In 2013, Switzerland has signed an Agreement on cooperation with the European Union (EU) to ensure effective enforcement of competition rules in cross-border matters. The Agreement also provides for the possibility of exchanging confidential information.

In view of the very close economic links between Switzerland and the EU, it is essential to have effective means available to counter obstacles to cross-border competition. Prior to the Agreement, Switzerland and the EU cooperated in this area on a purely informal basis, which meant that the competition authorities concerned were unable to cooperate to the required extent.

Chronology

2014

• Entry into force of the Agreement (01.12.2014)
• Approval by Parliament (20.06.2014)

2013

• Signing of the Agreement (17.05.2013)