Priorities for the upcoming negotiations

The analysis of the package approach of the Bilaterals III und its individual elements shows that the positive aspects for the Swiss economy clearly outweigh the negative ones. Swiss diplomacy has been able to achieve important improvements in the exploratory talks with the EU. The main objectives defined by economiesuisse with a view to the upcoming negotiations can undoubtedly be achieved with the Bilaterals III.

It is now important that the few outstanding questions are clarified quickly. economiesuisse has the following priorities for the upcoming negotiations:

1. The dynamic adoption of EU law within the five existing and two new single market agreements should only apply if there is a clear link to the original core of an agreement. For example, the extension of the applicability of the CRD beyond the FMPA is not permitted.
2. The current wage protection in Switzerland should be maintained. The economic significance of posted workers, who account for just 0.7 per cent of total employment in Switzerland, must be correctly classified.
3. Time is of the essence. Without a regulated relationship with the most important trading partner and without legal certainty, there is a risk of further erosion of the bilateral path to the detriment of Swiss companies and with serious consequences for Switzerland as a business location.

Even if the above priorities 1 and 2 cannot be resolved to the complete satisfaction of all stakeholders in the upcoming negotiations, the final outcome of the negotiations must be assessed from a macroeconomic perspective. Based on current knowledge, it is clear that the Swiss economy is in a much better position with the Bilaterals III than without them.