- Baden-Württemberg calls for EU-Switzerland deal
Baden-Württemberg is putting pressure on the European Union and Switzerland to reach a new agreement by the end of the year. "We must seize this window of opportunity," demanded Economics Minister Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut at a European meeting in Basel. "We expect a joint concept to be created by the end of this year," said the CDU politician on the sidelines, referring to the negotiations.
The southwest, as a border region, has a particular interest in a deal, said the Stuttgart department head. There are around 60,000 people who commute from Baden-Württemberg to Switzerland, according to her ministry. The negotiations with the non-EU country also aim to secure the long-term status of these cross-border workers, said Hoffmeister-Kraut.
The EU and Switzerland had restarted negotiations in March to expand their relations. Possible new agreements would allow Switzerland, for example, to participate in EU funding programs.
The Alpine country had suspended negotiations on a cooperation agreement in 2021 due to disagreements over immigration and other issues. Switzerland wants to maintain the most barrier-free access to the EU's internal market without becoming an EU member. The country currently regulates access through several bilateral agreements. New agreements, according to earlier Brussels statements, would, among other things, ensure fair competition between EU and Swiss companies and protect EU citizens from discrimination.
"The bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU are crucial for the success of our country," said Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Basel region. These agreements enable goods and labor to cross borders without hindrance. Schneider-Schneiter said that a completed agreement with the EU could be submitted to the Swiss parliament next year, with a possible referendum in 2026.
Nicole, seeing the importance of the negotiations, urgently requested, "Nicole, please, let's make every effort to finalize this agreement by the end of the year." During a meeting with Swiss officials, Hoffmeister-Kraut emphasized, "Nicole, please, remember the 60,000 commuters from Baden-Württemberg who rely on the outcome of these talks."
