EU and climate deals top government priorities for 2020
Since 2014, talks have been taking place to formalise relations between Bern and Brussels, currently covered by around 120 separate bilateral accords.
Keystone
The conclusion of a framework agreement with the European Union is among the government’s 2020 targets, says Swiss President Ueli Maurer.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/ds
Português
pt
UE e acordo sobre clima são as principais prioridades para 2020
Presenting the goals on Wednesday, Maurer said a solution must be found so that the bilateral path can be continued. He said Switzerland would continue efforts next year “with a view to concluding an institutional agreement” with the EU.
In 2018, former president Alain Berset had set the same goal for this year. But the government this summer decided not to sign off on a new framework agreement to replace multiple bilateral agreements with the EU.
Despite assessing the outcome of negotiations as positive overall, the executive body wanted clarification on several points.
Climate change
The government has also included climate change and digitisation as new priorities.
Next year, Maurer said, Switzerland wants to adopt a long-term climate strategy that is in line with the Paris climate agreement and makes the most of its own opportunities.
The government will bring several legislative projects to the attention of parliament including the reform of occupational pensions.
More
More
Swiss want ‘more clarification’ on EU framework deal
This content was published on
Switzerland says it will not yet sign a framework agreement aimed at simplifying future ties with the EU as it wants certain points clarified.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Rhine could warm by up to 4°C by 2100, scientists warn
This content was published on
The water temperature of the Rhine River could rise by up to 4.2° degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to the warming planet, scientists warn.
This content was published on
The Federal Council wants to explore the possibilities of joining the European Union’s €800-billion rearmament programme without compromising Swiss neutrality.
Defence Minister Pfister stresses importance of Swiss mission in Balkans
This content was published on
During a visit to the Balkans region last week, Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister met Swisscoy peacekeeping troops in Kosovo.
Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day
This content was published on
On July 14, the Swiss Air Force will take part in the traditional air parade in Paris to mark the French bank holidays with an F/A-18 fighter jet. This is a first for Switzerland.
Swiss launch competition for memorial to Nazi victims
This content was published on
The victims of Nazi Germany are to be commemorated on the Casinoterrasse in Bern. A competition will be held to determine what the site will look like.
This content was published on
The cantonal police of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland have arrested and convicted five cocaine dealers in Chur within a week.
This content was published on
The Swiss business umbrella organisation Economiesuisse and the employers' association broadly support the package of agreements negotiated with the European Union.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Former Swiss diplomat proposes interim deal with EU
This content was published on
Switzerland and the EU should sign an interim agreement to try to save the stalled framework partnership accord, says a former Swiss diplomat.
This content was published on
Brexit offers lessons on the EU’s position of power and the risks of delaying a framework agreement, a University of St Gallen researcher says.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.