Switzerland maintains close ties with the European Union (EU) on environmental matters. It regularly participates in informal meetings of EU environment ministers and has been a member of the European Environment Agency (EEA) since 1 April 2006. Switzerland's environmental legislation has already been harmonised with EU regulations to a significant extent in a number of sectors.
The OECD is an intergovernmental organisation whose 38 member countries share a commitment to democracy and the market economy. Its mission is to promote public policies that improve the well-being of all populations around the world. To do so, it provides a forum where governments can combine their efforts and share their experiences. The OECD also carries out analytical and comparative work for member countries, issues recommendations and establishes recognised international standards.
The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which was established in 1947 by the Economic and Social Council, is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. Its main objective is to promote economic integration, cooperation and sustainable development in the 56 member countries located in the UNECE region (Western Europe, South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Turkey and Israel). Many international and non-governmental organisations also participate in the work of the UNECE.
The FOEN raises issues of concern to Switzerland in the context of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), particularly in the following priority areas: the strengthening of UNEP as a central pillar of the global environmental regime, chemicals and waste, the implementation of environmental conventions, the closing of gaps in international regulations, monitoring and assessment, as well as the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
