Switzerland and the European Union are trying to hammer out an institutional framework agreement – a process that has been difficult and time-consuming. Sommaruga said she sensed an “interest in solutions” on both sides, with Brussels “showing the will to cooperate” in the run-up to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Sommaruga – who is also the Swiss environment, transport and energy minister – met Ursula von der Leyen, the new EU Commission President, on Monday afternoon on the sidelines of WEF. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter also took part in the talks. The tough negotiations on an institutional framework agreement were at the heart of the discussion.
“We did not provoke each other,” said Sommaruga to the media afterwards. “There are differences; I don’t have to pretend with you.”
Sommaruga underlined the importance of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the 28-nation bloc, noting that the economic exchange between Switzerland and the EU amounted to over one billion Swiss francs a day.
At the meeting they also discussed transport, migration and climate policy.
“The conversation took place in a very good and open atmosphere,” Sommaruga said, mentioning that von der Leyen had listened attentively and taken notes.
More
More
What is this EU framework deal?
This content was published on
An institutional framework would simplify future ties between Switzerland and its biggest trading partner.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
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 was ‘inspiration’ for Brexit, says Farage
This content was published on
Nigel Farage, head of the UK’s Brexit party, says Switzerland was an “inspiration” for the United Kingdom on leaving the European Union.
Swiss-funded projects in Romania and Bulgaria get thumbs up
This content was published on
Most of the 93 Swiss-backed “cohesion fund” projects in Bulgaria and Romania were a success, reports the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
Swiss unions call for ‘social agenda’ in EU relations
This content was published on
Switzerland’s biggest trade union group has repeated its warning that any deal reached with the EU must protect wages from cross-border competition.
Former Swiss diplomat proposes interim deal with EU
This content was published on
Switzerland and the EU should sign an interim agreement to try to save the stalled framework partnership accord, says a former Swiss diplomat.
Three-fifths of Swiss back draft EU framework deal
This content was published on
In backing the current draft framework agreement, public opinion seems to fly in the face of political ambivalence about the deal, a survey has found.
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.