Switzerland renegotiates with the EU after almost three years
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The Federal Council and the EU Commission began negotiations on Monday towards a new bilateral relations agreement. For the occasion, Swiss President Viola Amherd travelled to Brussels to meet EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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Almost three years ago, the Federal Council unilaterally ended negotiations on a framework agreement with the European Union (EU). Following this failure, both parties held exploratory talks, which led to a “common understanding”. Based on this, Switzerland and the EU have adopted their respective negotiating mandates this March.
The negotiating parties want to conclude new agreements or update existing ones in areas such as electricity, the free movement of persons and overland transport. Institutional elements such as the dynamic adoption of laws and the involvement of the European Court of Justice for dispute resolution are also part of the negotiations.
Chief Negotiator Patric Franzen will lead the negotiations on behalf of Switzerland. His counterpart is Richard Szostak, Franzen said recently. According to the agreement, both negotiating parties have set themselves the goal of concluding the negotiations by the end of 2024.
On Monday, Ursula von der Leyen said that the day was an important day for relations between Europe and Switzerland. Amherd, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, said that the two teams could now continue their work with, “vigour and commitment”.
Adapted from German by DeepL/dkk/amva
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