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EU Member States and Switzerland agree to expand defence cooperation through EDA

European Defence Agency

01 December 2025

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and Switzerland have updated the terms of their cooperation, allowing Bern to participate in a wider range of defence-related projects with EU Member States. This is in full respect of Switzerland's neutrality policy. Until now, cooperation was primarily focused on research and innovation.

The revised framework, known as an Administrative Arrangement, will enable a greater scope of cooperation between EU Ministries of Defence and Switzerland's Federal Department of Defence, Civil protection and Sport, allowing structured access to the full range of EDA programmes. These cover research, innovation, capability development, joint procurement, and training. The framework also includes industrial cooperation.

In addition, some areas of cooperation were not possible under the original arrangement, signed in 2012, for example joint procurement.

"The signing of the updated Administrative Arrangement marks an important milestone in Switzerland's cooperation with EDA that has started 13 years ago", said Swiss Federal Councillor Martin Pfister.

"This update opens new opportunities for Switzerland to contribute to European defence innovation and allows us to learn from our partners," said EDA Chief Executive André Denk. "It also reflects EDA's commitment to strong defence cooperation beyond EU borders. It enables closer collaboration on capability development, research and innovation, while respecting Swiss neutrality."

Participation in individual EDA activities will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The arrangement remains non-binding and is based on the mutual willingness of Member States and Switzerland to cooperate. EDA will also integrate a Swiss seconded national expert among its staff.

Switzerland was among the first non-EU countries to conclude an Administrative Arrangement with EDA over a decade ago. Since then, cooperation has expanded significantly, including Swiss involvement in the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI), EDA's incubator that helps develop, test and prototype new technologies.

In October 2024, EDA Member States called for the arrangement with Switzerland to be updated to reflect this broader collaboration.

EDA's broader role

Founded in 2004, the Agency helps foster defence cooperation across Europe. It serves as the place for EU countries to develop their defence capabilities together. EDA's activities span from training and developing military capabilities to research, technology, innovation and supporting EU military operations. The Agency also works closely with the European defence industry to strengthen the EU's technological and industrial base.