Swiss Council of States begins debate on new EU treaty package

Switzerland’s Council of States begins debating a new package of agreements with the European Union on Monday. The package would update existing treaties and add agreements on electricity, food safety and health, SRF reports.

Switzerland’s relations with the EU are based on a network of bilateral agreements, including the Bilaterals I and II. They cover areas such as market access, the free movement of people, research, security and transport.

The existing agreements are more than 20 years old. Under the proposed package, Switzerland would adopt changes to most of the agreements when the EU updates them, a process known as dynamic adoption of EU law.

EU citizens can already live in Switzerland if they have an employment contract or sufficient assets. The package would extend family reunification to same-sex couples. It would also allow the Federal Council to restrict immigration if thresholds for welfare claims or unemployment were exceeded.

A three-member arbitration panel, with equal representation from Switzerland and the EU as well as an independent member, would settle disputes over how the agreements are applied. The European Court of Justice would also be consulted in cases involving disputed EU single-market law.

The Swiss People’s Party and some members of the Liberals and Centre oppose the package, warning of a loss of sovereignty and increased immigration. They have raised particular concerns about wage protection, free movement and the arbitration process. The Federal Council and the Social Democrats, Liberals, Greens and Green Liberals support the deal. The Centre broadly backs it but is seeking some domestic policy changes.

Supporters say the agreements would allow Switzerland to continue its established bilateral approach to the EU and provide legal certainty. Opponents say the EU would have no interest in worsening relations if the package were rejected. The EU has said that simply continuing as before would not be an option, and supporters warn that market access could deteriorate over time.

Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve the package, but no date has been set for a referendum. Politicians are also debating whether approval should require a majority of both voters and cantons. President Guy Parmelin signed the package in Brussels in March.