2023/2042(INI) EU-Switzerland relations
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | AFET |
MANDL Lukas ( EPP)
|
SCHIEDER Andreas ( S&D),
GRUDLER Christophe ( Renew),
BÜTIKOFER Reinhard ( Verts/ALE),
MARIANI Thierry ( ID),
KANKO Assita ( ECR),
MAUREL Emmanuel ( GUE/NGL)
|
| Committee Opinion | CULT |
HEIDE Hannes ( S&D)
|
Emmanuel MAUREL ( GUE/NGL),
Michaela ŠOJDROVÁ ( PPE),
Elżbieta KRUK ( ECR)
|
| Committee Opinion | INTA |
WARBORN Jörgen ( EPP)
|
Reinhard BÜTIKOFER ( Verts/ALE),
Emmanuel MAUREL ( GUE/NGL),
Marco CAMPOMENOSI ( ID),
Marek BELKA ( S&D),
Michiel HOOGEVEEN ( ECR)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54, RoP 57
Legal Basis:
RoP 54, RoP 57Events
2023/10/04
EP - Text adopted by Parliament, single reading
Documents
2023/10/04
EP - Decision by Parliament
Documents
2023/10/04
EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2023/10/03
EP - Debate in Parliament
Documents
2023/07/25
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details
The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the initiative report by Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT) on EU-Switzerland relations.
Foreign and security policy
The report highlighted the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland as a like-minded partner on international peace, security, human rights and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It acknowledged Switzerland’s long-standing foreign policy of promoting peace, mediation and peaceful conflict resolution.
Members welcomed Switzerland’s close stance with the EU’s CFSP, including on humanitarian aid, civil protection, counter-terrorism and climate change issues. They welcomed, further, Switzerland’s announcement in November 2021 to participate in certain projects of the Permanent Structured Cooperation.
The report encouraged closer collaboration between Switzerland and the EU on social and humanitarian issues. It also encouraged Switzerland to continue its efforts to promote a rules-based international order, to amend its legislation to allow for the confiscation of Russian assets, and to undertake a review of its sanctions practices in order to align itself more systematically with EU sanctions.
Members also welcomed Switzerland's participation in summits of the European political community. They took note of the cooperation between the EU and Switzerland on international migration, particularly with regard to the management of refugee flows and the relocation of refugees. They regretted, however, that Switzerland does not currently meet the conditions for participation in the European Union's civil protection mechanism.
Economy, labour market and access to the EU internal market
The report underlined that safeguarding, strengthening and deepening strong, stable and sustainable trade relations with Switzerland, the EU’s fourth largest trading partner, remains a high priority.
Members considered that a modernised and mutually beneficial relationship, underpinned by an ambitious agreement , should not only reduce barriers to trade but should also create a level playing field for EU citizens and economic operators, generate trust, stability, jobs, growth and welfare, ensure the non-discriminatory protection of workers’ rights.
Regretting the fact that Switzerland remains the only EFTA member that has not joined the EEA, Members noted that Switzerland would always be welcome to join the EEA or the EU should it express such a wish in the future. They underlined the importance of stable and strong relations and frameworks between the EU and Switzerland for future cross-border cooperation .
Members are concerned about any lack of implementation of certain agreements with the Union by Switzerland and its subsequent adoption of legislative measures and practices that might be incompatible with those agreements, in particular measures affecting the free movement of persons. They urged Switzerland to apply the relevant EU acquis and to comply with its obligations under the 1999 agreement on the free movement of persons, in particular on posted workers.
Members are concerned that basic bilateral agreements are slowly phasing out and no longer secure frictionless market access as a result of the non-incorporation of new developments in the EU acquis. They noted that the model based on individual bilateral agreements instead of a package agreement is outdated. They recalled that the adoption of a package agreement for existing and future agreements that enable Switzerland’s participation in the EU single market to ensure homogeneity and legal certainty remains a precondition for the further development of a sectoral approach.
The Commission is called on to propose a mandate for negotiating a modern EU-Switzerland investment protection agreement which was concluded 50 years ago.
Energy, climate and the environment
While welcoming the high degree of political alignment between Switzerland and the EU in the area of energy and climate policies, the report called on the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to find avenues of cooperation on the EU’s Fit for 55 package, and Swiss participation in various aspects of the European Green Deal, notably the REPowerEU plan, and also industrial alliances, including the European Solar Photovoltaic Industry Alliance, the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance and the European Battery Alliance.
