The Swiss government has resolved to "step up" exploratory talks with the European Union aimed at resolving differences concerning future bilateral relations.
Switzerland has repeatedly rejected EU demands to replace a series of separate treaties with a unified set of rules. In May of last year, Switzerland walked away from these negotiations on the grounds that voters were likely to reject such an arrangement.
Since then, political relations have remained frosty with both sides accusing the other of inflexibility. Diplomats have formally met twice in an effort to resolve the impasse and the Swiss government has now indicated that it wants to intensify the pace of these discussions.
Switzerland has already put forward a set of proposalsExternal link for the EU. These include a proposal for the “full implementation” of the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU.
The Swiss government says former migration office chief Mario Gattiker had held meetings with “key domestic political actors” to discuss “the removal of regulatory differences” relating to the free movement of persons.
Switzerland also wants to prioritise full access to EU research programmes, such as Horizon Europe.
Exploratory talks with the EU will also include new agreements on electricity, food safety and health, future contributions to the cohesion fund, a system for dispute resolution and the “dynamic adoption of EU law developments”.
The government says that the EU “is largely receptive to Switzerland’s package proposal” but has called for greater flexibility from Brussels.
“The EU continues to publicly maintain its well-known positions on the institutional issues, making it difficult to find common ground between Switzerland’s and the EU’s interests. Their respective positions remain far apart and further clarifications are needed,” read a statement. “The Federal Council will decide on a negotiating mandate once there is a sufficient basis for opening negotiations.”
Swiss public broadcaster SRF says that a new round of talks could be scheduled before the summer break.
Swiss government to use phone data to identify asylum seekers
This content was published on
From April 2025, authorities plan to be able to analyse data from mobile phones, computers and other data carriers to identify asylum seekers.
Young undocumented migrants gain easier access to vocational training
This content was published on
Rejected asylum-seekers and young undocumented migrants in Switzerland will have easier access to basic vocational training from June 1.
Migration: Swiss government wants to shorten reunification period for families
This content was published on
Family members of people temporarily admitted to Switzerland should in future be able to join them after two years instead of three.
This content was published on
2023 was a record year for the Rhaetian Railway in several respects. Never before has the narrow-gauge railway in Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, transported so many passengers and cars.
Swiss CFOs much more optimistic despite global uncertainty
This content was published on
The main concerns of business leaders in Switzerland are geopolitical uncertainty and the important trading partners Germany and China.
Record organ donation in Switzerland despite high rejection rates
This content was published on
More organ donations were recorded in Switzerland in 2023 than ever before. This was despite a high rejection rate of 58% by surviving relatives.
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-Swiss political deadlock throws shadow over nuclear fusion research
This content was published on
The EU-Swiss political impasse risks disrupting Swiss participation in future international projects, warns the head of the Swiss Plasma Center.
EU asks for written responses from Switzerland to advance talks
This content was published on
The EU has asked Switzerland to send written responses to a series of open questions as talks fail to resolve the political impasse.
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
If voted on today, it’s unlikely that an economic framework accord with the EU would be approved – believes the Swiss Foreign Minister.
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.