Swiss minister: Italy will back Switzerland in EU talks
Viola Amherd, left, with Giorgia Meloni this week in Rome.
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In official negotiations on relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU), which are re-starting after years of deadlock, Bern can count on the backing of Italy, according to Viola Amherd.
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“I have been promised support,” Amherd told the SonntagsBlick newspaper following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday.
“Italy is interested in finding a solution [to the Swiss-EU deadlock] too,” added the Swiss defence minister, who currently holds the country’s rotating presidency.
However, Amherd also called for more domestic backing for the Swiss government in its talks with the EU. “The business, education and research sectors in particular must become more involved,” she said.
Economic actors especially have much to gain through a new agreement with Europe. As such, Amherd said, she “expects economic leaders to communicate this accordingly”.
Adapted from German by DeepL/dos
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