Negotiations on the new bilateral treaties between Switzerland and the European Union have been completed. These are the reactions from the Swiss press.
Viola Amherd and Ursula von der Leyen welcomed each other with open arms on Friday.Bild: keystone
“Tagesanzeiger”
«[…] The big battle over the treaty is only beginning now – with the all-important domestic debate. The Federal Council is not badly equipped for this. […] Accordingly, cautious and optimistic votes can be heard from most parties […] The Federal Council has not yet presented any solutions for the really hot issues. He doesn't yet know when and how the protective clause against excessive immigration should be applied. In addition, he has not yet decided whether the four voting proposals should be subject to the majority of states or not. It is therefore unclear at this point in time whether they are capable of gaining a majority. The opponents currently have the advantage. They dominate the public debate with their powerful criticism of the “colonial contract”. The fact that the Federal Council and its supporters are on the defensive is their own fault. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, the top ambassador for this treaty, went into hiding during the negotiations […]» (sda)
“Switzerland at the weekend”/CH Media
«[…] Since the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, it has been clear where Switzerland stands: on the side of the EU. We share values such as democracy and the rule of law. We are not an island of the happy, but in the middle of Europe – highly networked. […] Given the uncertain geopolitical situation, the EU also understood that Switzerland is a reliable partner and that good relations are also in its interest. Yes, the Federal Council and its negotiators negotiated excellently. In key respects, the new agreements are better than the failed framework agreement. Tailored best describes this. […] These agreements deserve more than slogans – they deserve real discussion.”
NZZ
The “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” writes that the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, is “a little tired of communicating”: “During the visit of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, he said good day and goodbye. Later, at the media conference, which he held together with Justice Minister Beat Jans and Economics Minister Guy Parmelin, he emphasized the importance of stable and regulated relations with the EU. The world is unstable enough.” The lack of enthusiasm was so noticeable that Cassis was asked about it by journalists, the newspaper wrote. “It is a sensitive issue, but he could express the Federal Council’s general satisfaction with the result,” was the Federal Council’s response.
“Time” and “Freedom”
“This December 20th is a day to celebrate, no matter what one may say about this agreement,” writes Le Temps. “The battle will be fought later,” said the newspaper, recalling Switzerland’s “deep” ties to Europe and the “fundamental” access to the Swiss market. The daily also believes that the division of the negotiated package is “smart” to increase the chances that the whole thing will one day be ratified. “This debate has only just begun.”
La Liberté also emphasizes how much Switzerland needs Europe. As an example, the Freiburg daily newspaper cites the principle of free movement of people, “which is tailored to Switzerland” and secures “indispensable” workers for Switzerland.
Access to European education, research and innovation programs is also “vital” for Swiss universities. The newspaper is proud of Switzerland's importance for Brussels: “The EU, no matter how big it may be, cannot do without us,” says the article.
“Tribune de Genève”/“24 Heures”
In the “Tribune de Genève” and in “24 Heures” the euphoria gives way to skepticism. «Of course it is important to strengthen and stabilize our relations with Brussels (…). But the argument has been repeated for so long that it is losing weight,” write the two Geneva titles.
In order to convince the Swiss, “committed and self-confident” people are needed, but they “stand out through their absence and silence”. So we're looking for the spark that can “rekindle the Europhile flames to save this package,” it said. Those who want to blow it up have been campaigning for years.
(lak/sda)
This might also interest you:
