Swiss State Secretary Livia Leu and the Secretary-General of the European Commission, Ilze Juhansone, have signed a memorandum of understanding for Switzerland to pay a so-called cohesion contribution of CHF1.3 billion ($1.36 billion) to Brussels.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Suiza firma el pago de 1 300 millones de francos de la UE
Cohesion payments are seen as the entry fee for non-EU members like Switzerland or Norway to take part in the European Single Market. They are aimed at reducing economic and social disparities and to manage migration better in selected EU member states.
“The signing of this MoU markers another important milestone towards the swift implementation of the contribution,” the government stated on ThursdayExternal link.
Switzerland’s second such contribution had been withheld in 2019 following a stand-off between Bern and Brussels over future political ties. But the Swiss parliament voted in October last year to unfreeze the payment in an attempt to thaw frosty ties with its biggest trading partner.
But two months later, parliamentarians refused to endorse a proposal to double the size of the payment linked to persuading the EU to reinstate Switzerland as a full member of the Horizon Europe research scheme.
The CHF1.3 billion will be used to fund a number of unspecified projects in selected EU member states. The wording of the MoU was approved by Switzerland in November and by the EU in April.
State Secretary Leu was in Brussels on Thursday to conduct a third round of exploratory talks aimed at bringing both sides back together to negotiate future political ties. Switzerland broke off earlier negotiations last year.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Swiss politician resigns after firing shots at Jesus picture
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Switzerland edges closer to stricter screening of foreign investments
This content was published on
Foreign investors are set to face greater scrutiny in Switzerland as one parliamentary chamber passes the so-called Lex China bill.
Increase in animal testing in Switzerland last year
This content was published on
Almost 600,000 animals were used in animal experiments in Switzerland in 2023 - an increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year.
Beleaguered Swiss watch industry calls for political support
This content was published on
The Swiss watch industry is going through difficult times as global demand declines and the strong franc piles on the pressure.
This content was published on
Hollywood star Pamela Anderson will be honoured at the Zurich Film Festival for her career and role in the film The Last Showgirl.
Switzerland to host Ukraine mine action conference in October
This content was published on
Together with Ukraine, Switzerland is organising the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) in Lausanne on October 17 and 18.
Switzerland revises pension expenditure downwards by billions
This content was published on
The Swiss government has corrected downwards the projected expenditure on old-age and survivor insurance in 2033 by CHF2.5 billion ($2.66 billion).
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
Switzerland wants to intensify talks with EU
This content was published on
Switzerland resolves to "step up" exploratory talks with the EU aimed at resolving differences concerning future bilateral relations.
Parliament shoots down idea to double EU cohesion payment
This content was published on
Politicians have rejected an idea to double Switzerland’s “cohesion payment” to the EU from CHF1 billion to CHF 2 billion.
Brussels welcomes release of Swiss ‘cohesion payment’
This content was published on
The European Union has welcomed the Swiss parliament’s decision to unconditionally release the second cohesion contribution.
This content was published on
Switzerland should only make another billion-franc “cohesion” payment to the EU if the EU doesn’t discriminate against Switzerland, says parliament.
Switzerland to honour CHF1.3 billion EU cohesion payment
This content was published on
The second batch of so-called “cohesion” payments was put in some doubt after the EU restricted the Swiss stock exchange’s access to the European market to one year. But the government on Friday said that, after a review of the situation, the funds would be released. “In order to safeguard its prosperity in the long…
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.