EU and Switzerland aim for third set of bilateral deals
Leu was appointed state secretary in the Swiss foreign ministry and chief negotiator with the EU two years ago.
Keystone / Peter Schneider
The chief Swiss negotiator, Livia Leu, says Switzerland and the European Union have reached an agreement to set sights on another series of bilateral treaties.
This content was published on
1 minute
Key-SDA/SWI-del, urs
Español
es
La UE y Suiza pretenden un tercer conjunto de acuerdos bilaterales
The approach has a clear advantage over the institutional framework agreement and offer more possibilities for compromise and solution, said Leu following talks with the EU commission in Brussels on Friday.
Leu reiterated that Switzerland needs special solutions to defend its vital interests in contentious issues including salary protection and immigration.
Leu said the latest round of exploratory discussions with her EU counterpart, Juraj Nociar, had again been open, solution oriented and constructive.
However, she said that differences remained and there is a need for further clarification notably on the issue of the free movement of people.
Switzerland and Brussels have been at odds over an agreement to consolidate relations following the Swiss government’s decision to abandon years of talks with the EU on an umbrella accord to complement the more than 120 bilateral agreements.
So far, Brussels and non-EU member Switzerland have agreed two package deals in 1999 and 2004.
More
More
Government sets up sounding board for input in EU talks
This content was published on
A special board has been set up to ensure Swiss negotiations with the European Union reflect ground realities.
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?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
This content was published on
French and Swiss armoured and artillery units will train together to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Swiss army.
Harmful substances in particulate matter underestimated: Swiss research
This content was published on
Measurements significantly underestimate the amount of harmful substances in particulate matter, says an international research team under Swiss leadership.
Switzerland reopens its humanitarian office in Kabul
This content was published on
Switzerland opened its humanitarian office in Kabul in mid-March to provide targeted aid to the Afghan population in distress.
This content was published on
From Wednesday, a Swiss passport will no longer be sufficient to enter the UK - Swiss travellers will also need an electronic travel authorisation.
This content was published on
A German security expert could imagine Swiss soldiers being part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine after an eventual ceasefire.
Leading Swiss politician favours closer EU defence ties
This content was published on
Co-president of Swiss centre-left Social Democratic Party calls on Switzerland to step up security cooperation in Europe.
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
Switzerland ready to ‘perpetuate’ cohesion contribution to EU
This content was published on
Exploratory talks between Bern and Brussels aimed at bringing both sides back together to negotiate future political ties continue to advance slowly.
EU not ‘playing for time’ in Swiss talks, ambassador says
This content was published on
The European Union is not at fault for the current stalled talks with Switzerland on bilateral relations, the bloc’s ambassador in Bern has said.
Top Swiss negotiator laments EU ‘pressure politics’
This content was published on
After further talks last week, Switzerland wants to advance with negotiations but complained that the EU continues to push back the timetable.
Diplomatic efforts fail to break Swiss-EU deadlock
This content was published on
Switzerland no closer to regaining full access to EU science and education projects, despite a further round of exploratory talks.
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.