EU Cannot Allow Switzerland to Undermine Free Movement of Goods and Sustainable Transport
Switzerland is compromising sustainable goods transport across Europe and violating the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement. The EU must protect the Single Market’s integrity and act promptly to prevent a supply chain crisis.
While the EU advances its Transport Package to decarbonize transportation, Switzerland has taken independent measures that undermine sustainable freight movement. Instead of collaborating through the Joint Network Secretariat to enhance rail freight safety, Switzerland opted to proceed alone.
Most freight passing through Switzerland links Europe’s largest seaports to vital industrial regions. The Swiss actions threaten a European supply chain disruption and impose unilateral rules on the rest of Europe, conflicting with the existing EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement.
"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."
In autumn 2025, Switzerland announced new rail freight measures crossing its territory, effective from 1 January 2026. This followed the Gotthard Base Tunnel accident in 2023 and was introduced as pan-European safety enhancements are still being finalized.
Key Issues Raised
- Switzerland’s unilateral action undermines Europe's efforts to decarbonize transport.
- This risks disrupting critical freight routes connecting seaports to industrial centers.
- The measures conflict with the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement.
- The EU is urged to respond decisively to uphold market integrity and sustainability.
Context and Impact
Switzerland’s decision bypasses established cooperation frameworks designed to boost rail freight safety, putting at risk not only sustainability goals but also the smooth flow of goods across Europe’s key transit corridors.
"Most of the freight passing through Switzerland connects Europe’s largest seaport with key industrial areas."
Timing and Background
The new Swiss regulations respond to last year's Gotthard Base Tunnel accident but come while enhanced pan-European rail safety measures remain incomplete.
Switzerland’s approach is isolated and may threaten both environmental objectives and economic stability within the Single Market.
Author’s summary: Switzerland’s unilateral rail freight measures threaten Europe’s sustainable transport and supply chains, challenging EU’s Single Market and requiring urgent coordinated response.