Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says not to fret over a deadline set by the European Union for Switzerland to seek clarifications on a proposed accord on bilateral relations.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
It’s logical for the European Commission to want a clear answer from the Swiss government by early next week in order to decide on extending access for Swiss traders to the European stock exchange, Cassis told journalists following Wednesday’s major parliamentary debate about the country’s relations with the EU.
An official letter from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, in response to a Swiss government decision from last week, has prompted criticism by Switzerland’s main political parties.
Cassis said the government would analyse the letter and that discussions were underway with Brussels about the next steps.
Speaking during a debate in the Senate, Cassis said he did not exclude a quasi-instantaneous agreement on several open points with Brussels.
However, he acknowledged that it may take more than a week to summon the clarifications needed to approve the draft framework accord on Switzerland’s ties with its major trading partner.
Assurances
Last week, the government announced it needed assurances from the EU notably on salary issues, state subsidies and unemployment benefits for EU labour.
On Wednesday, the Senate formally demanded that the government seek additional negotiations with the EU, and it discussed a second instalment of CHF1.3 billion ($1.3 billion) to strengthen weaker economies, mainly in eastern European countries.
Discussions in parliament about Switzerland’s relations with 28-nation bloc are due to continue next week.
More
More
Swiss-EU relations: the key milestones
This content was published on
Switzerland’s relations with the 28-member EU are founded on a series of bilateral sectoral accords, which give it many benefits of membership.
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
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
‘The EU will not renegotiate the framework treaty with Switzerland’
This content was published on
As signs increasingly suggest that a framework agreement with the EU is heading for failure, a political analyst warns that Brussels will not budge.
Swiss public sceptical of EU deal amid tougher stance from Brussels
This content was published on
A new poll by Swiss media agency Tamedia finds the Swiss are far from convinced about the merits of the draft Swiss-EU framework agreement.
This content was published on
Over two-thirds of Swiss firms support the framework agreement that has been negotiated over the past five years with the EU.
How should Switzerland position itself with the EU?
This content was published on
We asked members of the five largest Swiss political parties what the country’s future relationship with the European Union should look like.
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.