The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has invited journalists to a press conference in the Federal Palace media centre today, 25 June 2026, to unveil a long-awaited report analysing how the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) with the European Union affects Switzerland’s labour market and social-security systems. An embargoed copy of the study has been available to accredited media since yesterday afternoon. The 400-page report—compiled jointly by SECO economists, employer federation economiesuisse and trade-union umbrella SGB—quantifies both the benefits and the costs of the FMPA since it entered into force in 2002. Preliminary highlights seen by The Mobility Brief suggest net annual GDP gains of 1 percent, demographic rejuvenation that has kept the pension system afloat, but also spotlights local pressure points such as rising rents in Zurich and wage stagnation in certain low-skill occupations. The findings are politically explosive because they land only ten days after Swiss voters rejected a popular initiative that sought to cap net migration. Right-wing parties claim the report underestimates social-welfare expenses, while centrists say it confirms that economic upsides outweigh costs. The timing may tilt parliamentary debates on proposed ‘security’ and ‘infrastructure’ taxes for foreigners scheduled for the summer session. For employers, especially multinationals that bring EU staff into Swiss R&D hubs, the study offers data to defend the existing regime. HR leaders preparing mobility budgets for 2027 will watch SECO director-general Helene Budliger Artieda’s remarks closely: any hint that the Federal Council is considering quantitative limits could unsettle workforce-planning. Conversely, confirmation that the FMPA remains economically beneficial would provide welcome stability for assignment pipelines. Journalists must hold the embargo until 10:00 CET. The press conference panel will include SECO, the Swiss Employers’ Association and the Swiss Trade Union Federation, ensuring that both corporate and worker perspectives are aired. A livestream with simultaneous German, French and Italian interpretation will be available on the gov.ch portal, making the content accessible to compliance teams abroad.
