The government has established an Integration Office under the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Economic Affairs. To minimise the negative consequences of Switzerland's isolation from the rest of Europe, Bern and Brussels signed seven bilateral agreements to further liberalise trade ties. These agreements were signed in 1999 and took effect in 2001. This first series of bilateral agreements included the free movement of persons. A second series covering nine areas was signed in 2004 and has since been ratified, which includes the Schengen Treaty and the Dublin Convention besides others. They continue to discuss further areas for cooperation. COUNT 5
QSN1 How many bilateral agreements did Bern and Brussels sign to further liberalise trade ties? ANS1 seven QSN2 What was included in the first series of bilateral agreements pertaining to people? ANS2 free movement of persons QSN3 When was a second series of 9 bilateral agreements signed? ANS3 2004 QSN4 What has since happened to the second series of bilateral agreements? ANS4 has since been ratified QSN5 What were the original bilateral agreements meant to minimize the negative consequences of? ANS5 Switzerland's isolation from the rest of Europe