Geographically and culturally in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has close political and economic ties with its European neighbours. The Integration Office, which reports to both the Federal Department of Foreign and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, looks after Swiss interests in dealings with the European Union.

Switzerland's policy towards Europe is based on bilateral negotiations. Cooperation takes the form of bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU in specific areas. Beginning with the Free Trade Agreement of 1972 a whole series of bilateral agreements have been concluded step by step, notably in bilateral negotiation rounds I and II. As well as creating the conditions for mutual access to each other's markets, these agreements serve as the basis for close cooperation in areas including research, security, asylum policy, culture and the environment. This bilateral approach has been the foundation stone for Switzerland's policy of openness and cooperation with its European neighbours. The process has been endorsed by the people in a number of referenda.

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