Swiss Federal Council Advances EU Policy Coordination Plan

The Federal Council’s October 15, 2025 meeting marked a significant step toward reforming Switzerland’s approach to European Union relations. Central to these discussions was the need to strengthen the involvement of Switzerland’s 26 cantons in foreign policy matters, particularly regarding the comprehensive Swiss-EU package. This move recognizes the unique federal structure of Switzerland, where cantons maintain substantial autonomy and have direct interests in cross-border agreements affecting economic, environmental, and social policies.

The proposed arrangement with cantonal governments represents a fundamental shift toward more inclusive policy-making. By formalizing cantonal participation in EU-related decisions, Switzerland aims to create a more cohesive national position that reflects regional priorities and concerns. This enhanced coordination mechanism is particularly crucial given the complex nature of Swiss-EU relations, where agreements often touch upon areas traditionally within cantonal jurisdiction, including education, healthcare, and local economic development.

Parallel to the cantonal engagement strategy, the Federal Council has committed to expanding information mechanisms for parliamentary committees. This initiative addresses longstanding concerns about transparency and legislative oversight in Switzerland’s foreign policy formulation. By ensuring parliamentary committees receive comprehensive and timely information, the government aims to foster more informed debate and decision-making on EU matters.

The enhanced information-sharing framework will provide parliamentary committees with greater access to negotiation updates, impact assessments, and strategic documents related to the Swiss-EU package. This approach acknowledges Parliament’s constitutional role in foreign policy while recognizing the need for efficient decision-making processes. The reforms seek to strike a balance between executive flexibility and legislative scrutiny, ensuring that Switzerland’s EU policy benefits from diverse political perspectives while maintaining negotiation effectiveness.

The Federal Council has established a clear implementation roadmap, with the comprehensive proposals scheduled for inclusion in an official dispatch to Parliament in March 2026. This timeline allows for thorough preparation and consultation with relevant stakeholders, including cantonal governments and parliamentary committees. The March 2026 submission date provides sufficient opportunity to refine the proposed mechanisms based on feedback from all involved parties.

The forthcoming Federal Council dispatch will serve as the formal legislative vehicle for these reforms, outlining the legal and procedural changes necessary to implement the enhanced coordination framework. This document will detail the specific mechanisms for cantonal involvement, define the scope of parliamentary information sharing, and establish protocols for ongoing consultation throughout the Swiss-EU negotiation process. The dispatch’s submission in March 2026 represents a critical milestone in Switzerland’s ongoing efforts to modernize its foreign policy apparatus and strengthen its position in European affairs.