Switzerland is invited to apply legislation on environmental protection under a future cooperation agreement, in particular the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the overhaul of the Emissions Trading System.
Members stressed that an electricity market agreement would create a conducive basis for continued and close cooperation between the EU and Switzerland, in particular on fossil-free electricity and clean gases, including through innovative solutions for cross-border electricity trade, such as a joint electricity market.
Research and innovation, development, education and culture
The report underlined the importance of EU-Switzerland cooperation in research, innovation and development, fostering Europe’s role as a strong player in this field of research and innovation, and strengthening the European education system. It called for the EU and Switzerland to find a common approach to the benefit of citizens in order to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation, especially as regards Switzerland’s participation in all EU programmes in the 2021-2027 period. It insisted on the fact that the free movement of persons is a precondition for participation in Erasmus+.
Institutional framework and cooperation
The report regretted the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss institutional framework agreement in May 2021 after seven years of negotiations. Regretting any narratives in the Swiss public and political spheres that the EU would work against Swiss interests, Members stressed that a second failure in negotiating an agreement on EU-Swiss relations would be damaging for both the EU and Switzerland and risks weakening their political role.
Members deplored with regret that the Swiss Federal Council will only decide whether to prepare for the adoption of a negotiating mandate by the end of 2023. They expect the progress in exploratory talks between the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to be stepped up with a view to obtaining the required clarifications and assurances to adopt a mandate for negotiations. They called on both sides to use this window of opportunity for talks on a possible new negotiation package and a cooperation agreement between the EU and Switzerland, and to reach an agreement before the end of the term of the current Commission and Parliament.
Documents
2023/07/18
EP - Vote in committee
2023/06/29
EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2023/06/29
EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2023/05/17
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2023/04/20
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2023/04/20
EP - Referral to associated committees announced in Parliament
2023/04/14
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2023/03/30
EP - HEIDE Hannes (S&D) appointed as rapporteur in CULT
2023/03/21
EP - WARBORN Jörgen (EPP) appointed as rapporteur in INTA
2022/12/01
EP - MANDL Lukas (EPP) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
Documents
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0345/2023
- Decision by Parliament: T9-0345/2023
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A9-0248/2023
- Committee opinion: PE745.546
- Committee opinion: PE745.540
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE749.089
- Committee draft report: PE746.735
- Committee draft report: PE746.735
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE749.089
- Committee opinion: PE745.546
- Committee opinion: PE745.540
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0345/2023
Activities
- Stanislav POLČÁK
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Michaela ŠOJDROVÁ
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Alessandro PANZA
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 EU-Switzerland relations (debate)
- Marek BELKA
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 EU-Switzerland relations (debate)
- Anna DEPARNAY-GRUNENBERG
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 EU-Switzerland relations (debate)
Votes
EU-Switzerland relations – A9-0248/2023 – Lukas Mandl – Motion for a resolution (text as a whole) #
2023/10/04 Outcome: +: 538, 0: 43, -: 42
NI
The Left| Amendments | Dossier |
| 336 |
2023/2042(INI)
2023/05/04
CULT
26 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Observes Switzerland’s disassociation from the Erasmus+ programme since 2014, and its unrestricted application of the 1999 agreement on the free movement of persons; welcomes Switzerland's participation in the European Universities initiative, including the university alliances 'Una Europa', 'CIVIS2', 'EPICUR' and 'ICORE';
Amendment 10 #
4. Acknowledges the fact that numerous education and youth sector stakeholders in Europe are calling for Switzerland to be associated to Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps; underlines the educational benefits of such an association for Switzerland and the European Union;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new) believes that benefits would go beyond education and that a full association of Switzerland to the Erasmus+ programme could lead to positive effects for the European research landscape as well as labour markets;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Remains convinced that a more stable, future-oriented partnership will benefit both sides
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Remains convinced that a more stable, future-oriented partnership will benefit both sides and help Switzerland’s association to Erasmus+ and to other European programmes;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Remains convinced that a more stable, future-oriented partnership will benefit both sides and help Switzerland’s association to Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Welcomes the exploratory discussions between the Commission and the Swiss chief negotiator held since the end of March 2022; believes that these discussions could provide an acceptable basis for the swift recommendation to start negotiations; believes it should be one of the main objectives of the Swiss Federal Council and the Commission to reach an agreement on the Institutional Framework Agreement;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Welcomes the exploratory
