“Now it’s Switzerland’s turn,” Jean-Claude Juncker stated in an interview with the weekly NZZ am Sonntag newspaper.
He expressed disappointment that the deal, which would replace a raft of bilateral accords between Switzerland and the EU, was not concluded during his mandate.
He noted that three issues remain particularly problematic for the Alpine nation: wage protection, state aid, and the extent to which EU immigrants can benefit from the Swiss social system.
The Swiss in September will vote on an initiative to restrict freedom of movement between the 27 EU countries and Switzerland.
Juncker made no recommendations in relation to the referendum but did take issue with Swiss discussions that frame EU citizens as immigrants.
“The EU is not an enemy country, and Switzerland is not at war with the EU. I always think to myself: with good will on both sides, an agreement should be possible,” he said. “And that is where the European Union is waiting for further Swiss steps.”
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
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A criminal investigation into a Swiss media editor and a former health ministry official over leaked government Covid pandemic strategy is to be closed.
‘James Bond’ Schilthorn summit re-opens in Switzerland
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The summit of the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland will be accessible again from Saturday after being closed for five months.
Swiss lawmakers urge tougher stance with criminal asylum seekers
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The Swiss Senate wants to tighten laws to both restrict the movement of asylum seekers being investigated for crimes and to expel the guilty.
Switzerland eyes high-speed train fleet for European connections
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Swiss Federal Railways eyes 40 strong high-speed train fleet to service international destinations, such as Italy and France.
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Driven by purchases abroad, e-commerce in Switzerland continues to grow, with sales approacheing the CHF15 billion markin 2024.
Switzerland close to further restricting tobacco advertising
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Switzerland moves a step closer to restricting tobacco advertising in the print media as one chamber of parliament votes in favour of measures.
Swiss researchers improve therapy for paralysed patients
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Using rehabilitation robots and a spinal cord implant, Swiss researchers are helping people with spinal cord injuries to walk again.
New Swiss government minister prepared for defence mandate
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New Swiss government minister Martin Pfister says he is prepared for the defence mandate sif he be asked to take on the vacant role.
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Swiss unions call for ‘social agenda’ in EU relations
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Switzerland’s biggest trade union group has repeated its warning that any deal reached with the EU must protect wages from cross-border competition.
Immigration to Switzerland rises ahead of vote on EU free-movement deal
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Net immigration to Switzerland rose again last year, ahead of a May referendum on ending an accord with the EU on the free movement of citizens.
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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.