The Council of States has conducted the first major round on Bilateral III and set important guidelines. The question of how the public should vote later was particularly contentious. With 23 to 17 votes and three abstentions, the smaller chamber decided to subject the stabilization portion to a mandatory referendum. This would require both a majority of voters and a majority of cantons.
Important: This is not yet a final decision. Next, it is the National Council's turn. It is to deliberate on the dossier in the winter session, in December 2026. If it does not vote in agreement, differences arise between the two chambers. These must be resolved first.
For freight forwarders and shippers, the land and air transport agreements are of particular interest. These existing agreements are to be updated and supplemented with new rules for the adoption of EU law. In land transport, it concerns access to the rail and road markets, among other things. In air transport, it concerns market access, safety, and cooperation with the EU.
Financially, a regular Swiss contribution of 350 million francs per year is foreseen for the years 2030 to 2036. Of this, 308 million francs are allocated to cohesion, that is, the reduction of economic differences in Europe, and 42 million francs for migration. Additionally, there is a transition obligation for the end of 2024 to the end of 2029. The exact sum depends on when the package enters into force.
A popular vote is likely. June 2027 to March 2028 are mentioned as a possible timeframe. Nothing is fixed yet. The electricity agreement will also continue to be treated separately in parliament. Anyone planning with a fixed voting date today is acting prematurely.