Swiss politicians leave empty handed from Brussels
A delegation of Swiss parliamentarians has made little progress in solving political tensions between Switzerland and the European Union during a trip to Brussels.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
The cross-party group met on Wednesday with Maros Sefcovic, the EU Commissioner who is newly responsible for the continuing dialogue with Switzerland.
Relations between Bern and Brussels hit a low point in June when Switzerland called off negotiations on establishing a new set of framework conditions for future bilateral ties.
The Swiss parliamentary group had hoped to find a new path towards restoring Swiss links with the EU, notably Switzerland’s readmission to the Horizon Europe research programme.
Despite offering the potential olive branch of resuming cohesion payments for less well-off EU states, the latest Swiss overtures failed to find a breakthrough.
Ball in Swiss court
“Our relationship deserves better than a lack of prospects,” Sefcovic tweeted. “The EU Commission will do its part once we hear how Switzerland envisages to engage with us. Need to ensure a level playing field for our citizens and businesses.”
The Swiss delegation was in sombre mood after the meeting. “We won’t be leaving any further ahead,” Swiss People’s Party parliamentarian Thomas Aeschi told the Le Matin newspaper. “We have again observed that there are significant differences between us.”
On Thursday, some sections of the Swiss media interpreted the appointment of Sefcovic to handling Swiss relations as an indication that EC President Ursula von der Leyen has had enough of Switzerland for the time being.
Media: Swiss medical services done abroad are billed at Swiss rates
This content was published on
In Switzerland, some medical services carried out abroad are still billed at Swiss rates, despite costing less, RTS reports.
This content was published on
Sophie Hediger, a member of the Swiss national snowboard cross team, has died in an avalanche in Arosa. She was 26 years old.
This content was published on
Several Swiss films exceeded the 100,000 admissions mark worldwide in 2024 and received widespread praise at international film festivals.
Swiss Alpine resorts covered in white gold for Christmas
This content was published on
Many areas at low altitudes in Switzerland are enjoying a blanket of snow. In the mountains, intense precipitation has delighted skiers.
SWISS makes emergency landing in Austria after smoke in cockpit
This content was published on
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) made an emergency landing of an Airbus in Graz, Austria on Monday evening after engine problems.
L’Oréal acquires South Korean subsidiary of Migros’ cosmetics brand
This content was published on
French cosmetics firm L'Oréal is acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, the South Korean subsidiary of the Migros-owned Mibelle group, for an undisclosed sum.
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
Swiss and EU ministers have ‘good and friendly’ chat
This content was published on
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and the European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn have met in Brussels for informal exchanges.
Media reacts to uncertain aftermath of EU deal failure
This content was published on
“Punk politics”, or “right decision”? The Swiss press is divided about the the government’s decision to break off negotiations with the EU.
This content was published on
Citing “substantial differences”, the government has decided not to move ahead with a controversial institutional agreement on relations with the EU.
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.