European Union
Latest news and information relating to the European Union in Switzerland.
Does the new EU banking rule affect Switzerland?
The regulation, which will go into effect on January 11th, 2027, is set to restrict the access of European customers to Swiss banks.
'A lot of arguing to be done': What's at stake in the upcoming EU-UK summit?
Leaders of the EU and the UK will meet for a crucial summit in November with a move towards closer cooperation on the table. But how much will be achieved given the differences and disagreements that exist?
Europeans and Canadians set to get more opportunities to move across Atlantic
The European Union and Canada are set to announce on Friday a new strategic alliance that will include more opportunities for Canadians and Europeans to live and study and work on the opposite side of the Atlantic.
EU and Canada to bring ties to 'highest' possible level at summit
The EU and Canada want to bring their relationship to the "highest level possible" as they face a "world of growing rivalries," the 27-nation bloc's chief said Thursday ahead of a meeting with Canadian leader Mark Carney.
MEPs urge EU ministers to act and bring an end to seasonal clock changes
Some 44 members of the European Parliament from 15 different EU countries and six political groups have called on EU transport ministers to break the deadlock and get the plan to end the seasonal changing of the clocks moving again.
Just how freely can EU citizens move to (and within) Switzerland?
Generally speaking, EU and EFTA nationals (the latter consisting of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), have an almost unlimited access to Swiss work and residency permits. But are there any exceptions?
'Status quo not good enough': UK and EU set new date for key summit
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that Britain's current relationship with the European Union was "not good enough", as officials confirmed a UK-EU summit will take place on November 20th.
Proposed EU budget cut back in search for Christmas deal
Ireland, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, suggested Saturday slashing the bloc's next proposed budget by 140 billion euros ($155 billion), in a quest to bridge deep divisions and reach a deal by the end of the year.
'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
After a rollercoaster decade since the Brexit vote, the idea of the UK rejoining is still only a distant prospect and the European Union is waiting first to see what London wants next.
Rejoining the EU is among options for future ties, says UK prime minister
Andy Burnham put the idea of Britain rejoining the EU on the table Wednesday, breaking a taboo for a UK prime minister and leading French President Emmanuel Macron to declare in English "Welcome back".
EU proposes new rules on recognition of qualifications for non-EU citizens
New legislation proposed by the European Commission this week seeks to make the recognition of professional qualifications easier for non-EU citizens, a common complaint of many who've moved to the bloc from abroad.
OPINION: Do Canadians really want closer ties with Europe?
International headlines have been made this week by the EU and Canada announcing their mutual intention to form a deeper relationship. Mandy Pipher, The Local's resident Canadian, examines whether her compatriots would actually accept tighter ties with Europe.
Canada's PM Carney pushes 'new alliance' with EU despite Trump threats
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney shrugged off a threat of US retaliation on Thursday as he pitched a "new alliance" with Europe as a bulwark against outside pressures, in a closely watched speech to the European Parliament.
EU Commission mulls revision of Schengen visa rules and fees
The European Commission is planning a revision of Schengen rules on short-stay visas to make the EU’s visa policy "more coherent, secure and effective, while facilitating legitimate travel".
REVEALED: Number of residency permits issued in Europe reaches record high
European Union countries issued a total of 3.9 million new residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, a 10 percent increase compared to 2024, and the “highest level” since records began, according to new data. But which countries issue the most?
European cities to get more power to clamp down on tourist rentals
Cities across Europe will gain more leeway to curb short-term rentals such as Airbnb under plans to bring down housing costs in tourism hotspots that the European Union is to unveil Wednesday.
'Warning to Europe': How Iceland's 'No' vote is a blow to the EU
The European Union put on a brave face on Sunday in response to the Icelandic vote against resuming EU accession negotiations, but the result is no doubt a big blow to Brussels and a boon for eurosceptics.
Iceland votes 'No' to resuming EU talks
Iceland voted 'No' to resuming membership negotiations with the European Union, final referendum results showed Sunday, dealing a heavy blow to Brussels which had been keen to welcome a new wealthy member.
Iceland votes on whether to resume EU membership talks
Icelanders began voting Saturday in a referendum on whether to resume membership negotiations with the European Union, in a tight race that will be closely watched in Brussels.
As Iceland votes on the EU, which countries could be next to join?
Iceland will go to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to resume talks on EU membership. In case of a “yes” win, Iceland will become the 11th country aspiring to join the bloc. Claudia Delpero looks at the states queuing up to join the bloc.
What's the difference between Schengen and EU free movement rules?
With countries across Europe reintroducing police checks at internal borders with neighbouring states there has been renewed attention on how the borderless Schengen area works and how it's linked to the EU"s free movement principle.
Explained: The EU's new rules on AI, deepfakes and chatbots
AI watermarking and deepfake labelling will soon be required by law in the EU as the transparency part of the bloc’s sweeping AI Act comes into force on August 2nd.
Your key questions answered about the Schengen area's 90-day rule
The EU/Schengen area's '90-day' rule is a complicated one that causes much confusion for travellers - here we answer some of the most common questions from readers of The Local.