Almost everyone has something to complain about: EU negotiations? Yes but…

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

The Conference of Cantonal Governments (KDK), the Foreign Policy Committees of the National (APK-N) and the Council of States (APK-S), the Economic Commission of the National Council (WAK-N), business associations, social partners , the association of cities and most parties support the Federal Council’s project to negotiate an agreement with the EU.

A comprehensive negotiating package with agreements in several areas is planned. While some favor quick negotiations, others call for improvements.

Unions and employers demand insurance for expenses

In the area of ​​wage protection, the principle of ‘equal pay for the same work in the same place’ should apply; the various interest groups agree on this. Additional guarantees regarding the expense scheme are necessary, especially for the trade unions, but also for the Swiss employers’ association and the parliamentary committees.

The costs of posted workers must be based on the Swiss standard, otherwise there is a risk of wage dumping. The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions also demands that the pre-registration period for foreign professionals is not shortened.

Exceptions for electricity

Part of the negotiating package also includes an electricity agreement with the EU, which is intended to guarantee the stability of the electricity grid and security of supply. During the consultation, fears arose from various quarters that the electricity market as a whole would be liberalized.

The social partners and parliamentary committees demand, among other things, that households and SMEs can continue to receive basic services, even if the market is liberalized. However, the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies pointed out that regulatory interventions should be undertaken with great caution.

In the case of the free movement of people, the KDK believes that this should not lead to abuse of the Swiss social system. The APK-S demanded that unlawful or unwanted receipt of social benefits must be prevented.

There is fear of cuts in public services

There is also criticism of the land transport agreement in the rail sector. The KDK stated that the regular timetable and tariff integration in rail transport must be maintained. The trade union federation also fears a reduction in public services.

The business associations emphasize the importance of access to the EU internal market as unhindered as possible. Mutual recognition of conformity assessments is necessary so that Swiss products can be exported to the EU without hindrance. Due to the shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors, associations emphasize maintaining the free movement of people.

The SVP, on the other hand, describes the negotiations as a “subordination agreement”. With the desired agreement, Switzerland would have to “automatically” adopt EU law and accept foreign judges in the European Court of Justice. The party leadership sees Switzerland’s prosperity in danger.

Agreement already in the autumn?

The Federal Council is expected to approve the final negotiating mandate in March. On the EU side, the member states still have to agree to the mandate.

Once negotiations begin, discussions will begin on Switzerland’s participation in the EU’s Horizon research program. This is welcomed by both the KDK and the business associations.

On the EU side, the Commission will be responsible for negotiations with the Federal Council. She has already announced that she wants to reach a conclusion before the end of the parliamentary term. The legislative period lasts until the autumn of 2024.

Source:Blick