The Federal Council defines the next steps for the continuation of bilateral negotiations with the EU

The Federal Council today defined the next steps to be taken in the bilateral negotiations with the EU. It attaches priority to the electricity/energy dossier. Other areas for negotiation in the framework of the holistic and coordinated approach are the market access dossiers (REACH, agriculture/health), the company taxation and interest taxation dossiers, individual cooperation dossiers (trade with CO2 emissions certificates, the Galileo satellite navigation program, cooperation between authorities monitoring competition, a framework agreement on peace missions) and the Swiss enlargement contribution. Switzerland's willingness to discuss the tax dossiers requires a correspondingly constructive approach by the EU on the planned implementation of the bilateral agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom on the withholding tax system.  

The Federal Council will continue the talks with the EU on this basis. In the view of the Federal Council, this holistic and coordinated approach can reconcile the divergent interests of both sides and can thus create the conditions for a negotiated agreement which would also cover institutional issues. Any solution of the institutional issue would have to be compatible with the workings of the institutions of both parties and would have to respect the sovereignty of both sides. Automatic adoption of EU law by Switzerland is not acceptable.

Dialogue with the cantons

The Federal Council proposes to establish a regular dialogue between the central government and the cantons that would accompany the ongoing negotiation process with the EU. The aim is to strengthen the exchange of information and cooperation. Cooperation between the federal government and the cantons is vitally important for the bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU and is in the interest of all the actors concerned. 

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Information, Tel. 031 322 31 53

Information FDEA, Ruedi Christen, Tel. 031 322 39 60

Integration Office FDFA / FDEA, Information, Tel. 031 322 22 22

Publisher:

The Federal Council
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research