Swiss medtech feels first effects of failed talks with EU
Swiss medical technology companies have had to stop some exports to the European Union. They are among the first victims of the Swiss government’s decision last month to end talks with the EU on a framework agreement.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/NZZamS/ts
Português
pt
Indústria de tecnologia médica suíça já sofre pelo fracasso de acordo com a UE
The shock news came on June 3. “Our partner and agent, who is responsible for the legal aspects of our products in the EU, informed me that he would no longer be allowed to import a large part of the range,” Rudolf Eggen, head of MPS Precimed in Biel, told the NZZ am SonntagExternal link.
The products in question are high-precision bone drills and milling machines used in the implantation of artificial joints.
A week earlier the Swiss government, citing “substantial differences”, unilaterally ended seven years of efforts between Switzerland and the EU to craft an overarching treaty to replace the more than 120 bilateral deals which have regulated relations for the past decades.
More
More
Swiss reject framework agreement deal with EU
This content was published on
Citing “substantial differences”, the government has decided not to move ahead with a controversial institutional agreement on relations with the EU.
Overnight, Eggen, who employs 45 staff, lost about a third of his business, worth several million francs.
The problem is that Brussels withdrew the validity of all existing certificates issued by the Swiss certification body SQS with immediate effect. So medical products certified by the SQS under the old law may no longer be sold on the EU market – even though they have been used for years. Some 65 companies are affected, according to the NZZ am Sonntag.
“The livelihood of these companies is threatened,” said Daniel Delfosse from industry association Swiss MedtechExternal link.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, medical technology manufacturers were responsible for 5% of Switzerland’s total exports in 2019, with exports worth CHF12 billion ($13.3 billion). Of those exports, 46% went to the EU.
The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs says “intensive negotiations at various levels” are underway with Brussels to find a solution.
More
More
Swiss prepare for EU chill after quitting market access talks
This content was published on
After the Swiss government shelved an institutional agreement on relations with the EU, there are many questions about what happens next.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
This content was published on
The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
This content was published on
Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
This content was published on
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
Telecoms sector kept Swiss competitions regulator busy in 2023
This content was published on
Last year, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) conducted 27 investigations and initiated 17 preliminary investigations.
This content was published on
Although Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved higher revenue at the start of the year, it suffered a dip in profits.
40,000 signatures against animal testing in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland should do away with “restrictive” animal testing and should become a model for innovative, effective, and pain-free scientific research.
More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA
This content was published on
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.
This content was published on
At the end of January 2024, 6,881 men and women were behind bars in Switzerland. Almost 95% of all places were occupied, the highest number since 2014.
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
‘Switzerland could lose competitiveness in research and innovation’
This content was published on
The abrupt end to negotiations over a framework agreement with the European Union will affect Swiss scientific research and university exchanges.
Swiss unis fear for research after EU deal breakdown
This content was published on
Swiss universities say government's decision to drop the EU "framework" agreement puts Switzerland’s top research position at risk.
Media reacts to uncertain aftermath of EU deal failure
This content was published on
“Punk politics”, or “right decision”? The Swiss press is divided about the the government’s decision to break off negotiations with the EU.
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.