Switzerland’s relationship with the EU

As it is not a member of the EU, Switzerland has no representation in any of the EU institutions and no right to participate in EU decisions (except regarding the Schengen border-free area). Nor is it a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) which comprises the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Switzerland has nevertheless chosen to cooperate with the EU in a number of specific areas of mutual interest. It is a member of the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) and an associate member of the Schengen border-free area, and it has a series of over 100 bilateral agreements with the EU, many of which require Switzerland to comply with EU law.