Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission Vice-President responsible for Swiss relations and for Brexit, said the two sides would “intensify” efforts to get back around the negotiating table, according to the Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper.
This follows a decision by Switzerland in May to walk away from talks to establish a new set of rules governing future bilateral relations.
Šefčovič appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone in his meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Brussels on Monday.
For his part, Cassis tweeted: “We took stock of the state of Swiss-EU relations and agreed to establish high-level political dialogue to develop the way forward.”
“The two sides agreed to establish a structured political dialogue at ministerial level. The common goal is to take stock of the situation and work out a common agenda,” read a Swiss government statement.
Cassis also pressed Switzerland’s case to be fully integrated back into Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
Both politicians agreed to meet again at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January to take stock of the situation again.
At stake are dozens of bilateral agreements already existing between Switzerland and the EU and future access to the EU’s electricity market.
Standing in the way of progress are three main issues: salary protection, state aid rules, and the access of EU citizens to Swiss social security benefits.
Šefčovič said he expects progress to be made before Switzerland stages its national elections in autumn 2023. And while he welcomed the recent release of a CHF1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) cohesion fund payment, he insisted that such payments should continue without further delays.
More
More
Switzerland shouldn’t count on its ‘best friends’ for EU help
This content was published on
Switzerland has manoeuvred itself into a dead end in its relations with the EU, partly because it has never altered its strategy. An analysis.
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?
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?
Swiss police officer dismissed after Hitler salute at WEF
This content was published on
An employee of the crisis-ridden cantonal police force of Basel City has been dismissed after doing a Hitler salute at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Myanmar earthquake: foreign ministry has no news on Swiss victims
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry is not yet aware of any Swiss nationals among the victims or those affected by the earthquake that struck central Myanmar.
Swiss military jet crash: air traffic controller found guilty
This content was published on
Over eight and a half years after the fatal F/A-18 military jet accident in Switzerland, an air traffic controller has been found guilty of negligent homicide by a military appeals court.
Viola Amherd hands over keys of Swiss defence ministry to Martin Pfister
This content was published on
On Friday, the new Swiss government minister Martin Pfister was symbolically presented with the keys to the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport by outgoing minister Viola Amherd.
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
Brussels welcomes release of Swiss ‘cohesion payment’
This content was published on
The European Union has welcomed the Swiss parliament’s decision to unconditionally release the second cohesion contribution.
Ex-EU negotiator calls on Switzerland to stop dragging feet
This content was published on
A former European Union chief negotiator says Switzerland must change strategy if it wants to retain favourable access to the EU.
Swiss energy bills contained, but future crunch looms
This content was published on
Switzerland has so far been insulated from huge spikes in energy costs. But future energy security is a cause for concern.
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.