Cantons unanimous on keeping EU option open

The cantons could envisage flying the flag for the EU - in the long-term Keystone

Swiss cantons say European Union membership for Switzerland should not to be ruled out as a long-term option.

They also advise caution when negotiating further bilateral accords with the EU – Bern’s preferred way in its relations with Brussels.

In a statement published on Tuesday, the 26 cantons – which held a Conference of Cantonal Governments at the end of March – said they were very sceptical about going further down the bilateral route with the EU.

However, they were unanimous about keeping open the option of joining in the long-term. This differs from their last statement on the matter three years ago, when not all were in agreement.

The cantons have a big say in daily life in Switzerland and are responsible, for example, for education and police matters.

“From the current point of view bilateral cooperation with the EU remains the best way of safeguarding the material and idealistic interests of Switzerland,” said the cantons in a statement.

In 2006 the government made it clear that it would be continuing its purely bilateral stance, putting any idea of accession on hold.

This decision was in line with the views of a majority of the Swiss population, which remain opposed to joining the organisation.

Consolidation only

The cantons now said they wanted a consolidation of the current accords and were unhappy about the prospect of new agreements with Brussels – an option favoured by the government.

These should only be envisaged if there was a widely accepted need and did not have negative consequences on those already existing, the statement said.

The 26 cantons said they wanted the government to listen to them more, asking for more of a say in the development of bilateral and other accords.

Bern should pay “particular attention” when it takes a position on matters normally managed by the cantons, they added.

The cantons also called for the government to draw up another EU report – after the one in 2006 – in which it considered the economic advantages and disadvantages of the two options – bilateral accords or membership.

Tax spat

Recent relations between Bern and Brussels have been marred by a spat over corporate tax.

The EU maintains that low taxes for holding companies offered by some cantons – which have prompted some firms to move to Switzerland from other European countries – violate a free trade agreement.

Switzerland has denied this and the matter remains a bone of contention.

Discussions held between Swiss foreign minister Micheline Calmy-Rey and EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner at the opening of the new EU mission in Bern last week made no headway.

swissinfo with agencies

In brief

Switzerland has 26 cantons and half-cantons, each with its own cantonal constitution approved by the federal parliament.

The newest canton, Jura, was admitted to the confederation in 1979 after a national vote.

Cantons can raise taxes and make their own laws, as long as they are in line with federal legislation. They also elect their own governments and parliaments.