Zurich, 13 September 2025
Member of the European Parliament and standing rapporteur for trade relations with Switzerland, Željana Zovko, has concluded a three-day visit to Switzerland as part of a delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, which aimed at strengthening ties between the European Union and Switzerland. The visit included discussions on a comprehensive package of agreements, seen as a crucial step toward modernizing and deepening bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, Zovko and the delegation met with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council Laurent Wehrli, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of States Marco Chiesa, members of the foreign affairs committees, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, representatives of the Conference of Cantons, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
Zovko emphasized to Swiss partners the importance of further strengthening the long-standing partnership and political cooperation between the EU and Switzerland amid global unpredictability. The comprehensive package of agreements, concluded in December 2024 and requiring the approval of the European Parliament, is key to ensuring the partnership remains predictable and delivers tangible benefits to citizens and businesses on both sides.
“In times of increasing security challenges and economic instability, our strategic partnership is more important than ever. This agreement package establishes a level playing field for businesses and enables citizens and companies on both sides to fully exercise the rights provided by these agreements. Its timely ratification will bring greater predictability and security to our relations”, Zovko highlighted.
She added that it is particularly important to uphold shared values and ensure that cooperation remains strong and constructive in the context of global uncertainty. She welcomed the commitment of Swiss partners to further strengthening relations with the European Union.
As part of the visit, Zovko also met with the Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in Zurich, Slobodan Mikac, and representatives of the Croatian community. During the meeting, she discussed the position of the Croatian community in Switzerland, the challenges faced by Croats there, and ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Croatian identity, language, and culture. She particularly highlighted the importance of the Swiss authorities’ decision to lift employment quotas for Croatian citizens starting in 2025, ensuring full access to the Swiss labour market for over 33,000 Croats living and working there, an issue Zovko had long advocated for in her previous term.
“I especially value the contribution of the Croatian community, its numerous associations and individuals, as well as the diplomatic efforts of our embassy, which is dedicated to strengthening the cultural and social presence of Croats in Switzerland”, Zovko concluded.