Talks with EU focus on euro crisis and tax
President Micheline Calmy-Rey says a solution to the debt crisis of European Union member countries is also in the interest of Switzerland.
Speaking after a meeting with EU President Herman Van Rompuy in Zurich, Calmy-Rey said Switzerland’s export-oriented businesses were suffering from the impact of the economic crisis of the 27-nation bloc.
She added that Switzerland is participating in the financing of the rescue measures for indebted European countries by contributing to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Calmy-Rey said a direct Swiss involvement in euro bailout packages were not discussed with Van Rompuy.
However, she briefed the EU president on controversial double taxation agreements with Germany and Britain, according to a foreign ministry statement on Wednesday.
Calmy-Rey reiterated Switzerland’s proposals for a “comprehensive and co-ordinated approach” in an effort to continue the policy of bilateral accords with the EU.
Not a member of the EU, Switzerland has concluded more than 100 agreements over the past few decades.
Negotiations over further deals have been stalled amid calls by Brussels for an automatic adaptation of existing accords and a court of arbitration.
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