In an interview published in the Le Temps paper on Tuesday, Frédéric Journès said that the framework agreement, rejected by Switzerland in May, will be back on the table in the next six months. The EU was waiting for the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to restart negotiations. This has now been postponed to the summer of 2022 following the cancellation of WEF and current focus on containing the Omicron variant.
“The health situation has deteriorated and it is important that EU Commission’s Vice-President Maros Sefcovic and Swiss President Ignazio Cassis have an exchange of views,” said Journès.
The ambassador said the Swiss government must act and expects the dossier to progress. According Journès, Brussels is awaiting Swiss proposals on the key subjects of common rights and obligations, dispute settlement and the reframing of the application of certain agreements on the free movement of workers.
These issues did not disappear with the rejection of the framework agreement by the Swiss, warned Journès. “Those who believe this and say so are mistaken.”
No special role
Switzerland’s neighbour will not play a special role in the Switzerland-EU dossier, despite assuming the rotating EU presidency. The ambassador said that France will not force anyone’s hand but will nudge the process along by encouraging compromise and moving the agenda forward.
However, Journès warned that Switzerland risks being left behind if it doesn’t play ball.
“The EU is building a new train, which is crucial for the future of Swiss business,” he said. “But Switzerland will not be able to join this train if it remains hitched to the old bilateral locomotive of 1999. Believing in the old recipes means not thinking about the future.”
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Blatten declares ‘special situation’ as glacier collapses
This content was published on
The government in Canton Valais has declared a “special situation” in connection with the gradual collapse of the Birch glacier above Blatten.
Swiss government greenlights Ruag sale of Leopard tanks to Germany
This content was published on
The defence company Ruag MRO is allowed to sell 71 Leopard 1 battle tanks to Germany. However, the tanks may not be sold to Ukraine.
Foie gras sold in Switzerland must declare painful production process
This content was published on
Starting July 1, the sale of foie gras in Switzerland must make reference to the painful procedures performed on the animal.
Swiss economics minister seeks progress on US tariff negotiations by July
This content was published on
Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin is hoping for results in the tariff negotiations with the US by the beginning of July.
UN weather agency expects new temperature record soon
This content was published on
A new global temperature record is likely to be set in the next five years, according to the World Meteorological Organisation in Geneva.
Geneva proposed as possible site for Ukraine-Russia talks
This content was published on
US special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has said that Geneva is being considered as a venue for talks between Russia and Ukraine.
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.