“For the SP, it is clear that a well-negotiated accession to the EU remains the best option,” the newspaper reads, entitled “The dawn of a social and democratic Europe”.
The document proposes an association as a first step. This should be done in several stages. The first thing Switzerland had to do after negotiations on the institutional framework agreement broke down in May 2021 was to take “confidence-building measures” in the short term. The party proposes that Switzerland shows solidarity in European migration policy and takes in significantly more refugees. In addition, it would have to pay higher cohesion payments.
Equal pay and minimum wage
Switzerland must also implement the key principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. These include parental leave, equal pay enforcement, and minimum wage guidelines. In addition, tax standards should be sought in consultation with the EU.
The newspaper speaks of a minimum rate for taxing profitable companies and of taxing multinational companies where they make a profit. In addition, Switzerland should commit to cooperation in the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion.
Negotiations on economic agreements
In a next phase, Switzerland could aim for a “temporary stabilization agreement” with the EU. This is intended to regulate participation in research and education programs such as “Horizon Europe” and “Erasmus+”. From 2023, the aim should be to negotiate an economic and cooperation agreement.
The memorandum then proposes a European law. In order to pass a referendum, the classical European coalition must clarify the institutional issues, i.e. all parties except the SVP. Such a law could restore the European coalition and give the Federal Council the mandate to negotiate with the EU.
In a next step, accession to the EU will be started in the form of an application for membership. A specific year for this purpose was not mentioned at the party congress.
Just critical
The adoption of the europaper sparked a long discussion at the party conference in the Basel Congress Center. Among others, representatives of the Young Socialists (Juso) were critical. Juso member Mirjam Hostetmann suggested that the party congress reject the newspaper before the final vote. EU accession with austerity is not the only viable option. Hostetmann spoke of a “critical attitude” towards refugee and liberalization policies in the EU. One of de Juso’s concerns was to define red lines to respect basic social democratic values.
SP National Councilor and Vice President Jon Pult, 38, instead recommended the paper for adoption. He said it is not about joining under any circumstances and unconditionally. “In the newspaper we do not deny at all that there are also disadvantages and challenges,” said Pult. For example, in the case of public service and direct democracy. Still, it makes little sense to put “rigid red lines” here. After several hours of discussion about the paper, those present finally followed the SP presidency.
The party conference in Basel had already confirmed the co-chairmanship of Cédric Wermuth (36) and Mattea Meyer (34) in office on Saturday. (SDA)