Relations with the EU are a key topic during Macron’s state visit
Published: Wednesday, Nov 15th 2023, 19:20
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Following an initial exchange with French President Emmanuel Macron in Bern, President Alain Berset emphasized Switzerland's proximity to Europe. Macron in turn called on Switzerland to clarify its relations with the EU. The French President and his wife Brigitte arrived in Bern on Wednesday afternoon for a two-day state visit.
The entire Federal Council received the French head of state with military honors on the Federal Square. Macron, Berset and their two wives took plenty of time to greet the members of the Federal Council and numerous other people in front of the Federal Palace before walking across the Federal Square on the red carpet.
After the national anthems were played, Berset, Macron and the presidents' wives took a dip in the crowd of around a thousand onlookers behind the barriers. The Federal Palace itself was decorated with the coats of arms of all the cantons for the reception, and the EU flag flew alongside the Swiss and French flags on the Bundesplatz.
Berset: Stable relations with the EU
Speaking to the media later alongside Macron, Berset said: "We have stable relations with the EU." The drafting of a negotiating mandate is an important step on the way to expanding bilateral relations. France is an important point of contact for Switzerland in this regard, said Berset.
He also praised the European Political Community (EPC) initiated by Macron in 2022. This forum is intended to promote political dialog and cooperation on the European continent. "It is important for us to be able to exchange ideas informally within this framework," said Berset. In future, the EPG should also hold a summit in Switzerland.
In addition to European policy, numerous other topics were discussed with Macron, including climate change, according to Berset. Following the official talks, memoranda of understanding were signed on student exchanges and cooperation on research into glaciers and the poles.
Shared values
Both sides acknowledged the deep roots of the friendly relations between Switzerland and France, according to a statement from the Federal Council. These are enshrined, among other things, in the Perpetual Peace signed in 1516 and have been repeatedly renewed through close contacts at all levels.
"There are more crises, authoritarianism, inequality, racism and anti-Semitism," Berset told the media. During the talks between the two delegations, it became clear that Switzerland and France shared many common values and issues.
Berset described France as "one of Switzerland's most important partners". 210,000 Swiss nationals live in France and 163,000 French nationals live in Switzerland. In addition, 2.2 million French people come to Switzerland to work.
Macron had previously praised Switzerland in his speech in the foyer of the Federal Palace. France and Switzerland are more than just neighbors, they are friends, cousins as it were. Both countries have a common heritage to defend. The areas of cooperation are diverse.
Macron: Clarify relationship with the EU
However, it is essential for Switzerland to clarify its relations with the EU, Macron warned. A key moment has arrived and the negotiations with the EU must lead to success. France supports the EU Commission in its intentions, also with regard to research and the economy.
Macron said that he respected Swiss neutrality on the issue of the refusal to re-export war material to Ukraine. At the same time, he expressed his hope that Switzerland would step up its defense cooperation with NATO.
The French President will continue his two-day state visit to Switzerland on Thursday. Together with President Berset, Macron is expected in Lausanne to talk about Europe at the university there and then about science at the CERN research center near Geneva.
After a visit to the Jean Monnet Foundation on the campus of the University of Lausanne, Macron and Berset will dine at the Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel in Ouchy on Lake Geneva, where they will also meet with business representatives. The French presidential couple will fly back to Paris from Geneva in the early evening.
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