The draft report “Assessment of Swiss–EU relations” commissioned by the Swiss government has concluded that the bilateral approach remains the best solution for Switzerland.
Switzerland’s current options in European policy were assessed on the basis of four criteria: access to the single market, possibilities for cooperation, political room for manoeuvre and feasibility in foreign policy.
The report examined all the options on the table: free trade relations, continuing the bilateral path, joining the European Economic Area and joining the EU. The conclusion was that the bilateral path remains the best option.
“The report takes into account that before Switzerland and the EU can start negotiations, they must find sufficient common ground. Accordingly, the exploratory talks are to be actively continued,” said an official government statement on Friday.
The report was commissioned by the government after repeated calls from parliament to take more interest in Swiss-EU policy.
In 2021, Switzerland unilaterally broke off negotiations with the EU on a framework deal to replace the more than 120 bilateral accords which have regulated relations for the past decades. That led to a souring of relations between Bern and Brussels. Subsequent efforts to break the diplomatic deadlock have not succeeded.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss watch industry calls for ‘clear solution’ with US
This content was published on
Federation of the Watch Industry calls for clear solution to tariff threat and a swift agreement between Bern and Washington.
Swiss youngsters illegally obtain alcohol in a quarter of test purchases
This content was published on
In a quarter of all alcohol test purchases last year, young people in Switzerland were able to obtain beer, wine or spirits illegally.
Swiss storm damage more frequent and more expensive
This content was published on
Storm damage has increased by 126% in the last ten years. Costs have risen by 133% in the same period, according to Helvetia Insurance.
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 and Switzerland aim for third set of bilateral deals
This content was published on
The chief Swiss negotiator, Livia Leu, says Switzerland and the EU have reached an agreement to aim for on another set of bilateral treaties.
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
A framework deal between the EU and Switzerland to update bilateral agreements is in danger of failing after seven years of negotiations.
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.