Sefcovic’s tough Tour of Switzerland

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The Tour of Switzerland of EU Vice President Maros Sefcovic (56) is over. After speaking at the University of Fribourg on Wednesday about the future relationship between Switzerland and the European Union and meeting Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (61), he went to the lion’s den on Thursday – not to the television program, but to his critics : to the social partners, who, among other things, ensured that the framework agreement was terminated.

But these were tame. They report an “open exchange”. “Both the EU side and the social partners have openly expressed their concerns,” says Adrian Wüthrich (42), who sat at the table for trade union umbrella organization Travailsuisse. There are still differences. “Because wage protection is also important in the EU, I am confident that you can find each other here,” says Wüthrich.

No solution yet

There was no solution, says union leader Pierre-Yves Maillard (55). “I hope Mr. Sefcovic understands our position better. The problems remain, but the task of negotiating lies with the Bundesrat. »

It sounds similar from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council. Sefcovic came to Switzerland to better understand our views. “He has shown great willingness to come to a solution with us,” says Eric Nussbaumer (62, SP).

FDP foreign politician Hans-Peter Portmann (60) speaks of a “hard confrontation”. “We made it clear to Sefcovic that the current situation is no longer acceptable.” He hopes for an impetus for the negotiations. “We now have a schedule for the Federal Council to use as a guideline.” Sefcovic wants to conclude the negotiations in the summer of 2024.

Portmann’s wish: the Bundesrat should present a negotiating mandate to the foreign policy committees this spring and then start negotiations.

race against the clock

But Secretary of State Cassis has to hesitate, because the question is whether he will get a majority in the Federal Council before the start of the negotiations.

Sefcovic himself emphasizes the positive spirit he experienced and acknowledges the efforts of all involved. But: “There is still a lot to do.”

The EU MEP leaves it open when negotiations should start to ensure that the summer target is met. “It also depends on the Swiss partners.” Switzerland will vote in the fall. In a Blick interview in December, Federal Councilor Cassis saw the election as an “aggravating factor”. If there is a good basis for negotiation, it can work.

Source:Blick