PURPOSE : the signature and conclusion of an Agreement between the EU and the Swiss Confederation in the field of statistics
PROPOSED ACT : Council Decision.
CONTENT : since the Swiss rejection of the EEA in 1992, the Swiss authorities have been seeking closer ties with EU based on sectoral bi-lateral Agreements. In 2000, the Council authorised the Commission to begin negotiations with Switzerland on a multi-annual Community Statistical Programme. This Programme should work towards harmonisation of data collection, nomenclatures, definitions and statistical methodologies. Negotiations between the two sides were concluded in 2004. Under the terms of the Agreement there will be an exchange of staff with the Agreement being overseen by a joint committee. Switzerland will be allowed to participate in the European Statistical System whilst it will be expected to adopt a large proportion of the statistical acquis communautaire. The cost of participation being proposed exceeds the cost that Switzerland would have paid under the EEA. Lastly, whilst Switzerland would be permitted to participate in the Community Statistical Programme, no Swiss participants would be eligible for Community financing.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Switzerland shall contribute financially, on an annual basis, to the Community Statistical Programme.