Cooperation with the European Union (EU)
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.
Further information
Further topics
Health agreement Switzerland-EU
The health agreement negotiated between Switzerland and the EU enhances the early warning and response capabilities of the Swiss authorities and allows for better protection of the Swiss population. The health agreement is part of the Switzerland-EU package that the Federal Council approved and submitted for the consultation process on 13 June 2025.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
EU and neighbouring States Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern