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Parliamentary cooperation

Parliamentary cooperation

Chapter 2.15 of the dispatch (pp. 995-1001) describes the protocol on parliamentary cooperation between Switzerland and the EU. It establishes a Joint Parliamentary Committee for regular dialogue.

Summary

The protocol is legally binding but not subject to referendum. It institutionalises the parliamentary dialogue through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) bringing together members of the Federal Assembly and the European Parliament. The committee meets at least once a year and may address recommendations to the executives.

Feature Detail
Form Protocol (annex to the package)
Legally binding Yes
Subject to referendum No
Staffing needs 1 FTE (Parliamentary Services)

Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

The JPC is the central body of parliamentary cooperation:

Composition:

  • Members of the Federal Assembly (National Council and Council of States)
  • Members of the European Parliament
  • Observer status for the EFTA/EU Delegation

Working method:

  • At least 1 meeting per year
  • Alternating in Switzerland and Brussels/Strasbourg
  • Agenda set jointly
  • Minutes are published

Tasks of the committee

  1. Dialogue: regular exchange on the implementation of bilateral agreements
  2. Information: mutual briefing on relevant legislative projects
  3. Recommendations: non-binding recommendations to the executives of both sides
  4. Monitoring: accompanying the dynamic adoption of law from a parliamentary perspective

Existing parliamentary contacts

The JPC complements and formalises existing contacts:

  • EFTA/EU Delegation: exists since the 1990s, meets with EU parliamentarians
  • Bilateral parliamentary groups: informal contacts of individual parliamentarians
  • Conference of European committees: COSAC observer status

Resources

Staffing needs are modest: 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) at Parliamentary Services for:

  • Meeting preparation and minutes
  • Coordination with the EU Parliament
  • Documentation and translation

Key points

Aspect Detail
Legal form Protocol (legally binding)
Subject to referendum No
Body Joint Parliamentary Committee
Composition Federal Assembly + European Parliament
Frequency At least 1x/year
Staffing needs 1 FTE Parliamentary Services
EFTA Delegation Observer status

References

  • Dispatch of the Federal Council on the Switzerland-EU package, chapter 2.15 (pp. 995-1001), FedGaz 2025
  • Protocol on parliamentary cooperation, annex to the dispatch
  • Parliamentary Services: EFTA/EU Delegation, activity report 2024