Diplomatic efforts fail to break Swiss-EU deadlock
Switzerland is no closer to regaining full access to European Union science and education collaborative programmes, despite a further round of exploratory talks between the two sides on Friday.
The EU first banned, and later only partially re-admitted, Swiss participation in its flagship Horizon Europe projects after a souring of political relations.
Diplomats have been tasked with exploring potential options after intensive top level negotiations between ministers to find a way forwards broke down last year.
A fourth exploratory round of talks ended with no concessions, Swiss State Secretary Livia Leu said on Friday.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t see much movement today,” said Leu in Brussels. “The EU Commission continues to uphold its position as a means of exerting pressure.”
A fifth round of talks, this time exploring Switzerland’s future contributions to a fund aimed at reducing economic and social disparities between EU member states, will take place on October 12.
Switzerland has agreed to pay a further CHF1.3 billion ($1.3 billion) so-called ‘cohesion’ payment, but there is no long term plan for future contributions.
Experts from both sides will also tackle the subject of the free movement of people in the next few weeks, said Leu.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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 signs off CHF1.3bn EU payment
This content was published on
Switzerland and the EC sign a memorandum of understanding for Switzerland to pay a so-called cohesion contribution of CHF1.3 billion to Brussels.
Swiss research funding drops due to Horizon Europe freeze
This content was published on
Switzerland’s exclusion from the Horizon Europe scheme is having an impact on the level of funding of Swiss science projects.
This content was published on
Switzerland resolves to "step up" exploratory talks with the EU aimed at resolving differences concerning future bilateral relations.
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.