policy, and covers all areas of Swiss foreign policy. The importance of EU cooperation in the thematic focus areas set out in this strategy is emphasised through specific focuses in each area (peace and security, prosperity, sustainability and digitalisation). Switzerland seeks participation in the next generation of EU programmes in the fields of research and innovation and is examining the possibility of participating in the field of education. Furthermore, Switzerland’s growing power grid issues show that access to the EU’s internal electricity market is necessary. As part of its Schengen/Dublin association, Switzerland advocates common European solutions in internal security and migration and a credible asylum policy at European level. It participates in instruments to combat terrorism and crime, concerted measures to protect the external Schengen border and improve returns, and in the common visa policy. More than 20 years after the Bilaterals I agreements were signed, and given that no new market access agreements have been concluded with the EU in more than 15 years, access to the single market and the bilateral approach need to be consolidated and further developed. The existing draft Institutional Agreement (InstA) ensures that the same rules apply for all participants throughout the single market and that they are applied equally throughout. The InstA therefore guarantees sustainable access to the single market, increases legal and planning certainty and offers enhanced protection for Switzerland from discrimination in favour of EU competitors. In addition, conclusion of the InstA will lay the foundation for concluding new market access agreements. In three areas (wage protection, state aid and the Citizens’ Rights Directive), Switzerland requires additional clarifications from the EU. The main objective of Switzerland’s EU policy will continue to be ensuring stable, rules-based relations with the EU that can be further developed. This includes developing broad-based domestic solutions in the three areas to be clarified, i.e. agreeing on an InstA with the EU, carrying out the internal approval procedure and implementing such an agreement. The accompanying domestic policy debate on the consolidation and future viability of the bilateral approach should be confident and ambitious. For the EU, the InstA is a prerequisite for concluding new agreements, particularly in the areas of electricity, food safety and public health. At the same time, the EU sees a link between making progress on the InstA and updating existing market access agreements, on the one hand, and participation in certain cooperation areas, such as EU programmes. Switzerland is therefore committed to proceeding with all dossiers while preparing for all eventualities. 22 Geographical level Switzerland aims to be a reliable partner that stands in solidarity with the EU. It works closely with the EU and its member states to strengthen prosperity, security and democracy in Europe. Through a second contribution to selected EU states, Switzerland aims to help reduce economic and social inequalities in the EU and better tackle migration in Europe in the next few years. Where appropriate and in its interest, Switzerland coordinates its foreign policy instruments, e.g. in the areas of security, development cooperation, humanitarian policy and human rights and peace policy, with those of the EU and its member states. Switzerland’s neighbouring countries play an extremely important role as they account for one third of Switzerland’s total foreign trade. Progress needs to be made on outstanding bilateral questions. Particular consideration will be given to the needs of border regions. Furthermore, new areas of cooperation geared towards common challenges are to be identified and further developed. Bilateral relations with selected EU member states will also be intensified and aligned with Switzerland’s overall EU policy objectives. This particularly concerns the rotating EU Council presidency. Synergies are to be systematically utilised in bilateral relations with EU member states in order to safeguard Switzerland’s interests coherently and effectively. In view of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU, Switzerland aims to deepen relations with the United Kingdom and explore new spheres of interest on the basis of the existing Mind the Gap strategy. In terms of an overarching strategic measure, Switzerland seeks to increase the coherence and consistency of its EU policy. Where appropriate, Switzerland’s foreign policy instruments are to be examined with regard to how they relate to its core concern of consolidating relations with the EU.