Swiss parliament overwhelmingly supports ratification of accords with EU

The Swiss parliament on Tuesday came out in favour of ratifying the bilateral accords with the European Union. But as the political debate on the issue continues, the possibility of a national vote remains well and alive.

The Swiss parliament on Tuesday came out in favour of ratifying the bilateral accords with the European Union. But as the political debate on the issue continues, the possibility of a national vote remains well and alive.

The Senate followed the House of Representatives and gave its unanimous support to the accords, which spell out economic and technological cooperation, public procurement, mutual acceptance of diplomas and licences, agricultural trade, aviation issues, road and rail traffic and the free movement of people.

Both houses of parliament are expected to overwhelmingly vote in favour of the accords in a final vote set for October 8. The government has given its full backing to the agreements, which Economics Minister Pascal Couchepin has described as crucial for Switzerland’s future.

However, political observers say it is possible that Swiss voters will face a referendum unless the government promises certain measures to protect the environment and acts against the perceived threat of salary dumping.

The number of EU lorries on Swiss roads is a key concern for environmentalists. Many Swiss also fear that the country may see an influx of cheap labour from abroad should Switzerland accept the free movement of people, which is enshrined in the accords.

Parliamentarians therefore agreed Tuesday that the free movement of people can be reviewed after an initial assessment period of seven years.

A national vote can be secured by any Swiss voter or group which gathers 50,000 signatures in the 100 days after parliamentary approval of the accords.

The accords were signed in June but still have to be ratified by the parliaments of all 15 EU member states and Switzerland.

Some opposition groups, including the Greens and other environmentalists, have expressed concern that Switzerland’s commitment to ecologically sound transport policies will be undermined by the accords.

Greenpeace, the WWF and the environmentalist Alpine Initiative group say they will force a national vote on the accords unless the government takes stricter measures to protect the environment.

Trade unions in turn have threatened to launch a referendum if the government does not take measures to protect Swiss workers from salary dumping and other perceived threats posed by opening up Switzerland’s labour market.

Right-wing groups have also warned of a referendum, saying the loss of sovereignty is unacceptable.

Those in favour of the accords – including most parties represented in the government – argue that Switzerland can no longer afford to stand outside Europe and must actively take part in the political bodies that shape Europe’s political and economic future.

From staff and wire reports.