now, Who has not expected, fresh Goodwill, must be disappointed. “We have said it before the vote and can now repeat it,” said Margaritis Schinas, chief spokesperson of the President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker , on request of this newspaper: “We expect that the Federal Council has confirmed its approval to the framework agreement, which was concluded between the negotiators of the EU and Switzerland in November.”

For the EU Commission is a clear Yes to the weapons act and the corporate tax reform of Sunday there is no reason to grant the part of Switzerland in the framework agreement, more time or the content to accommodate. The window of opportunity close in the summer, said Schinas. However, also in Brussels, no big hopes to a positive conclusion.

No game

Federal Council Ignazio Cassis is apparently isolated, as a supporter of the framework agreement in the government is, largely, a EU Diplomat resigned. The Federal Council initialled or signed, is not expected anyway.

The Swiss government had to at least make it clear that you stand behind the agreement, said EU diplomats. And you warn the Federal Council in front of it to play with a view to the elections in the autumn of or the vote on the termination of the initiative in the coming year, on time. We have been in negotiations for a very long time, and in Switzerland there is, finally, every couple of months a referendum.

“We do not see what you can negotiate.”Margaritis Schinas, spokesman for the EU Commission

Frankly, it is shown for the case that the Federal Council requested additional clarifications to the agreement. This could relatively be done quickly in June. To negotiate the contract, draft or parts, such as the accompanying measures to exclude, but Brussels is not out of the question. “We do not see what you can negotiate,” – said Juncker’s chief spokesman. The agreement was the result of “very long, intense and very constructive negotiations”.

EU to warn diplomats in front of a slow Erosion of the bilateral relationship, should not ask the Federal Council until the summer of behind the agreement. Without a clear positioning, the stock exchange will be terminated equivalence at the end of June. In fact, the EU has brought to the Commission with your Ultimatum to yourself in a tight spot. Also independent observers, currently, therefore an extension rather unlikely. The decision will be taken at the highest level in the EU-Commission.

also, the next updates to the agreement on technical barriers to trade would be at risk. In the coming year, an Update would be for the field of medical technology, which is important for the Swiss export industry. Affected also by the Swiss access to the EU’s next research programme, Horizon Europe might have to negotiate on the Bern and Brussels in the next few months.

A Happy ending is possible, but unlikely

The Juncker Commission wants to expires in clarity in the Switzerland Dossier, before its mandate at the end of October. It is a mistake to believe, after the change in the EU-the tip of a fresh start when the framework agreement under a better sign would be possible, warn diplomats not to raise false hopes. For some member States, the EU Commission had made concessions to the contrary, Switzerland is too far. In the case of a new start-up, the EU will insist, that the free trade agreement provides immediately the framework agreement, and automaticity will be anchored for the extension of the cohesion funds.

A Happy ending is still possible, but rather unlikely. Also because the climate between Brussels and Bern in the last few months, not just has improved. Starting with the dispute about whether the entire draft for the framework agreement is a mutually agreed Text or in Parts is only a proposal from the EU Commission.

Irritated, it shows up in EU circles, and that Switzerland had agreed, unlike Japan or Canada without consultation in Brussels with London on a Post-Brexit Deal. A representation that is disputed by the Swiss side. EU circles, however, speak of an “unfriendly act” by the Swiss.

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 21.05.2019, 11:26 PM