The European Council gave on Tuesday a mandate to the European Commission to negotiate a package of measures with Switzerland "as the basis for future EU-Switzerland relations." The measures aim to modernize bilateral ties, ensure fair competition and guarantee the protection of the rights of EU citizens in Switzerland, the Council said.
The package includes an agreement allowing Switzerland to participate in EU programs, such as Horizon Europe, Switzerland's financial contribution in exchange for participation in the EU's internal market, and relaunching talks on a deal on electricity, food safety and health. The first formal negotiations will take place in March, as Switzerland adopted its mandate last week.