Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says he does not rule out further talks with the European Union at some point, after the government broke off negotiations on a framework deal.
This could come about through dialogue, but Switzerland would have to make clear from the outset what was possible and what was not, he said in an interview with the “SonntagsZeitung” newspaper. The preconditions must be much clearer than they were in the framework talks, otherwise Switzerland would risk reaching a deal with no political chance, Cassis told the paper.
Both sides are interested in continuing the cooperation, he stressed, for example in the fight against pandemics and on research.
The Swiss government announced at the end of May that it was breaking off talks on a controversial agreement meant to replace a string of bilateral deals with the EU. The government cited a lack of agreement on three key points hampering progress since a deal was drafted in 2018: salary protection, state aid rules, and the access of EU citizens to Swiss social security benefits.
The government’s decision to break off negotiations with the EU could be referred to a parliamentary Control Committee, reports the SonntagsBlick newspaper. Parliament’s foreign policy committee will decide this Friday on such a motion brought by Green MP Nicolas Walder. According to SonntagsBlick, Walder wants an inquiry into the circumstances of the government’s decision and whether it was constitutional. He says parliament should have had a say.
More
More
Swiss reject framework agreement deal with EU
This content was published on
Citing “substantial differences”, the government has decided not to move ahead with a controversial institutional agreement on relations with the EU.
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).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
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
Swiss unis fear for research after EU deal breakdown
This content was published on
Swiss universities say government's decision to drop the EU "framework" agreement puts Switzerland’s top research position at risk.
Swiss prepare for EU chill after quitting market access talks
This content was published on
After the Swiss government shelved an institutional agreement on relations with the EU, there are many questions about what happens next.
This content was published on
The survey conducted by the research institute gfs.bern found that 64% of 2,000 people questioned were in favour of a comprehensive deal with the EU. About a third were opposed (32%). “This shows the considerable potential of the institutional agreement at the ballot box, i.e. two thirds of voters,” says René Buholzer, director of the umbrella organisation…
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.