In Brussels on 18 February, the EU’s Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) unanimously endorsed the package of seven updated bilateral accords negotiated with Switzerland last year. The dossier now goes to the General Affairs Council for formal adoption on 24 February, clearing the way for signature and provisional application later in 2026.
The package streamlines market access in areas such as electricity trading, food safety and health security, but—crucially for global mobility—also shores up free movement of persons. It clarifies social-security coordination, recognises more professional qualifications and introduces faster dispute-settlement procedures—all points of friction for multinationals that shuttle staff between Switzerland and the EU-27.
![EU member states give green light to Switzerland–EU bilateral package]()
Companies navigating these updates can lighten the administrative load by partnering with VisaHQ, whose Switzerland portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/) provides real-time guidance on A1 certificates, posted-worker notifications and visa requirements, ensuring HR teams remain fully compliant as the new bilateral rules roll out.
Although the deal must still clear Switzerland’s domestic ratification hurdle—and could ultimately face a referendum—the EU’s approval is an essential political signal. It reassures companies that the bilateral route remains viable and that Switzerland is unlikely to slide toward ‘third-country’ status within the continent. For HR directors, the practical takeaway is that posted-worker notifications, social-security certificates (A1s) and professional-licensing checks should become simpler once the accords enter into force.
Swiss exporters and research institutes also stand to benefit: reinstatement in Horizon Europe and Erasmus-style programmes is part of the broader political package. Mobility managers should therefore track implementation timetables closely; transitional rules may apply as early as Q4 2026, with full legal effect expected during 2027.
The package streamlines market access in areas such as electricity trading, food safety and health security, but—crucially for global mobility—also shores up free movement of persons. It clarifies social-security coordination, recognises more professional qualifications and introduces faster dispute-settlement procedures—all points of friction for multinationals that shuttle staff between Switzerland and the EU-27.
Companies navigating these updates can lighten the administrative load by partnering with VisaHQ, whose Switzerland portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/) provides real-time guidance on A1 certificates, posted-worker notifications and visa requirements, ensuring HR teams remain fully compliant as the new bilateral rules roll out.
Although the deal must still clear Switzerland’s domestic ratification hurdle—and could ultimately face a referendum—the EU’s approval is an essential political signal. It reassures companies that the bilateral route remains viable and that Switzerland is unlikely to slide toward ‘third-country’ status within the continent. For HR directors, the practical takeaway is that posted-worker notifications, social-security certificates (A1s) and professional-licensing checks should become simpler once the accords enter into force.
Swiss exporters and research institutes also stand to benefit: reinstatement in Horizon Europe and Erasmus-style programmes is part of the broader political package. Mobility managers should therefore track implementation timetables closely; transitional rules may apply as early as Q4 2026, with full legal effect expected during 2027.
