Now it is fixed: the Federal Council is not signing the framework agreement with the EU and is giving Brussels the cold shoulder. The differences in the EU Citizenship Directive, wage protection and state aid are too great. After seven years of talks, the negotiations are over. There is no signature.
The EU accepts this decision with “regret” and announces that it will no longer be possible to “modernize current relations”. At the same time, from a Swiss point of view, various punitive actions from Brussels can be expected. The Swiss medical technology industry lost privileged access to the EU internal market on Wednesday. This means that Swiss companies will face additional costs and greater administrative effort.
“Today is a good day”
The news sparked major discussions in the Blick community – from congratulations to the Federal Council to expressions of condolences because some readers suspect a political fiasco.
The majority, however, are basically satisfied with the Federal Council’s decision. For example, reader Chrigel Nef writes: «Bravo. Self-confidence. Backbone. Stand up for yourself and not always be adaptive to meet other demands. A good day. The EU will not turn its back on Switzerland. It will once again be shown that the EU cannot do without Switzerland. “
Reader Lisa Cervet sees it straight away: “Switzerland is finally showing strength and cannot be blackmailed any further! I just hope that our government doesn’t pass billions over to the EU out of fear – it should rather turn off the money until we can negotiate with honest and reliable interlocutors. “
Many readers have the feeling that the EU has not been sufficiently accommodating to Switzerland in the talks. Boris Budak, for example, writes: «You cannot sign a framework agreement that has been practically dictated by Brussels. That interferes too much in our free Switzerland. Accordingly, the decision from Federal Bern is a great answer! “
“A total political fiasco”
But not everyone in the community sees it the same way. Reader Paul Weber warns: “The EU needs us Swiss less than we need the EU. Let’s see if we still celebrate this decision in the near future. I think there will soon be the first visible and noticeable measures for everyone. “
Marco Minuscoli goes even further. He writes: “What a farce. We will still feel painfully that we have maneuvered ourselves so stupidly on the sidelines. A total political fiasco! ” Markus Beyeler can hardly believe it either: “Typically Switzerland, sawing off the branch on which you are sitting yourself. We will hardly regret this fatal wrong decision. “
One thing is clear: the EU and Switzerland have to find each other at some point. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (60) also knows this: “When the emotions have calmed down a bit”, one is confident of getting back into conversation with one another. We are a not insignificant partner of the EU. “