No exaggerated outpouring between the leaders of Switzerland and the European Union (EU), but a very important moment nonetheless and smiles that speak volumes. Because the arrival in Bern this Friday, December 20 of the President of the European Commission is quite a symbol. After the failure of a framework agreement in spring 2021, the European Union clearly hopes that this time will be the right one.
At the end of the Federal Council meeting, President Viola Amherd received Ursula von der Leyen to take stock of the end of these bilateral negotiations, which aimed to define a framework to stabilize relations between Switzerland and the Union European for the coming years. The timetable is respected, the two parties having repeated on numerous occasions that they hoped for the end of these negotiations still in 2024.
“A day of great joy”
Viola Amherd was delighted to the press that Switzerland had succeeded in achieving the objectives defined by the negotiating mandate: “Switzerland and the EU share common values of democracy and the rule of law. The Federal Council is convinced that the result of these negotiations is good and to the advantage of both parties. Political debates have now begun in Switzerland.”
Ursula von der Leyen, for her part, was very satisfied: “Today is a day of great joy, a historic moment in our relations with Switzerland. Because we give common responses to a global reality. We are going to modernize our relations in a very intense way and we will all benefit from the European internal market and the free movement of people, workers, students, researchers. »
An understanding agreement was approved by the two parties in November 2023, then the actual negotiations began in March 2024. At that time, the two leaders had already met, but the discussion had then taken place. place in Brussels.
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