The economic umbrella organisation Economiesuisse is in favour of the negotiated framework agreement with the EU. It is, however, a “Yes, but”: The Association of peak calls for clarifications.

For Economiesuisse outweigh the benefits. The Swiss economy have a vital interest in the bilateral way with the EU to continue, said Director Monika Rühl and President Heinz Karrer in front of the media. The completion of an institutional agreement was necessary.

without reservation, you were still behind it: Economiesuisse support the conclusion of an agreement “on the Basis of the present draft Text,” said Rühl. What does this mean?

clarification, and clarification

renegotiations demands of the economic umbrella organisation, as such, has excluded the EU. He demands in three points, a “clarification”. These relate to the Union citizens Directive, the state aid and the social partnership – the points at which the Federal Council with the outcome of the negotiations is dissatisfied.

the shape of The clarification leaves open Economiesuisse. The aim is for the reading set, said Karrer and Rühl. The clarification could be that the Federal Council would like to make a statement to his reading, or that the EU give your interpretation to be known. A joint statement would be possible.

What are the rights for citizens of the Union?

Specifically, Economiesuisse requires a clarification that only the market access rules of the obligation for the dynamic adoption of Law are concerned, in particular with a view to a possible future Takeover of the Union citizens Directive, which is part of the EU’s freedom of movement.

to Clarify, which parts of this Directive should apply to Switzerland and which are not. The clarification could consist of the Acquisition of Union citizens ‘ right to exclude, the access will not be relevant to the market, said Rühl. At the same time she stressed that the impact of a partial Acquisition of the Union citizens Directive would generally overestimated. It is not an immigration threat to the social systems.

subsidies and social partnership

In the case of the state aid Economiesuisse would like to have clarified, how the principles have an impact on the Swiss subsidies law and the Federal System, in particular with a view to a possible future position of the free trade agreement under the institutional agreement.

Finally, Economiesuisse requires a clarification, that the System of social partnership and of the joint controls by the Swiss social partners is not restricted.

protection of Wages is not at risk

At the last point, there is also the fear of the trade unions, the agreement endangers the protection of Wages. This fear Economiesuisse does not share: Although the EU is the adaptation of the Accompanying measures (Flam) to the European posting of workers law, but guarantee Switzerland exceptions.

The Swiss measures, which is not familiar with the current EU law, would be secured, writes Economiesuisse. The rest of the Flam were largely in line with today EU law compare. You were not protected in the contract and under the law, development of, or the dispute settlement mechanism, would be the umbrella organization for grants. In terms of content, they are the measures in the EU, but equivalent.

there is No definite decision

As a “red line” not want to Rühl and Karrer know the requirement for clarification to be understood. If the clarification is not successful, but a Problem, said Karrer. Whether Economiesuisse would support the signing of the agreement in this case, he left open. You must now wait for the result. Only then Economiesuisse will decide definitely.

In the economy, there are also critical voices. As has been expressed by the insurance Association of skeptical to the framework agreement, and the trade Association calls for corrections. Karrer played the differences: basically, it is all the same points, he said. Some now called for a clarification, the other an adaptation.

a Bilateral way at the end of

Karrer and Ruehl stressed that the main objectives of the economy, would be achieved with the agreement and warned of the consequences of failure: Without an institutional agreement, the bilateral approach would, in fact, at the end of said Rühl. The existing Treaty would erode.

For Economiesuisse is the institutional agreement is especially important because it would ensure the discrimination-free access of Swiss companies to the European single market. Karrer estimated the economic Benefits of the five affected market access agreement on 20 to 30 billion Swiss francs per year.

Economiesuisse sees no equivalent Alternatives to the institutional agreement. Other relationship models would lead either to a loss of competitiveness or of sovereignty, argues the Federation. (ij/SDA)

Created: 31.01.2019, 10:21 PM