Swiss Senate backs double majority vote on EU treaty package

Switzerland’s Council of States has voted to require both a popular majority and a majority of cantons to approve the country’s proposed treaty package with the European Union, SRF reported. The National Council must also decide how the package will be put to a vote.

The Council of States favoured a referendum mechanism known as “sui generis”, which would require a double majority without adding a new constitutional provision. The issue has been debated for months: under a facultative referendum, only a majority of voters would be needed, while an obligatory referendum requires approval by both voters and cantons.

Supporters of the double majority, including the Swiss People’s Party and members of the Centre and FDP parties, argued that the agreements have significant consequences for Switzerland and affect the cantons. Heidi Z’graggen of the Centre party said the agreements would reduce some Swiss sovereignty and limit the legislative powers of parliament and the cantons’ scope for involvement. She called the cantonal vote necessary to preserve the federal balance.

Supporters of a facultative referendum, including the Federal Council, the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Green Liberals, said the package does not require a constitutional amendment and should follow the practice used for the Bilaterals I and II agreements. Carlo Sommaruga, a Social Democrat and president of the Council of States’ Foreign Affairs Committee, said a simple popular majority was the only option provided for by the constitution.

The Council of States also approved three funding credits linked to the package: two for Swiss cohesion contributions and one for migration. If the package is accepted, Switzerland would make annual payments from 2030 to 2036, totalling 3.3 billion francs. The contributions would be paid under agreements negotiated with EU member states and would not form part of the EU budget.

On Thursday, the chamber is due to consider funding for Switzerland’s participation in the Erasmus Plus programme in 2027 and the agreements’ further-development section, including agreements on food safety and health. The health agreement would strengthen cross-border coordination with the EU during a health crisis. The full dossier will then go to the National Council. The electricity agreement will be considered later, as the relevant committee has not yet completed its work.