The cantonal governments support the Federal Council’s course for negotiations with the EU. 24 of 26 cantons welcome the draft mandate, but expect clear progress, for example in research and education programs or the free movement of people. Ruth Wittwer, Bundeshaus correspondent, classifies.
What is the draft negotiating mandate about?
The European Union and Switzerland want to conclude a package agreement this year. The Federal Council has presented a draft negotiating mandate as a basis for the upcoming negotiations with the EU. It is the result of months of preliminary negotiations with the EU.
On the basis of the draft mandate, the market access agreements and cooperation programs are to be renewed. The aim is to further develop the bilateral path in the long term and also conclude new agreements. Unlike the failed framework agreement, it is now a package of contracts. The unresolved institutional questions should be regulated separately in the individual agreements. This allows exceptions.
Where was Switzerland able to resolve differences with the EU?
In the area of free movement of people, Switzerland was able to wrest several exceptions from the EU. For example, there should be a safeguard for wage protection (non-regression clause). This means that Switzerland does not have to assume any future deterioration there.
The Union Citizens’ Directive should only apply to a limited extent in Switzerland. Immigrants from the EU must have a job and only then will they receive unrestricted residency rights after five years. After that, immigrants would have the right to stay, even if they need social assistance. That would mean additional costs for Switzerland.
Legend:
If Switzerland and the EU disagree on certain points, the EU Court of Justice should have the final say. This will be a lot to talk about.
Keystone/ANTHONY ANEX
Is there good news for Swiss research?
Switzerland was able to unblock the EU programs in the areas of education, research and innovation in the preliminary discussions. Discussions are underway about how Switzerland can be fully involved again; for example in the “Horizon Europe” research program. New agreements and cooperation should also be discussed in the areas of food safety, electricity, health.
What important differences remain with the EU?
Protecting high Swiss wages is a long-running issue. Switzerland was able to negotiate certain guarantees, but it should also give in. EU companies have to deposit money before their employees can carry out an order in Switzerland. This deposit is the fine for wage dumping.
But the regulation is shaky in some cases, much to the annoyance of the SP and the unions. They also criticize the EU’s new expense regulations. It would allow companies abroad to pay lower expenses to their posted employees.
What about the institutional issues?
Switzerland will probably have to make some concessions here. The EU continues to adhere to the dynamic adoption of EU law, including in the free movement of people and other areas. If Switzerland doesn’t take part, it could cost them something. And if Switzerland and the EU disagree on certain points, the EU Court of Justice should have the final say. The SVP in particular vehemently rejects this.
What’s next?
The draft negotiating mandate has so far been examined by social partners and politicians, among others. The tenor so far: The Federal Council should negotiate; it is measured by the result. He wants to adopt the definitive mandate in the spring and then enter into the crucial negotiations with Brussels.