EU Cannot Allow Switzerland to Undermine the Free Movement of Goods and Sustainable Transport | Euractiv

Switzerland Undermines Sustainable Goods Movement in Europe

Switzerland is weakening the sustainable transport of goods across Europe by not adhering to the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement. The European Union must act to protect the Single Market's integrity and prevent a potential supply chain crisis.

Impact on EU Transport and Sustainability Goals

While the EU is launching its Transport Package and pushing for transport decarbonisation, Switzerland has taken independent steps that threaten the sustainable freight movement throughout Europe. Instead of collaborating with the Joint Network Secretariat to enhance rail freight safety, Switzerland decided to act alone.

Significance of Switzerland’s Rail Freight

The majority of freight passing through Switzerland connects Europe's largest seaport with critical industrial hubs. The Swiss actions risk not only disrupting the European supply chain but also impose measures affecting the rest of Europe, conflicting with the current EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement.

"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."

Recent Swiss Measures and Their Context

In autumn 2025, Switzerland announced new rail freight regulations affecting transit from January 1, 2026. These measures were introduced following the 2023 Gotthard Base Tunnel accident and were declared while enhanced pan-European rail safety rules are still being finalized.

Summary

The EU faces a challenge to uphold free and sustainable transport in Europe as Switzerland’s unilateral freight policies threaten supply chain stability and contradict existing agreements.

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Euractiv Euractiv — 2025-11-06

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