context.

The renewal of the Bilaterali III therefore concerns not only traditional industry and commerce but the entire Swiss innovation ecosystem. The position of the CGSO is strategic: these seven cantons represent open economies, with strong exporters and established multinationals. The endorsement of the Conference signals clear political consensus among the cantonal administrations, providing a solid basis for parliamentary approval.

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Key points

How to follow developments and prepare concretely

If you manage a Swiss company that exports to the EU or depends on European suppliers, the Bilaterali III package directly affects your competitiveness and strategic planning. Here are the operational steps to monitor and prepare.

Monitor parliamentary timelines: The package is under review by the Federal Parliament. You can follow the process by consulting the official communications of the Federal Council on admin.ch or the parliamentary messages on parlament.ch. Approval timelines will be publicly announced well in advance, allowing for adequate business planning.

Assess the specific impact on your sector: Not all sectors are affected equally. Manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industries, and financial services will benefit most from regulatory stability. A meeting with a commercial consultant or your Swiss industry association can clarify the specific implications for your business.

Plan gradual regulatory transitions: If you currently use procedures that are not updated to EU standards, the package will mark a transition towards progressive alignment. Gather documentation on current regulatory gaps and plan compliance investments before the official entry into force.

Practical resources available

For those calculating personnel costs in Switzerland considering more stable economic scenarios thanks to solid trade agreements, the salary calculator from Frontaliere Ticino offers quick and accurate estimates. For comparative information on cost of living by canton, a detailed guide is available. Those looking for job opportunities in exporting companies that will benefit from the Bilaterali III can find positions in the job listings section.

Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bilateral III package and why is it important for Swiss companies?: The Bilateral III package is a set of new agreements between the Swiss Confederation and the European Union to update market access agreements, which have been blocked since 2021 after the abandonment of negotiations on the institutional framework agreement. It is important because it provides Swiss companies with regulatory certainty, lasting access to the European market, and significantly reduces compliance costs and administrative procedures. Without it, Swiss companies would continue to fac
Who expressed support for the Bilateral III package?: The Conference of Governments of Western Switzerland (CGSO), meeting in Fribourg, expressed full support for the package. It represents seven cantons: Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Vaud and Valais. These cantons stressed in the official statement the need to regularly update the agreements with the EU, not as an isolated event but as an ongoing process.
What is the current status of the Bilateral III package?: The Bilateral III package is currently under consideration by the Swiss Federal Parliament and has not yet been definitively approved. The explicit support of the CGSO provides an important political basis to support its approval, but the parliamentary debate and scrutiny will continue according to the timelines set by Parliament.
How does the package affect research and European programmes such as Horizon Europe?: The package guarantees continuous and regular Swiss participation in European research programmes such as Horizon Europe. This is crucial for Swiss universities, research centres and innovative startups, which depend on these funds and international collaborations to remain globally competitive in the field of research and innovation.
What does the Bilateral III dispute resolution mechanism contain?: The package includes an official and structured mechanism for resolving disputes between Bern and Brussels over the interpretation and application of the agreements. This mechanism reduces regulatory uncertainty for Swiss companies and accelerates the resolution of disputes that currently go on indefinitely, offering greater security for business investments.