Switzerland Undermines Sustainable Goods Movement in Europe
Switzerland is weakening the sustainable transport of goods across Europe and failing to comply with the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement. The European Union must act to protect the Single Market’s integrity and prevent a potential supply chain crisis.
Conflict with EU's Transport Goals
While the EU advances its Transport Package focused on decarbonising transport, Switzerland has taken independent steps that threaten the efficient and sustainable flow of goods. Instead of collaborating through the Joint Network Secretariat to enhance rail freight safety, Switzerland has chosen to implement its own measures unilaterally.
Impact on European Freight and Supply Chains
Most freight traveling through Switzerland links Europe’s largest seaport with vital industrial hubs. The new Swiss regulations, set to start on 1 January 2026, risk disrupting these supply routes and have wider implications as they effectively apply to all of Europe, contradicting the existing EU-Switzerland agreement.
Switzerland announced these rail freight measures following the 2023 Gotthard Base Tunnel accident, at a time when improved pan-European safety rules are still being finalised.
EU’s Urgent Need for Response
The EU can no longer remain passive. It must firmly defend the Single Market and ensure that sustainable transport options are not undermined by unilateral decisions.
Author's summary: Switzerland’s unilateral rail freight measures threaten Europe’s sustainable goods transport and EU’s Single Market, demanding urgent EU intervention to prevent supply chain disruption.