Diplomacy Amherd sees relations with the EU as an anchor of stability
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, spoke at the European Conference of the European Movement Switzerland on Friday. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation, particularly with regard to relations with the EU.
06.12.2024, 17:45
SDA
"We are currently confronted with a fragmented geostrategic situation, escalating conflicts and increasing protectionism," explained Amherd in Bern. The West and the democracies are under pressure. The international legal order was in danger of being replaced by an order based exclusively on the law of the jungle.
She had traveled to New York several times this year to take part in United Nations events and had discussions with her counterparts on the state of multilateralism. She warned of the dangers that current geopolitical developments entail from Switzerland's perspective.
EU central factor for peace and stability
It had become clear to her: "In this situation, close cooperation at continental level is a prerequisite for effective cooperation at global level." Switzerland's current negotiations on the further development of the bilateral path with the European Union (EU) should also be understood in this context.
"The EU is a key factor for peace and stability on our continent, and it is Switzerland's most important partner," said Amherd. An agreement in the negotiations was therefore essential for numerous reasons. Not least, participation in the single market would bring greater security in view of the geopolitical challenges of our time.
Taking geopolitical uncertainty into account
Cooperative in attitude, but tough in substance: this is how Switzerland has negotiated at the 180 or so meetings since mid-March. The momentum is positive and substantial progress has been made in most areas.
"We are now in the final phase. The solutions must not only be feasible in terms of foreign policy, but also in terms of domestic policy," said Amherd. She hopes that the importance of regulated relations with the EU can be emphasized in the domestic political debate, especially in this situation of geopolitical uncertainty.
