As Switzerland’s most important trading partner, the European Union is also an important partner for dialogue in the health sector. The Federal Council therefore intends to intensify cooperation with the EU by means of an agreement, particularly in the area of crisis management and the prevention of health threats. Collaboration takes place in both formal and informal settings.
Formal collaboration – bilateral agreements
Even though there is no specific bilateral agreement on public health, various health-related matters are covered by the following existing agreements with the EU:
- The Agreement on the free movement of persons (AFMP), which includes provisions on mutual recognition of professional qualifications and on the coordination of social security systems, including health and maternity insurance.
- The Agreement on mutual recognition of conformity assessments, which is designed to eliminate technical barriers to trade for certain industrial products, including medical devices and biocidal products. The agreement also covers the certification of medicinal products and the inspection of manufacturing processes.
- The Schengen/Dublin Agreement, which covers medical certificates for patients who need to take substances falling under the Narcotics Act with them when travelling abroad.
Informal meetings of health ministers
Switzerland is regularly invited to participate as an observer in the twice-yearly EU informal meetings of health ministers, where current European health issues are discussed.Multiannual
EU program in the field of health.
Last modification 04.01.2024
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
International Affairs Division
EU and neighbouring States Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 464 55 65