Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with Switzerland to amend the Agreement on the Carriage of Goods and Passengers by Rail and Road with a view to enabling the participation of Switzerland in the European Union Agency for Railways

The European Union Agency for Railways is open to participation by third countries, in particular by countries which have concluded agreements with the Union under which the countries concerned have adopted and are applying Union law, or equivalent national measures, in the field covered by Regulation (EU) 2016/796, which is above all railway safety and railway interoperability.

The Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Carriage of Goods and Passengers by Rail and Road of 21 June 1999 ("the Land Transport Agreement") provides for a coordinated transport policy in the areas of road, rail and combined transport. Cooperation with the Swiss Confederation has intensified and evolved positively over the years. The geographic position of the Swiss Confederation and its role as a major transit country make it an important partner in achieving a safe and interoperable railway area in Europe.

Further intensifying the existing constructive cooperation between the Union and the Swiss Confederation is deemed to be mutually beneficial in terms of achieving a safe and interoperable railway area as well as ensuring that the Swiss Confederation continues to provide its expertise in interoperability and safety matters. As such, it is appropriate to allow in principle the Swiss Confederation to participate in the Agency.