The deal, reached after years of sometimes difficult negotiations, has already been condemned by the influential, right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), while Swiss trade unions have also expressed concern.

It is almost certain that it will be put directly to Swiss voters in a referendum.

The agreement is an attempt to stabilise ties between the Alpine state and the surrounding EU bloc, which are currently entangled in more than 120 separate agreements.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in the Swiss capital, Bern, to open the reshuffle alongside Swiss President Viola Ammerd.

"This agreement between the EU and Switzerland is historic. It marks the beginning of a long-lasting cooperation. For the people of Switzerland and the EU, this agreement is a wonderful basis for many good years of cooperation...we are as close as it is possible to be," she said. 

Amerd described the agreement as a "milestone for the stabilisation and further development" of relations between the two countries.

"This is in the interest of the Swiss and EU population, our economies, employees, consumers, students and researchers. The government is convinced that the outcome of the negotiations is good and beneficial for both partners," she added. | BGNES