After almost three years, Switzerland is once again negotiating with the EU
Published: Monday, Mar 18th 2024, 13:00
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On Monday, the Federal Council and the EU Commission began negotiations for a new agreement on future relations. For the occasion, President Viola Amherd traveled to Brussels to meet EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Almost three years ago, the Federal Council unilaterally ended the negotiations on a framework agreement with the EU. Following this failure, both parties held exploratory talks, which led to a "Common Understanding". Based on this, Switzerland and the EU adopted their respective negotiating mandates this March.
The negotiating parties want to conclude new agreements or update existing ones in areas such as electricity, the free movement of persons and land transport. Institutional elements such as the dynamic adoption of law and the involvement of the European Court of Justice for dispute resolution are also part of the negotiations.
Chief negotiator Patric Franzen will lead the negotiations for Switzerland. His counterpart is Richard Szostak, Franzen said recently. According to the agreement, both negotiating parties have set themselves the goal of concluding the negotiations by the end of 2024.
Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday in Brussels that Monday was an important day for relations between Europe and Switzerland, and Amherd said that the two teams could now continue their work with vigor and commitment.
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