EU Warns Switzerland Against Undermining Free Movement of Goods
Switzerland is compromising the sustainable transport of goods across Europe by not respecting the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement. The European Union must act to protect the Single Market’s integrity and prevent a looming supply chain crisis.
Concerns Over Switzerland’s Unilateral Transport Measures
Amid the EU’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize transport and launch its Transport Package, Switzerland is independently implementing measures that threaten sustainable goods movement. Instead of collaborating through the Joint Network Secretariat to enhance rail freight safety, Switzerland has opted to act alone.
Major freight routes through Switzerland link Europe’s largest seaport to vital industrial regions. The Swiss restrictions risk disrupting the entire European supply chain and are imposed unevenly on other EU countries, contradicting existing agreements.
Legal and Economic Implications
- The Swiss unilateral rules breach the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement.
- These measures could disadvantage environmentally friendly transport modes.
- The EU faces pressure to respond firmly to uphold market principles and sustainability goals.
Recent Developments
Switzerland announced new rail freight regulations in autumn, effective from 1 January 2026. These followed the 2023 Gotthard Base Tunnel accident and coincide with finalization of enhanced pan-European safety standards.
"The EU cannot afford to stay silent any longer. It must be firm in protecting not only the integrity of its Single Market but also in ensuring that a sustainable mode of transport is not disadvantaged."
Switzerland’s approach risks significant disruption to European freight flows and contradicts cooperative efforts for safer, greener transport.
Author’s summary: Switzerland’s unilateral rail freight rules threaten EU market integrity and sustainable transport ambitions, prompting calls for decisive EU action to safeguard supply chains.