The draft report “Assessment of Swiss–EU relations” commissioned by the Swiss government has concluded that the bilateral approach remains the best solution for Switzerland.
Switzerland’s current options in European policy were assessed on the basis of four criteria: access to the single market, possibilities for cooperation, political room for manoeuvre and feasibility in foreign policy.
The report examined all the options on the table: free trade relations, continuing the bilateral path, joining the European Economic Area and joining the EU. The conclusion was that the bilateral path remains the best option.
“The report takes into account that before Switzerland and the EU can start negotiations, they must find sufficient common ground. Accordingly, the exploratory talks are to be actively continued,” said an official government statement on Friday.
The report was commissioned by the government after repeated calls from parliament to take more interest in Swiss-EU policy.
In 2021, Switzerland unilaterally broke off negotiations with the EU on a framework deal to replace the more than 120 bilateral accords which have regulated relations for the past decades. That led to a souring of relations between Bern and Brussels. Subsequent efforts to break the diplomatic deadlock have not succeeded.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
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.
Read more
More
EU and Switzerland aim for third set of bilateral deals
This content was published on
The chief Swiss negotiator, Livia Leu, says Switzerland and the EU have reached an agreement to aim for on another set of bilateral treaties.
Switzerland insists on separate bilateral deals with EU
This content was published on
Switzerland has firmly shut the door on a single charter governing relations with the European Union but is prepared to renegotiate a host of existing treaties.
This content was published on
A framework deal between the EU and Switzerland to update bilateral agreements is in danger of failing after seven years of negotiations.
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.