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
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
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
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.