Switzerland–EU bilateral agreement in the field of statistics
The bilateral agreement on statistics, which has been in force since 2007, allows Switzerland and the European Union (EU) to produce comparable and coherent statistics in areas such as the economy, prices and international trade. It sets out the topics covered and the specific arrangements regarding statistical cooperation. Users therefore benefit from easier access to harmonised data for their analyses and decisions.
Direct access
- Switzerland–EU agreement on cooperation in the field of statistics
- EUR-Lex: Access to the legal acts of the EU
- Switzerland's European policy FDFA
Switzerland’s participation in the European statistical system
Thanks to the agreement, Switzerland benefits from equivalent treatment to that of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (EEA EFTA) for the management of its data by Eurostat (the EU’s statistical service). It participates in EU committees and working groups on statistics, without a right to vote. In return, Switzerland pays an annual financial contribution to the European statistical programme. Find out more about the European statistical system
Principles and ethical framework
The development, production and dissemination of statistics are governed by principles such as impartiality, reliability, objectivity, independence, statistical confidentiality and minimising the burden on respondents. These principles are set out in detail in the European Statistics Code of Practice, which serves as a guideline for Switzerland and the EU. Find out more about the Code of Practice
How the agreement functions and is managed
The cooperation is based on a traditional model without any transfer of legislative powers to a supranational body. A Switzerland‒EU Statistical Committee (Joint Committee) manages the agreement, sets out recommendations and makes joint decisions, particularly regarding adapting annexes and defining annual statistical programmes. The decisions of the Committee are binding on both parties.
Statistical domains covered by the agreement
The agreement concerns the following domains:
- business statistics (including statistics on international trade)
- transport and tourism statistics
- statistical principles and confidentiality
- demographic and social statistics
- economic statistics
- nomenclatures
- agricultural statistics
- energy statistics
- environmental statistics
Index
Federal Statistical Office
Espace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel