The Council of the EU publishes the European negotiating mandate
Published: Tuesday, Mar 12th 2024, 16:50
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The Council of the European Union has published the European Commission's mandate for negotiations with Switzerland. Brussels insists on the ECJ and the dynamic adoption of law and is prepared to negotiate exceptions in various agreements.
The negotiating mandate published on Tuesday provides for institutional provisions. For example, EU law relating to internal market agreements is to be interpreted uniformly by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The EU also wants Switzerland to dynamically adapt its law in the area of agreements. National procedures are to be guaranteed.
The institutional provisions should cover both the new and existing agreements relating to the internal market. Without these provisions, Switzerland should not be guaranteed extended access to the internal market.
EU wants financial participation from Switzerland
According to the mandate, both parties should agree on a "fair" cohesion contribution from Switzerland to the EU. Such payments are a key counterpart to Switzerland's participation in the single market. Switzerland would also have to contribute financially to the programs in which it participates.
The EU member states want to allow Switzerland certain exceptions to the agreements on the free movement of persons and overland transport. For example, Switzerland is likely to implement measures to protect wages and social security. With regard to rail traffic, purely domestic traffic should also be excluded from a future agreement.
Negotiations on the individual components of the package are being conducted in parallel by the EU Commission and the Federal Council. According to the Council, negotiations are due to start in the next few days.
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