Shortly before the framework agreement negotiations between the EU and Switzerland broke down, I took over the negotiating mandate for the European Parliament’s report on EU-Switzerland relations. That was more than two years ago.
The impetus for me to get involved here was the statement made four years ago by the then outgoing Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that among the few things he regretted was that no framework agreement had been reached with Switzerland.
A lot has changed since that day – first the breakdown of the framework treaty negotiations, then the start of a military war of aggression on European soil, including war crimes and other atrocities.
Switzerland and the EU belong together. We are dependent on each other. Especially in view of the deteriorating geopolitical situation, the confrontational course of other parts of the world, not only of Putin-Russia, it is absolutely clear that we have to solve our comparatively small problems with a broad view, with trust and creativity. More cooperation in economics, science, geopolitics, security and other areas makes us all stronger.
It is in this spirit that I am leading the negotiations on the European Parliament’s Switzerland Report, which will enter the final phase this summer and probably culminate in the adoption of the European Parliament’s Switzerland Report in its plenary session in autumn.
During my Happy Hour Of Free Speech, the crucial points will be discussed on Monday, 10 July 2023, at 6 p.m., in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Those who attend in person can enter into discourse with the responsible EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and the other panelists, in English, French and German.
More information and registration here:
