Reactions to EU negotiating mandate as expected
Published: Friday, Dec 15th 2023, 18:10
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The reactions to the presentation of Switzerland's negotiating mandate with the EU were largely as expected: The SVP rejects any rapprochement with the EU, the SP and trade unions are calling for improvements, and the business associations want negotiations as quickly as possible.
In a statement on Friday, the SVP described the draft as "old wine in new bottles" and a "poisoned Christmas present". The party wants to "fight any form of institutional connection to the EU with all means".
The "center-left majority in the Federal Council" is prepared to automatically adopt EU law and accept the European Court of Justice (ECJ) as the final instance for settling disputes. The SVP firmly rejects this and will fight "by all means" to preserve a sovereign Switzerland.
Pro Switzerland, the former Action for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland (Auns), has a similar view: Instead of taking a clear line towards Brussels and examining foreign policy options, the Federal Council is bowing to EU positions. Pro Switzerland will also fight against any institutional ties with the EU.
SGB and SP demand improvements
The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB), previously an "unholy" ally of the SVP in the fight against the failed framework agreement, at least sees an initial positive sign in the "expenses issue". This is because the Federal Council has declared its intention to negotiate the adoption of the EU expenses law. The EU regulation would lead to wage pressure and unfair competition.
However, the SGB also sees a need for improvement in other areas, such as wage protection and public services. There is also a threat of competition and liberalization instead of regulated basic services and cooperation in the areas of electricity supply and international rail transport.
The SP also warned against undermining wage protection. With the introduction of an "anti-erosion pact for labor law and working conditions", it should be possible to maintain the accompanying measures, even if they are deemed disproportionate by the court of arbitration, for example. In principle, however, the party supports the Federal Council in its efforts to enter into negotiations with the EU.
FDP and center demand unity
The FDP welcomed the draft as an "important step in the right direction". It is now essential that all stakeholders assume their responsibility and work towards sustainable solutions, the party said.
The center also emphasized the need to close ranks domestically and reach a broad-based consensus. As part of the consultation process, it will work to ensure that Swiss wage levels and social security systems are protected by "effective safeguard clauses".
The Greens were "extremely pleased" that the Federal Council had finally submitted a negotiating mandate for consultation. They now expect it to start negotiations with the EU in the first quarter of 2024.
"Quick and tough negotiations"
Business associations have also called on the Federal Council to negotiate quickly. Further delays would be "painful" for the Swiss economy, according to the Swiss Employers' Association (SAV). With a new package of bilateral agreements, however, the goals of the Swiss economy could be achieved, wrote Economiesuisse.
The Conference of Cantonal Governments (KdK) welcomed the draft negotiating mandate with the EU. However, it expects the EU to show a sign of concession in the areas of research, education and innovation and to readmit Switzerland to the calls for proposals of the European Research Council as well as to Horizon Europe.
Swiss universities have also expressed this hope. Full participation in the Horizon Europe Euratom research and education program could be possible again as early as 2024 if both Switzerland and the EU start the negotiation process by then.
©Keystone/SDA
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