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

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

Switzerland is disrupting the sustainable transport of goods across Europe and is not complying with the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement. The EU must act to protect the Single Market’s integrity and prevent a potential supply chain crisis.

While the EU advances its Transport Package focused on decarbonising transport, Switzerland has taken unilateral steps that threaten sustainable freight movement across Europe. Instead of collaborating through the Joint Network Secretariat to enhance rail freight safety, Switzerland has opted to proceed independently.

Most freight passing through Switzerland links Europe’s largest seaport with major industrial zones. The Swiss measures risk not only triggering a European supply chain disruption but also impose burdens on the wider European market, conflicting with the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement.

The EU can no longer remain passive. It must firmly uphold the Single Market's integrity and safeguard sustainable transport modes from disadvantage.

New Swiss Rail Freight Measures

In autumn 2025, Switzerland announced new rail freight regulations for transit through its territory, effective from January 1, 2026. These measures were a response to the 2023 Gotthard Base Tunnel accident and were introduced as pan-European safety improvements are still under development.

"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."

Author’s summary: Switzerland's unilateral rail freight measures risk Europe's supply chains and undermine EU sustainable transport efforts, demanding a strong EU response.

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Euractiv Euractiv — 2025-11-06

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