International agreements and memberships

Switzerland is a neutral country with worldwide connections: it has ties with the European Union through a network of bilateral agreements, and it is a member of the United Nations and other international organisations. Experts and politicians from around the world meet in Geneva to work together internationally.

Europe

Agreements with the European Union EU

Switzerland is not a member of the EU, but has close relations with it. These are governed by around 20 major bilateral agreements primarily concluded in two packages:

The first series of bilateral agreements largely govern economic matters. The main aim is to facilitate market access for both sides (goods, services, labour). In 2000, the package was approved by 67% of Swiss voters. They consist of 7 agreements. If one of these agreements is terminated by Switzerland or the EU, the other 6 agreements automatically cease to apply (‘guillotine clause’).

The second series of bilateral agreements govern further economic aspects, as well as cooperation in the fields of asylum, security, the environment and culture. There are 9 agreements, including the Schengen-Dublin agreement, which was approved by 55% of voters in 2005. Schengen facilitates transnational mobility and cooperation on justice and police. Dublin facilitates coordination on asylum proceedings.

27 member states
Headquarters in Brussels
Since 1951 (formerly ECSC, EEC)

Memberships

EFTA
The European Free Trade Association promotes free trade between its members Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway. Together with the EU countries, the EFTA countries - excluding Switzerland - form the European Economic Area (EEA). Swiss voters rejected membership of the EEA in 1992.

4 member states
Headquarters in Geneva
Founded in 1960, Switzerland a founding member

Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is dedicated to protecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy. Its most important agreement is the European Convention on Human Rights. Human rights violations can be brought before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

47 member states
Headquarters in Strasbourg
Founded in 1949, Switzerland a member since 1963

World

Memberships

United Nations UN
All 193 states of the world belong to the UN. It is committed to promoting peace and worldwide cooperation in solving global problems. The principles of the UN are laid down in the Charter of the United Nations. Switzerland has been a member of the UN since 2002: In a referendum, accession was accepted by 55% of Swiss voters.

193 member states
Main headquarters in New York, European headquarters in Geneva an Vienna
Founded in 1945, Switzerland a member since 2002

OSCE
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with its participating states in North America, Europe and Asia, is the world's largest regional security organisation. It takes measures to promote peace and resolve conflicts. It mediates between parties involved in conflict and supports the reconstruction of political structures.

57 participating states
Headquarters in Vienna
Founded in 1975, Switzerland a founding member

UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, also active in the field of communication, is a forum for international cooperation and the development of global standards. Its aim is to promote solidarity among people and thereby contribute to peace, security and sustainable development.

193 member states
Headquarters in Paris
Founded in 1945, Switzerland a member since 1949

WTO
The World Trade Organization promotes and regulates global trade in goods and services. The aim of the WTO agreements is to ensure that trade is as free, unhindered and non-discriminatory as possible. WTO members undertake to comply with certain basic rules in shaping their trade relations.

164 member states
Headquarters in Geneva
Founded in 1995, Switzerland a founding member

OECD
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is a forum for exchanging knowledge in a wide variety of fields. Its goal is to promote prosperity, quality of life and equal opportunities. The OECD develops international standards and regularly publishes international statistics and studies, including the PISA studies.

37 member states
Headquarters in Paris
Founded in 1961, Switzerland a founding member

Partnerships

NATO Partnership for Peace
Switzerland is not a member of NATO, but cooperates with it within the framework of the Partnership for Peace and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. NATO is a political and military defence alliance of 30 European and North American countries. Together with partner countries, it works for security and peace.

30 members
Headquarters in Brussels
Founded in 1949

International Geneva
Many international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are based in Geneva. Around 32,000 international officials work there. International conferences and gatherings are held there all the time.

Neutrality
Switzerland is a neutral state: it may not take part in armed conflicts or enter into military alliances. Switzerland's neutrality is recognised worldwide. That is why it is often asked to mediate in conflicts or exercise protective power mandates.