According to the news in the Swiss press, exploratory talks have been held between Switzerland and the EU since March to rebuild long-term relations.
The Swiss government announced at the end of March that the basic parameters of the negotiations will be announced by the end of June.
Ambassador Livia Leu, Switzerland’s Chief Negotiator for the EU and State Secretary of the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the exploratory talks have reached the final stages, following her meeting with the European Commission in Brussels yesterday.
Swiss public broadcaster RTS radio announced that Switzerland is seeking a postponement until the completion of the federal elections in October to complete the current debate phase.
This news was based on a European Commission statement stating that Brussels had accepted Switzerland’s request.
Making positive statements about relations with the EU after the meeting in Brussels, Leu said, “We are at a very different stage today than we were a year ago.” said.
Leu also stated that it is possible to re-establish a “trust relationship” with the EU.
Switzerland considers relations with the EU “positive”
In a statement made at the end of March, the Swiss government stated that the recent exploratory talks with Brussels showed positive dynamics.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis discussed Switzerland-EU relations with EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic on 16 March.
In a statement regarding the meeting, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said, “Cassis and Sefcovic noted that despite the progress made so far, a number of unresolved issues remain that will require efforts by both sides to further narrow the gaps in common understanding. To that end, the next exploratory talks are on 20 April. It will be held in Brussels in 2023. statements were included.
Sefcovic, on the other hand, stated that Switzerland and the EU should reveal their full cooperation potential.
“The doors of the EU have always been open to Switzerland.” Using the expression Sefcovic, said that they hope to complete negotiations with Switzerland by the summer of 2024.
Exploratory talks continue since March 2022
Exploratory talks have been ongoing between Switzerland and the EU since March 2022 to restart negotiations between the two sides.
The people in Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU, had rejected the offer to join the Treaty on the European Economic Area in 1992.
The EU stands out as Switzerland’s main trading partner.