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Stresses that the EU should encourage widening and the need for EU- Switzerland partnerships and mobilities to be inclusive and involve participants from all Member States and regions, including those less developed, and social backgrounds, by offering additional support to those confronted with social challenges;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Believes that the EU should invite all interested neighbouring and like- minded countries, including Switzerland, to associate to the Erasmus+ programme and the European Solidarity Corps and thus contribute to European education systems and the strengthening of the
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Observes Switzerland’s disassociation from the Erasmus+ programme since 2014
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Believes that the EU should invite all interested neighbouring and like- minded countries once they fulfil all necessary conditions, including Switzerland, to associate to the Erasmus+ programme and thus contribute to European education systems and the strengthening of the European Education Area as a whole;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Believes that
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Notes that the participation of teachers and young people in EU programmes for education, training, youth and sport enables a strong and sustainable understanding between Switzerland and the EU; highlights individual benefits for all participants;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Notes that the participation of teachers and young people in EU programmes for all levels of education, training, youth and sport enables a strong and sustainable understanding between Switzerland and the EU;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Welcomes the Erasmus+ call for 2022 to accept associated partners from Bologna Process countries for European Universities, including Switzerland; notes that access to Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and ongoing and future pilot projects would be mutually beneficial;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Believes that the EU and Switzerland should stand united to pursue, promote and protect European values, including democracy, academic freedom and the right to education; believes that joint European education programmes such as Erasmus+ contribute to bringing societies closer together.
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Believes that the EU and Switzerland should stand united to pursue, promote and protect European values, including democracy, academic freedom, institutional autonomy and the right to education.
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses the tie between Switzerland’s participation in Erasmus+ and established in 2018 European Solidarity Corps, its full acceptance of the fundamental freedoms, as Erasmus+ exchanges and the volunteering carried out under the European Solidarity Corps depend on the free movement of persons;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses the tie between Switzerland’s participation in Erasmus+ and its full acceptance of the fundamental freedoms established by the European Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental rights, as Erasmus+ exchanges depend on the free movement of persons;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Notes the Swiss Government’s
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Notes the downgrading of Switzerland’s participation in Horizon Europe to the status of non-associated third country;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Acknowledges the fact that numerous education stakeholders in Europe are calling for Switzerland to be associated to Erasmus+; notes that many stakeholders in Switzerland, including students and youth organisations, are also making corresponding demands on their government to engage in constructive negotiations with the EU in this regard; underlines the
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Acknowledges the fact that numerous education stakeholders in Europe, in particular students on both sides, are calling for Switzerland to be associated to Erasmus+; underlines the educational benefits, but not only, of such an association for Switzerland and the European Union;
source: 746.992
2023/05/17
AFET
274 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation -1 (new) – having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which establish the principles, objectives and competences of the EU, and which recognize the right of European States to apply for membership of the Union,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 – having regard to nine additional sectoral agreements
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Highlights the fact that permanent neutrality has been a principle of Swiss foreign policy since 1815, and therefore the promotion of peace, mediation and peaceful conflict resolution have been an important part of Swiss foreign policy; Underlines Switzerland’s strong role in peace building and its involvement in helping to find solutions to crises, dialogue-facilitation, the development of confidence-building measures and reconciliation; welcomes the Swiss role as a facilitator in implementing complex federal structures and peace-brokered, constitutional arrangements, in order to ease the coexistence of different ethnic backgrounds;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Acknowledges Switzerland’s long- standing foreign policy of promoting peace, mediation and peaceful conflict resolution; welcomes Switzerland’s committed and strong role as a member of the Council of Europe, OSCE, the UN and OECD in contributing to peace building and its involvement in helping to find solutions to crises, dialogue- facilitation, the development of confidence-building measures and reconciliation;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Recognizes the challenges facing the global order and the deficit of multilateralism, and values Switzerland's upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and promote shared values;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Welcomes Switzerland’s 2023- 2024 term as non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and supports work underpinning common priorities at the UNSC, including with regard to sustainable peace, protection of civilians, enhanced effectiveness in the working methods of the UNSC and climate security;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes Switzerland’s close stance with the EU’s common foreign and security policy
