Switzerland and the EU

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(Keystone) Keystone

Pro-Europeans are usually not afraid to voice or share their opinion (swissinfo.ch) swissinfo.ch

Support for the European Union is strongest in French-speaking Switzerland (Keystone) Keystone

Christoph Blocher, the former Swiss justice minister, was the leader of anti-European opposition before joining the government at the end of 2003. Until his election, he was the president of the Campaign for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland, which claims to defend the independence and neutrality of the country. (Keystone) Keystone

The Campaign for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland believes joining the European Union would leave the country naked and vulnerable (Keystone) Keystone

Opposition to the EU isn't necessarily out in the open. Those against have shown in the past that they are the strongest at the ballot box, where it counts (Keystone) Keystone

Pro-Europeans and their opponents often refer to the same imagery to support their opinions, but the values they defend are different (Keystone) Keystone

The colours of the European Union have even made their way on to the most Swiss of items, the army knife (swissinfo.ch) swissinfo.ch

The EU flag can often be seen floating beside the Swiss national banner on many an occasion (swissinfo.ch) swissinfo.ch

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A troubled relationship.

Switzerland has a turbulent relationship with the European Union. While many Swiss would be happy to join the EU, there are even more who are not interested as nationwide votes have shown in the past. (Keystone)