EU states give green light for rapprochement attempt with Switzerland
Published: Tuesday, Mar 12th 2024, 17:50
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The EU and Switzerland are making a new attempt to expand their relations. On Tuesday, the EU member states gave the European Commission a mandate for negotiations on possible new agreements. Among other things, they should enable Switzerland to participate in EU funding programs. The talks are to begin in the next few days, according to a statement from the EU member states. Switzerland had already spoken out in favor of such a step last week.
The Alpine country broke off negotiations on a cooperation agreement in 2021 due to disagreements over immigration and other issues. Switzerland wants to maintain barrier-free access to the EU single market, but does not want to become an EU member. The country has so far regulated access via several bilateral agreements.
According to the information provided, new agreements should, among other things, ensure fair competition between EU and Swiss companies and protect EU citizens from discrimination. However, the negotiating mandate also addresses Switzerland's concerns, for example by providing for special rules on the free movement of persons or in rail and road transport, according to the EU states.
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