Summary: The Bilateral Agreements III secure and expand Switzerland's access to the EU single market, halt the erosion of existing treaties, and open new areas of cooperation in research, energy, health and digitalisation. The coalition of supporters ranges from business to academia to 22 of 26 cantons [1][5].
According to supporters, the Bilateral Agreements III offer Switzerland eight key advantages:
The Bilateral Agreements III end the ongoing erosion of existing agreements and create a stable, updated legal framework [1][5]. Planning certainty for business is strengthened through clear rules on dispute settlement and law adoption [3][4].
The updated MRA agreement secures access for Swiss industrial exports worth over 96 billion francs (2023) -- equivalent to 72% of all industrial exports to the EU [4]. The MRA blockade in the medical technology sector is lifted [1][5].
Full association with Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and further EU programmes secures Switzerland as a research and innovation hub [1][5]. Swiss universities and researchers regain equal access to EU funding and networks [5].
The new electricity agreement integrates Switzerland into the European electricity market and strengthens supply security -- particularly during the critical winter months [1][5]. economiesuisse estimates savings of up to 1 billion francs annually [4].
New cooperation agreements in health and food safety provide access to EU early warning systems and pandemic preparedness [1][5]. Trade in agricultural products is facilitated through simplified border controls [5].
Participation in EU programmes such as Digital Europe strengthens Switzerland as a digital hub [1][5]. Access to European research and innovation networks in the digital domain is secured [5].
In times of global fragmentation and increasing protectionism, the Bilateral Agreements III anchor Switzerland institutionally in Europe [1]. Switzerland's strategic positioning is strengthened [5].
A broad coalition of FDP, Centre Party, SP, Greens, GLP, business associations, trade unions and 22 of 26 cantons supports the Bilateral Agreements III [5]. The consultation process yielded a clear majority of supporters [5].
This chapter presents the positive aspects of the Bilateral Agreements III. For each advantage, the objections of critics are also documented. The critical aspects of the treaty package are covered in detail in the chapter Disadvantages for Switzerland.
[1] EDA (2026). Paket Schweiz-EU (Bilaterale III). Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. [Open Access]
[3] EDA (2026). Faktenblatt: Institutionelle Elemente. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. [Open Access]
[4] economiesuisse (2026). Bilaterale III -- Die beste Option. Dossier Politik. [Open Access] Note: Business umbrella organisation.
[5] Bundesrat (2026). Erläuternder Bericht zur Vernehmlassung. Swiss Confederation. [Open Access]
Last updated: March 2026