The Swiss government has resolved to "step up" exploratory talks with the European Union aimed at resolving differences concerning future bilateral relations.
Switzerland has repeatedly rejected EU demands to replace a series of separate treaties with a unified set of rules. In May of last year, Switzerland walked away from these negotiations on the grounds that voters were likely to reject such an arrangement.
Since then, political relations have remained frosty with both sides accusing the other of inflexibility. Diplomats have formally met twice in an effort to resolve the impasse and the Swiss government has now indicated that it wants to intensify the pace of these discussions.
Switzerland has already put forward a set of proposalsExternal link for the EU. These include a proposal for the “full implementation” of the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU.
The Swiss government says former migration office chief Mario Gattiker had held meetings with “key domestic political actors” to discuss “the removal of regulatory differences” relating to the free movement of persons.
Switzerland also wants to prioritise full access to EU research programmes, such as Horizon Europe.
Exploratory talks with the EU will also include new agreements on electricity, food safety and health, future contributions to the cohesion fund, a system for dispute resolution and the “dynamic adoption of EU law developments”.
The government says that the EU “is largely receptive to Switzerland’s package proposal” but has called for greater flexibility from Brussels.
“The EU continues to publicly maintain its well-known positions on the institutional issues, making it difficult to find common ground between Switzerland’s and the EU’s interests. Their respective positions remain far apart and further clarifications are needed,” read a statement. “The Federal Council will decide on a negotiating mandate once there is a sufficient basis for opening negotiations.”
Swiss public broadcaster SRF says that a new round of talks could be scheduled before the summer break.
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Is artificial intelligence an advantage or a disadvantage for workers?
What is your experience with AI at work? Have you already used it? Has it helped you work better? Or has it caused you more stress, more work or caused you to lose your job? Tell us about your experiences!
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 political deadlock throws shadow over nuclear fusion research
This content was published on
The EU-Swiss political impasse risks disrupting Swiss participation in future international projects, warns the head of the Swiss Plasma Center.
EU asks for written responses from Switzerland to advance talks
This content was published on
The EU has asked Switzerland to send written responses to a series of open questions as talks fail to resolve the political impasse.
Switzerland insists on separate bilateral deals with EU
This content was published on
Switzerland has firmly shut the door on a single charter governing relations with the European Union but is prepared to renegotiate a host of existing treaties.
This content was published on
If voted on today, it’s unlikely that an economic framework accord with the EU would be approved – believes the Swiss Foreign Minister.
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.