EU Warns Switzerland Against Undermining Sustainable Freight Transport
Switzerland’s recent unilateral actions are threatening the sustainable movement of goods across Europe and violating the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement. The European Union emphasizes the need to protect the integrity of its Single Market and prevent a potential supply chain crisis.
Concerns Over Switzerland’s Independent Approach
While the EU is advancing its Transport Package to decarbonize transport, Switzerland has chosen to implement rail freight measures independently instead of collaborating through the Joint Network Secretariat on improving rail freight safety.
- Most freight passing through Switzerland links Europe’s largest seaport to major industrial hubs.
- Swiss measures risk disrupting the European supply chain and imposing regulations on other European countries.
- These actions contradict the existing EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement.
EU’s Call for Firm Action
The EU insists it cannot remain silent about these developments and must act decisively to protect both the Single Market’s integrity and sustainable transport modes from being disadvantaged.
Background of Switzerland’s Measures
In autumn 2025, Switzerland announced new rail freight regulations to take effect from 1 January 2026. These measures were introduced following the Gotthard Base Tunnel accident in 2023 and come amid finalization of enhanced pan-European safety measures.
“The EU must defend the integrity of the Single Market and take action to avert a supply chain crisis.”
“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 threaten European supply chains and undermine sustainable transport, prompting the EU to demand respect for existing agreements and coordinated action.