the full package of agreements and the associated changes in legislation. Parliament will begin debating the matter in 2026, with the popular vote unlikely to take place before the next national elections in 2027 – and maybe not until 2028. Opposition from the right Reaction to the new Swiss-EU deal was mixed. The Greens and the Green Liberals were the only parties to voice immediate and unequivocal support, whereas the left-wing SP – with trade unions in tow – wants assurances from Berne on wage protection as well as public services. After the deal was announced, the response from the foreign minister’s own party, the FDP, was guarded. “We are neither jubilant nor downcast,” said the liberal party, which had previously given its unreserved backing to the bilateral approach. It wants to scrutinise the new treaties before drawing any conclusions. The Centre Party was not exactly euphoric either but called the deal “a step in the right direction” after the collapse of the framework agreement in 2021. Centre-right reticence has much to do with massive opposition from the right-wing SVP. It rejects any form of convergence with Brussels, dismissing outright what it calls a “subjugation treaty” that would see Switzerland adopt EU legislation in a multitude of areas (see statement by SVP National Councillor Magdalena MartulloBlocher on page 7). The SVP is also concerned about “uncontrolled” immigration. Yet its “limitation initiative” failed at the ballot box in 2020, because the majority of voters were unwilling to jeopardise freedom of movement. Now the SVP is trying again. It submitted the “sustainability initiative” in 2024, which aims to limit the Swiss population to a maximum of ten million by 2050. At present, nine million people reside permanently in Switzerland. The electorate is set to vote on the controversial proposal in 2026 – just when parliament is expected to debate the bilateral agreements. A yes result would most likely plunge Swiss-EU relations into crisis again. “People need to commit their support” While the SVP would vehemently oppose any Swiss-EU treaty, there remains a lack of impetus from support2025 Federal Council to conduct a consultation on the full package of agreements and the associated changes in Swiss legislation 2026 • Federal parliament to debate the Swiss-EU agreements and the proposed changes in legislation • Scheduled popular vote on the SVP’s “sustainability initiative” 2027 Federal elections to the National Council and Council of States 2028 Electorate expected to vote on the new Swiss-EU agreements The 500,000-plus Swiss Abroad who live in the EU rely on free movement. ers of the deal. Apart from the political parties, responsibility for changing the narrative lies with industry groups such as economiesuisse, which threw their weight behind Bilaterals I and Bilaterals II in previous referendums. Business leaders like Ypsomed CEO and FDP National Councillor Simon Michel (see statement on page 7) have been among the first to endorse Bilaterals III. “People need to commit their support and explain how important the deal is for Switzerland,” says Fabio Wasserfallen, professor of European Politics at the University of Bern. Only then will the agreements gain the needed approval. Without any such commitment from stakeholders inside and outside politics, it is easy to see why the Federal Council wants to sit on the fence instead of taking the lead. “I get the impression that people are playing for time once again.” It remains to be seen which side of the argument this tactic favours. But everyone will have to put their cards on the table sooner or later. Swiss-EU dossier: www.revue.link/euswiss Swiss Review / April 2025 / No.2 6 Focus
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