Fifty six per cent of voters backed the move to extend the 1999 accord, while 44% voted against. Turnout was 53.8% according to the latest figures.
President Samuel Schmid of Switzerland welcomed what he described as a "gradual and controlled extension" of the accord to EU-10, saying it "confirmed the bilateral approach" to Swiss-EU relations. The Swiss economy, he added is "dependent on stable relations with the EU", its first trade partner.
Opponents had campaigned around fears that the accord would allow an uncontrolled flow of workers from poorer eastern countries to enter Switzerland, leading to social and wage dumping.
Schmid said the federal authorities were "taking the various apprehensions of the population in connection with the opening of our country seriously" and highlighted the "lengthy transition time" and the "strict limitations to immigration" which are attached.
In a written statement, Commission President said the extension of the 1999 accord on the free movement of people is an "indispensable element" of Swiss-EU relations and would come as a complement to Switzerland's association to the Schengen border agreement approved by the Swiss in a separate referendum in June.
