"I'm tired of being bullied continuously" – Switzerland: Standard

Switzerland should financially support the new EU states in the East. the senate approved the second billion cohesion Thursday. He wants to make payments but a condition.

Money should flow only if the EU does not take discriminatory measures against Switzerland. Otherwise, the Federal Council should not incur any obligation on the basis of the framework credit. The Council of States adopted a request from Ruedi Noser (FDP, ZH) by 38 votes to 1 with 2 abstentions.

The Council is thinking first and foremost about the measures that the EU could take against the Swiss stock exchange: a year ago, the EU decided to recognize the equivalence of Swiss exchange regulations for a limited period at one year. Another extension made them dependent on the progress of the framework agreement.

In the coming days or weeks it will be clear if the EU extends its recognition. For the moment, this does not look like this: EU Vice President, Valdis Dombrowskis, wrote in a letter to a MEP that there was not enough progress for recognize the equivalence of the Swiss stock market beyond December 2018. This had been known Wednesday.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis did not comment on this development. He said that the Federal Council had already declared a year ago that it was about discrimination. This has not changed. The Noser application was in accordance with the will of the Bundesrat. The general meteorological situation should be taken into account. The Federal Council, however, refuses to include this in the federal decree.

Clear signal against discrimination

It was also discussed that payments should also be related to improving bilateral relations with the EU. The request has been withdrawn in favor of the version of Noser. This is convinced because the concept of discrimination is legally clear – contrary to "improving relations".

Courts could determine whether there was discrimination, it was said. Noser said that it was a clear signal against discriminatory measures. The council shows that he is calmly trying to defuse the problems, Noser said. Pirmin Bishop (CVP, SO) stated that the minimum we could expect is to refrain from discrimination. To hang on to it is "an expression of legitimate self-confidence even towards a great partner".

Price of access to the market

Damian Mueller (FDP, LU) commented on possible discriminatory measures from the EU: "I really have enough to be constantly bullied". Thomas Minder (SVP, SH) said that with this decision, the Council has made it clear that Switzerland is on its hind legs for the place of business.

The fact that Switzerland pays another cohesion billiard is indisputable for most members of the Council. This is the price of market access, said Philipp Mueller (FDP, AG). Switzerland must expect future price increases, both politically and financially. 1.3 billion francs in ten years, or 130 million francs a year. This corresponds to only 1.1 per thousand exports to the EU, he said.

Resist temptation

Christian Levrat (SP, FR) became against conditions. He described the link as an error, an illusion and political errors. The council should resist this temptation, he thought. Cohesion billions are not a favor for the EU nor a price for market access. It is above all an investment. Switzerland also has an interest in reducing inequalities within the EU.

Daniel Jositsch (SP, ZH) warned against establishing a new red line and restricting the freedom of action of the Federal Council. The thing reminds him of some chess. The goal in chess is to subdue the king – but not his. But he could support the version of Noser.

"Catastrophic result"

Regulations have been withdrawn to defer activities until the Federal Council decides on the follow-up to be given to the framework agreement. The decision is expected for Friday.

Paul Rechsteiner (SP, SG) has already been informed as President of the Trade Union Confederation (SGB) of the outcome of the negotiations. It was "simply catastrophic," he said. It is not simply a matter of shortening the pre-registration period for foreign service providers. The problem is that wage protection in Switzerland would be entirely subject to EU law. It was a violation of the red line.

Reduce inequalities

Around 1.3 billion francs are being discussed to reduce economic and social inequalities within the EU. This amount includes the framework credit for cohesion, the framework credit for migration and the own expenditure of the federal administration.

The Cohesion credit line covers approximately 1.047 billion Swiss francs. Its aim is to help reduce economic and social inequalities in the EU. Countries from the EU to the East would benefit. The framework credit for migration includes CHF 190 million. This should benefit EU countries particularly affected by migration – not necessarily to the eastern countries. This section is December 12th. (Sep / SDA)

Created: 29.11.2018, 09:50