Switzerland and EU reaffirm rapid approach to negotiations
Published: Monday, Jan 15th 2024, 22:11
Updated At: Monday, Jan 15th 2024, 22:11
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Switzerland already had an important top-level meeting in Davos GR on the first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF): President Viola Amherd exchanged views on the EU dossier with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday evening.
According to the Swiss side, the two leaders confirmed the swift start of negotiations on a package of agreements on future relations. However, they did not commit to a fixed timetable, as Amherd told the media after the 15-minute meeting.
They had assured each other that they would now negotiate quickly. Amherd said that they wanted to use the "ideal time window" in 2024 before the European elections, before the next Commission in a new composition takes up its work on the EU side in the summer.
The Federal Councillor also reminded the President of the European Commission that consultations were ongoing in Switzerland until mid-February and that domestic policy issues needed to be clarified.
Also content exchange on the phone
The two magistrates have also agreed to pick up the phone if necessary for substantive discussions. According to Amherd, the meeting in Davos basically served to inform each other about the status of the EU dossier.
Von der Leyen said after the meeting that it had been "very good, very friendly". She did not comment further on the content. Amherd had previously said when welcoming von der Leyen that she was pleased that her colleague still had time for her late in the evening.
Relations with the EU are one of the most controversial topics on the Swiss Federal Council's political agenda. According to Amherd herself, it is even the most important dossier in her year as president.
Further talks planned
Observers saw Monday's meeting as a positive signal after months of talks at a technical level. The Federal Council adopted a negotiating mandate in mid-December. Five days later, the EU Commission published its draft mandate. The declared aim on both the Swiss and the EU side is to be able to start negotiations in two to three months.
The Swiss delegation intends to take the opportunity at the WEF to hold further talks on the EU dossier. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet Maros Sefcovic, the Vice-President of the EU Commission responsible for the Swiss dossier. Economics Minister Guy Parmelin wants to speak with the Commissioner for Innovation, Research and Education, Iliana Ivanova.
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