Framework agreement discussion: This is how Switzerland wants to continue playing in EU poker

But why is this agreement so important? What are the biggest points of contention between Switzerland and the EU? Blick lists the most important discussion points.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU). But she maintains close relations with her. Because: The EU is your most important trading partner. Switzerland is part of the European Single Market, a common market for free trade. To participate, it has concluded various contracts with the EU. It is currently negotiating a framework agreement.

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To enable free trade, similar rules must apply in all countries. Such a framework agreement sets out how these rules are developed, monitored and interpreted. It also governs how disputes are resolved if disagreements exist.

Switzerland broke off talks on a framework agreement with the EU in May 2021. Three points of contention in particular caused anger:

• Some opponents argue that the framework agreement would tie Switzerland too closely to the EU. They fear that Switzerland will have to adopt more rules in the future – without saying anything – which could endanger its independence.
• Other concerns relate to the protection of workers’ rights, especially in the area of ​​wage protection. The social partners fear that the framework agreement could endanger certain rules that previously protected workers. Under certain circumstances, these protections may be weakened or withdrawn as a result of the agreement.
• Another point of contention concerns the design of an effective dispute resolution mechanism in the event of disagreement over the interpretation and implementation of the agreement.

Since the failure of the framework agreement, the EU has tightened the screws: there will be no new agreements and expiring agreements will not be renewed.

On the day the framework agreement negotiations failed, the medical sector lost easier access to the EU market. In vitro diagnostics also lost its privileged access to the EU internal market.

Science also had to pay a high price. Due to the partial exclusion from the Horizon research program, EU funds were lost and Swiss universities can no longer lead Horizon projects.

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The lack of an electricity agreement is even more urgent. If Switzerland fails to secure a strong place in the European electricity market, network stability and security of supply could suffer.

Switzerland and the EU have repeatedly held exploratory talks over the past two years. These are preparatory negotiations that serve to identify potential topics for a framework agreement and to create the initial basis for negotiations. These discussions define controversial issues and interests of both parties. These discussions have now largely been completed.

According to reports, the Federal Council is currently assessing the results of the exploratory exercise and preparing a negotiating mandate. The EDA of Ignazio Cassis (62) should work this out in December. It will finally be submitted for consultation to the foreign policy committees of Parliament (APKs) and the cantons in early 2024. The actual negotiations with the EU could then start in February or March.

Despite the challenges and disagreements, there is still a prospect of an agreement between Switzerland and the EU. Both parties have an interest in stabilizing and developing their relations. It remains to be seen how negotiations will develop in the coming months and whether a satisfactory solution can be found that meets the interests of both sides.