Summary: The Bilateral Agreements III provide for a regular cohesion contribution from Switzerland to the EU. Unlike the previous voluntary and one-off contributions, this will in future be contractually established and paid periodically. It serves to reduce economic and social disparities within the EU and is linked to Switzerland's access to the single market.
Switzerland has already made contributions to EU cohesion in the past, albeit on a voluntary basis [1][2]:
| Period | Contribution | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-2012 | CHF 1 billion | Enlargement contribution (EU Eastern enlargement 2004) |
| 2017-2024 | CHF 1.3 billion | Second contribution (extended at Switzerland's request) |
| From 2026 | Regular, contractual | Bilateral III |
These contributions were formally voluntary and were described by Switzerland as "autonomous contributions" to avoid the impression of an obligation. In practice, however, willingness to make cohesion payments was always a prerequisite for the continuation of the bilateral path [1].
Under the Bilateral Agreements III, the cohesion contribution is for the first time contractually established and paid regularly. The Federal Council agreed a "legally binding mechanism for future contributions" [1][3].
The exact amount of the cohesion contribution is determined for each programme period. It is based on Switzerland's gross domestic product (GDP) in relation to the EU [1].
Note: The exact amounts for the first contribution period have not yet been fully publicly communicated as of March 2026. They will be disclosed in detail during the parliamentary deliberations.
The cohesion contribution serves to reduce economic and social disparities within the EU, particularly in the newer Member States of Central and Eastern Europe [1]:
A key element of the Bilateral Agreements III is the linking of the cohesion contribution to single market access. The EU has made clear that access to the EU single market is linked to a willingness to contribute to economic cohesion -- a principle that also applies to EEA states such as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein [1].
| Country | Contribution mechanism | Amount (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | EEA/Norway Grants (contractual, periodic) | ~EUR 400 million/year |
| Switzerland (previous) | Autonomous enlargement contribution (voluntary, one-off) | ~CHF 170 million/year (over 7 years) |
| Switzerland (new) | Cohesion contribution (contractual, periodic) | To be determined |
An in-depth analysis can be found in the chapters Disadvantages: Cohesion Payments and Regulatory Costs and Advantages: Secured Single Market Access.
[1] FDFA (2026). Switzerland-EU Package (Bilateral III). Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. [Open Access]
[2] FDFA (2026). Switzerland-EU package signed. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. [Open Access]
[3] GTAI (2026). Agreements of the Switzerland-EU package signed. Germany Trade & Invest. [Open Access]
[15] economiesuisse (2026). Bilateral III -- The best option. Dossier Politik. [Open Access] Note: Business federation.
[16] UNSER RECHT (2026). Bilateral III -- what is it about? Information platform. [Open Access]
Last updated: March 2026