Switzerland - EU Cassis: "Negotiations with the EU are on the last mile"

According to Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Switzerland wants to conclude negotiations with the EU on the future of the common relationship by the end of the year. "We are on the last mile." However, the following still applies: "Quality comes before speed."

Cassis spoke to the media in Bern on Wednesday about the upcoming meeting with the Vice-President of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic. In response to a question from journalists, he said that the meeting on Wednesday evening was about "a joint assessment of the current situation".

"Important progress" had been made in the 14 different dossiers, said Cassis. "Much is now so far so good, but not everything yet."

There are still many points to discuss, "in terms of content and process", said Cassis. For example, the handling of the free movement of persons and the design of a safeguard clause are still open.

However, the talks with Sefcovic were "not a round of negotiations". It was about "a joint discussion on how the final points can be clarified".

The aim remains to reach a substantive conclusion to the negotiations before the end of the year, said Cassis. The amount of the cohesion contribution that Switzerland pays the EU for its partial access to the European single market will only be discussed at the very end. "We can discuss money at the end."

Cassis also emphasized that the Federal Council would present the outcome of the negotiations to Parliament as a package. "We have been saying this for two years: one package, everything included."

Negotiations began in March. Mr Cassis will receive Mr Sefcovic on Wednesday evening at the Lohn country residence in Kehrsatz near Bern for a working meeting followed by dinner.

SDA