Neighbouring regions urge EU understanding for Switzerland
The European Union and Switzerland have been negotiating a framework deal on bilateral relations since 2014.
Keystone
Nine regions or provinces in countries bordering Switzerland have called on the European Union to show understanding and allow the Swiss more time to agree a framework deal.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jc
In a joint letter to EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on September 2, they expressed concern that recent developments were a cause for concern, particularly the Swiss-EU stock exchange spat which could create a “downward spiral”, according to media reports on Wednesday. The letter, of which the Swiss news agency Keystone-ATS obtained a copy, was also sent to Juncker’s successor Ursula von der Leyen.
The regional leaders deem the framework deal negotiated between the European Union and Switzerland to be just and fair but fear the consequences for neighbouring regions if it were to be rejected in a Swiss popular vote. They say that Switzerland’s political system of direct democracy means it needs the time to bring all social groups on board.
Signatories of the letter include the German states of Baden Württemberg, which initiated it, and Bavaria; three neighbouring regions of France (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-France-Comté and Grand Est); two in Austria (Tyrol and Vorarlberg) and two in Italy (Val d’Aosta and Bolzano-Alto Adige).
Since 2014, Bern and Brussels have been trying to formalise long-term ties in an institutional framework agreement. Relations are presently covered by around 120 separate bilateral accords negotiated since a 1992 referendum in the Alpine state rejected joining the European Economic Area. The proposed overarching agreement covers five of the larger bilateral deals: free movement of people, mutual recognition of industrial standards, agricultural products, air transport, and land transport.
But with Swiss parliamentary elections due in October, the deal has become entangled in domestic politics, with opposition from both the left and right.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
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
EU-Swiss stock market dispute reaches new impasse
This content was published on
Swiss stocks will be barred from trading in the European Union from Monday after the two sides failed to reach a political framework deal.
Swiss parliament insists EU deal goes back to negotiating table
This content was published on
On Thursday the House of Representatives agreed that several areas of the deal still needed “clarification”. The main areas of disagreement between Switzerland and the EU are on maintaining wage and worker protection as well as state subsidies and citizens’ rights. The Senate had previously voted to instruct the government to go back to the…
EU pushes Switzerland to back framework accord before June 18
This content was published on
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says he is ready to clarify any doubts Switzerland may have about a institutional framework deal.
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.