Rühl says rejecting EU deals would not preserve status quo

Economiesuisse director Monika Rühl says Switzerland would not simply keep the status quo if voters reject new agreements with the EU. In an interview with SRF, she argued that the existing free trade agreement is more than 50 years old and no longer reflects today’s economic reality.

The Council of States has called for the agreements to require both a majority of voters and a majority of cantons. Rühl said that would make the campaign more difficult for supporters, but Economiesuisse would campaign vigorously regardless of the outcome of the debate over the voting rules.

Economiesuisse, the largest umbrella organisation for Swiss business, has not taken a position on whether the agreements should require a double majority. Rühl said the rules of Swiss democracy must be respected either way, although a simple majority of voters would be better for supporters of the package.

Responding to concerns that the agreements’ provision for dynamic adoption of EU law is incompatible with Switzerland’s political system, Rühl said it would apply only in selected areas and would not be automatic. She said Switzerland would gain a right to help shape EU rules affecting it by taking part in negotiations in Brussels.

Rühl said the agreements were central to continuing the bilateral approach, which she said had secured prosperity, stability and security for Switzerland for 25 years. The country needed reliable access to the market and stable relations with its most important trading partner, she said.