Switzerland ready to ‘perpetuate’ cohesion contribution to EU
Exploratory talks between Bern and Brussels aimed at bringing both sides back together to negotiate future political ties continue to advance slowly. The issue of making the so-called cohesion contribution to Brussels more permanent was raised for the first time during talks on Wednesday.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
Português
pt
Suíça pronta a “perpetuar” contribuição de coesão para UE
Swiss State Secretary Livia Leu met Juraj Nociar, the head of the cabinet of European Commission Vice President for International Affairs Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels for the fifth exploratory round of talks to find a way forward after Switzerland rejected an overarching framework agreement to govern long-term ties last year.
The Swiss diplomat described the talks as “substantial” without giving many details. The EU was also guarded, saying the Swiss delegation had clarified certain questions but that the EU Commission needs additional information on other matters.
For the first time, there was talk of a possible consolidation of the Swiss cohesion contribution, said Leu.
“Switzerland is in principle ready to perpetuate its solidarity contribution towards Europe’s cohesion,” said the Swiss official.
Cohesion payments are seen as the entry fee for non-EU members like Switzerland or Norway to take part in the European Single Market. They are aimed at reducing economic and social disparities and to manage migration better in selected EU member states. In July, Bern and Brussels signed a memorandum of understanding for Switzerland to pay a so-called cohesion contribution of CHF1.3 billion ($1.36 billion) to Brussels.
Switzerland’s second such contribution had been withheld in 2019 following a stand-off between Bern and Brussels over future political ties.
Free movement and abuse of welfare
The free movement of people was also discussed on Wednesday. “We agree on the principle of same salary for the same work in the same place,” said Leu, adding that this principle needs to be “finalised”.
The Swiss diplomat said the main stumbling block for Bern was still abusive use of the welfare system by immigrants, the expulsion of criminal foreigners and the protection of salaries. New technical discussions are planned on these issues.
Leu said further talks are also needed on institutional issues and on the question of state aid.
A sixth round of exploratory talks is timetabled for November 11.
In an interview with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) in early September, Leu said that Switzerland wanted to move forward with negotiations but complained that the EU continues to push back the timetable. In reply, Petros Mavromichalis, the EU ambassador in Bern, said Brussels was not “playing for time”. Rather, it was “waiting for the proposal of credible solutions”.
More
More
EU not ‘playing for time’ in Swiss talks, ambassador says
This content was published on
The European Union is not at fault for the current stalled talks with Switzerland on bilateral relations, the bloc’s ambassador in Bern has said.
This content was published on
Switzerland's economy grew slightly at the start of 2024, with growth in the service sector contrasting with weak growth in industry.
Swiss employment rate rises in first quarter of 2023
This content was published on
The number of women and foreign nationals in employment increased particularly strongly, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday.
Coercion still an issue in Swiss welfare system, report finds
This content was published on
The rights of vulnerable people are still sometimes disregarded by the Swiss welfare system, a national research programme has found.
This content was published on
Viola Amherd has expressed her “deep shock” at the assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday.
This content was published on
A man injured half a dozen people with knives, two of them seriously, before being arrested on Wednesday in northern Switzerland.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
This content was published on
The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
EU not ‘playing for time’ in Swiss talks, ambassador says
This content was published on
The European Union is not at fault for the current stalled talks with Switzerland on bilateral relations, the bloc’s ambassador in Bern has said.
Top Swiss negotiator laments EU ‘pressure politics’
This content was published on
After further talks last week, Switzerland wants to advance with negotiations but complained that the EU continues to push back the timetable.
This content was published on
Switzerland and the EC sign a memorandum of understanding for Switzerland to pay a so-called cohesion contribution of CHF1.3 billion to Brussels.
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.