Switzerland is getting ready to begin discussions on a new relationship with the European Union, over two years since prior negotiations came to a halt.

The government is set to construct a negotiating mandate and will decide whether or not to adopt it by the end of the year, according to a statement on Wednesday.

The decision comes after several months of work between Swiss and EU officials that took into account numerous issues, such as the freedom of movement, Bloomberg reports.

The European Union would like a detailed treaty which shores up the series of sectoral agreements currently in force. Indeed, after Switzerland abandoned talks about reaching an agreement back in 2021, it is now focused on reaching a “package deal” incorporating different subjects.

Even if Switzerland does reach a solution this time around, it is probable that any agreement would need to pass a national vote. As it stands, certain groups, including the right-wing People’s Party and unions, are pushing against any compromises that could increase immigration or erode Swiss wages.

The exploratory talks included issues such as health and food safety, new agreements regarding electricity, and Switzerland being readmitted to the EU research and education programmes Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.

In addition, it also includes institutional issues, including the regulation of dispute resolution and the dynamic adoption of law, Swiss Info reports.

The most recent exploratory talks with the European Union were held at the end of last month.

As well as these talks, the government has also held discussions with the cantons, social partners and business circles over the past few months. The principal subjects covered included the free movement of people, wage protection for posted workers and state aid.

The government added that parliament, the cantons, the social partners, the business community and other stakeholders will be closely involved in the next stage of the process.