How is Switzerland's relationship with the European Union (EU) regulated?
Wie ist das Verhältnis der Schweiz zur Europäischen Union (EU) geregelt?
Correct answer: B
- A It is a member of the EU.Sie ist Mitglied der EU.
- B It has concluded the Bilateral Agreements with the EU.Sie hat mit der EU die Bilateralen Verträge abgeschlossen.
- C It has concluded individual treaties with all EU member states.Sie hat mit allen EU-Mitgliedstaaten Einzelverträge abgeschlossen.
- D It is completely independent of the EU.Sie ist gegenüber der EU vollständig unabhängig.
Why
Switzerland is not in the EU. It governs its relationship with the EU through the Bilateral Agreements on individual topics.
Common mistakes
- A: It is a member of the EU.
- Switzerland is not an EU member.
- C: It has concluded individual treaties with all EU member states.
- Switzerland concludes the agreements with the EU as a whole, not with each country separately.
- D: It is completely independent of the EU.
- Switzerland is closely linked to the EU through many treaties, so it is not completely independent.
Topic
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU). In 1992 the voters also rejected joining the European Economic Area (EEA). After that Switzerland looked for its own way: it concludes treaties with the EU on individual topics. These treaties are called «Bilateral Agreements» because two sides sign them.
Culture, economy and Switzerland in the world
Switzerland in the world
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 336 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.