Three anti-EU associations merged in Bern on Saturday to form Pro Suisse, the successor to the Action for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland (ASIN).
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Los grupos suizos contrarios a la UE unen sus fuerzas
In addition to ASIN, the employers’ association against membership of the European Union (EU) and the “No to creeping EU membership” committee are joining the new organisation.
Controversial former minister Christoph Blocher of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party called on its founding assembly to defend Swiss neutrality.
The European Union is Switzerland’s most important trading partner.
Negotiations began in 2014 on a framework agreement to replace a series of bilateral agreements between the EU and non-EU member Switzerland. The EU wants a new arrangement under which Switzerland would automatically accept changes in line with EU rules, and an end to Swiss exceptionalism in areas such as wage protection and state guarantees for banks.
Last year, Switzerland rejected an overarching deal to govern long-term ties. But exploratory talks between Bern and Brussels aimed at bringing both sides back together to negotiate future political ties continue to advance slowly. The issue of making the so-called cohesion contribution to Brussels more permanent was raised for the first time during talks on Wednesday.
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Swiss accident prevention group sees federal targets at risk
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The Swiss government's target for accident figures is at risk, reckons Mario Cavegn, member of the executive board of the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.
Feminicide: Swiss justice minister calls for electronic monitoring
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Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans has called for electronic monitoring and an ankle bracelet warning system for perpetrators of violence against women.
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American artist Chaka Khan ‘and friends’ opened the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival on Friday. For over three hours, their show, dedicated to their friend and mentor Quincy Jones, thrilled the audience,
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Switzerland ready to ‘perpetuate’ cohesion contribution to EU
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Exploratory talks between Bern and Brussels aimed at bringing both sides back together to negotiate future political ties continue to advance slowly.
Diplomatic efforts fail to break Swiss-EU deadlock
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Switzerland no closer to regaining full access to EU science and education projects, despite a further round of exploratory talks.
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From money to direct democracy: we look at some of the main reasons behind Switzerland's decision not to join the 27-nation bloc.
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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.