Source: Dispatch of the Federal Council on Bilateral III, pp. 118--119
PDF of the dispatch
Under the single market agreements, Switzerland participates financially in EU agencies, information systems and activities. The funding consists of an operational contribution and a participation fee. The contribution key is based on the ratio of Swiss GDP to EU GDP. The participation conditions are reviewed every three years by the Joint Committee (JC).
| Component | Description | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Operational contribution | Funding of the ongoing activities of agencies and information systems | GDP key (Swiss GDP / EU GDP) |
| Participation fee | Lump-sum contribution for participation in activities and programmes | Agreed in the JC |
The calculation of Switzerland's contribution follows a transparent key:
Order of magnitude: Swiss GDP accounts for approximately 4--5% of EU GDP, which reflects the approximate framework of the contribution key.
Switzerland participates under the single market agreements in various EU agencies:
| Area | Agency/System | Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Air transport | European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) | AAT |
| Conformity | Relevant EU bodies for conformity assessment | MRA |
| Free movement | EURES network (job placement) | AFMP |
| Land transport | European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) | ALT |
The Joint Committee (JC) reviews the participation conditions and partial contributions every three years:
An important negotiating success for Switzerland:
Switzerland's financial contributions to agencies are not adjusted at Switzerland's request, as long as the existing arrangements are in force. Current arrangements are not affected by the new institutional provisions.
The financial contribution under the institutional elements must not be confused with the cohesion contribution (solidarity contribution) to the newer EU Member States:
| Aspect | Institutional financial contribution | Cohesion contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Participation in agencies and activities | Reduction of economic disparities |
| Legal basis | Single market agreements | Separate agreement |
| Calculation | GDP key | Politically negotiated |
| Recipients | EU agencies, programmes | EU Member States (primarily CEE) |
| Periodicity | Ongoing | In periods (e.g. 10 years) |