President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Swiss President Guy Parmelin met to sign a new package of agreements between the European Union and Switzerland. The meeting follows recent discussions at Davos and comes amid ongoing instability in the Middle East.
Von der Leyen began her statement by addressing the situation in the Middle East, noting that she had spoken with several leaders from the region as well as European counterparts over the weekend. She said, “The developments in the Middle East are deeply concerning. I was in touch with nine Middle East leaders over the weekend and several European Leaders. The situation remains volatile, but three things are clear. First and most importantly, there is a renewed hope for the oppressed people of Iran, and we strongly support their right to determine their own future. Second, we must work hard to de-escalate and stop the conflict spreading. In the last hours, we have witnessed numerous attacks, including a drone attack targeting the British air base in Cyprus. We also saw a strike on the Saudi Aramco oil facility. And I condemn in the strongest terms these reckless and indiscriminate attacks by Iran and its proxies against sovereign territories across the region. And my third point is the stability of the region is of the utmost importance. The only lasting solution is a diplomatic one. And this means a credible transition for Iran, the definite halt to both the nuclear and ballistic programs, and an end to destabilizing activities in the region.”
She added that later that day there would be further discussion on these issues within a meeting at the Security College at the European Commission.
Turning to EU-Switzerland relations, von der Leyen highlighted that two years ago both sides set out to renew their partnership: “Two years ago, we set out to renew and modernise our partnership. Today, we deliver. We are signing this package, and we are turning our shared ambition and vision into reality.” She emphasized benefits for citizens on both sides: “More than 1.5 million EU citizens live in Switzerland. Nearly 450.000 Swiss citizens live in our Union… With this package, we will improve their daily lives.” She pointed out improvements such as modernization of free movement provisions, more clarity on wages and residence issues, better protection for workers’ rights, and expanded opportunities for students.
Von der Leyen noted that economic ties between Switzerland and EU remain strong: “Our economies are deeply intertwined… The European Union is already Switzerland’s largest trading partner.” She stated that over half of Swiss trade was with EU countries in 2024.
The agreements aim to provide businesses with fair conditions on both sides of borders while deepening cooperation on transport links and electricity markets; they also establish common food safety standards.
Another aspect discussed was cooperation on health threats: “Switzerland will participate in EU mechanisms addressing serious cross-border health threats,” von der Leyen said.
She concluded by thanking all negotiators involved: “Today is an important day for EU and Switzerland… These agreements are an investment in our shared future.”
Contact information for chief spokesperson Paula Pinho as well as deputy chief spokespersons Olof Gill and Arianna Podesta was provided following von der Leyen’s remarks.