Switzerland is putting an end to it. After seven and a half years of political hiccups, a temporary standstill, rapprochement and setbacks, Switzerland is finally turning its back on the EU on the framework agreement.
It is the crux of a relationship that has been “It’s complicated” right from the start. In 2013 the Federal Council approved the negotiating mandate. A few months after the first round of negotiations, however, the EU is already putting the talks on hold. The reason: the narrow yes of the Swiss electorate to the mass immigration initiative. It wasn’t until 2015, after a visit by SP Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga (61), that Bern and Brussels came closer again – and not just in a figurative sense: The smack of the then EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (66) is unforgettable.
Misunderstandings and pinpricks
In 2017, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (60) took over the EU dossier from FDP predecessor Didier Burkhalter (61). And Juncker is received by Federal President Doris Leuthard (58, CVP) in Bern. This time, it is not a kiss photo that causes a stir, but the announcement by the EU Commission chief that the agreement will be concluded by spring 2018. One day later, Switzerland denies it.
It is the beginning of the next relationship crisis. Due to insufficient progress, the EU only recognizes the Swiss stock exchange as being equivalent for a limited period of time. In 2019 this recognition will no longer be extended. For its part, Switzerland is responding by blocking the cohesion contribution of over one billion francs.
Negotiator number 5
The draft framework agreement has been on the table since the end of 2018. For a long time, the Federal Council hesitated to take a clear position. In the end, it becomes clear: Without substantial “clarifications”, Switzerland will not sign the treaty. At the end of 2020, Livia Leu (60) will be the fifth negotiator to take over the dossier. But it cannot achieve a breakthrough either. After his visit to Brussels, Federal President Guy Parmelin (61) made it clear in April that there were major differences. Too big to be tied to a framework agreement.