The EU’s message to Switzerland: “Europe is not an à la carte menu!”

Published on October 15, 2024 at 4:36 p.m. / Modified on October 15, 2024 at 4:40 p.m.

Final straight line for negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) or frenetic zigzags and jumps? Officially, the negotiators continue to work intensively, in a climate of trust. But the nervousness is palpable. The main point of contention remains the free movement of people and the brake on migration desired by Switzerland. This was once again verified on Tuesday in Luxembourg, where the European Affairs Ministers looked into the Switzerland-EU issue within the framework of the General Affairs Council (GAC). The European Commission presented the state of the negotiations. And the demands placed on Switzerland. With a clear message: the unilateral safeguard clause as wanted by Switzerland is completely unrealistic. Another message: negotiations must be concluded before the end of the year.

Maros Sefcovic, the European commissioner who supervises the Swiss file, repeated it again in the middle of the afternoon, in front of Swiss journalists present in Luxembourg including Time: “No EU member supports a unilateral escape clause.” Recalling that 120 rounds of negotiations have already been conducted, he described the discussions with Switzerland as “among the most intense” he has experienced, but ensures he remains “confident”. The meeting devoted to the file lasted nearly 45 minutes. And thirteen ministers spoke, including those from France, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg.

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