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes Switzerland’s close stance with the EU’s common foreign and security policy; welcomes, further, Switzerland’s announcement in November 2021 that it
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes Switzerland’s close stance with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, especially on humanitarian aid, civil protection, counter-terrorism and climate change; welcomes, further, Switzerland’s announcement in November 2021 that it would participate in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO); encourages further collaboration on social and humanitarian issues, as well as human rights and democracy promotion;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Welcomes Switzerland’s close stance with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and its contribution to CSDP missions, such as EULEX Kosovo, EUFOR Althea and EUCAP Sahel; welcomes, further, Switzerland’s announcement in November 2021 that it would participate in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO);
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Welcomes Switzerland’s cooperation in selected parts of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and its participation in some CSDP missions, notably in Ukraine, Mali, Kosovo (EULEX) and BiH (EUFOR Althea); notes that Switzerland is one of the countries who has contributed most frequently to CSDP missions in absolute terms;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 7 Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Welcomes Switzerland's participation to two CSDP missions, namely EULEX Kosovo and EUCAP Sahel Mali, and calls for a closer engagement in this field;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Further welcomes Switzerland’s announcement in November 2021 to participate in certain projects in the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO); notes that Switzerland is currently evaluating a potential participation in two PESCO projects and that the Defence Ministry has expressed interest in projects related to cyber defence and military mobility; notes that this is a new kind of approximation towards the EU and like- minded partners in the field of common defence, in which Switzerland considers defence cooperation with third countries for the first time in history;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 c (new) 2c. Further welcomes Switzerland’s membership in the European crisis management system which mobilises joint EU resources in case of a crisis, and is building partnerships through joint operations in crisis prevention and training;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Recognizes the importance of promoting human rights and democracy, and calls on Switzerland and the EU to work together to defend and promote these values, both within their respective territories and globally, including through the Human Rights and Democracy Action Plan and the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the fact that Switzerland is seeking closer cooperation with the EU
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the fact that Switzerland is seeking closer cooperation with the EU and NATO; welcomes, in this regard, Switzerland’s involvement in the Partnership for Peace programme; urges Switzerland to deepen its cooperation with the EU on
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the fact that Switzerland is seeking closer cooperation with the EU and NATO; welcomes, in this regard, Switzerland’s involvement in the Partnership for Peace programme; urges Switzerland to deepen its cooperation with the EU on food security and defence; supports the exchange of best practices in the areas of crisis management and humanitarian assistance, in line with the EU’s Integrated Approach to external conflicts and crises;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the fact that Switzerland is seeking closer cooperation with the EU and NATO; welcomes, in this regard, Switzerland’s involvement in the Partnership for Peace programme; urges Switzerland to deepen its cooperation with the EU on food security and defence, making full use of the Administrative Agreement already signed with the European Defence Agency;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions against Russia is on a case-by-case basis;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 7 – having regard to the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment5
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions against Russia is on a case-by-case basis; encourages Switzerland to closely and consistently apply restrictive measures and to prevent their circumvention;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions against Russia is on a case-by-case basis; encourages Switzerland to maintain its commitment to the international rules-based order, to closely and consistently apply and implement all the adopted restrictive measures and to prevent their circumvention;
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that Switzerland
Amendment 123 #
4. Notes that Switzerland’s voluntary alignment with EU sanctions against Russia is on a case-by-case basis; encourages Switzerland to closely and consistently apply restrictive measures and to prevent their circumvention
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that Switzerland’s a
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions against Russia is on a case-by-case basis; encourages Switzerland to closely and consistently apply restrictive measures and to prevent their circumvention; in this regard, calls on Switzerland to join the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force; encourages Switzerland to step up the seizure and confiscation of Russian assets;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions against Russia is on a case-by-case basis; encourages Switzerland to closely and consistently apply restrictive measures and to prevent their circumvention; encourages Switzerland to step up the seizure and confiscation of Russian assets and urges Switzerland to join the REPO taskforce which aims to coordinate efforts to make sanctions more effective;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Encourages Switzerland to undertake a revision of its practices in regard to sanctions, in order to align itself more systematically with sanctions taken by the European Union, also when such are based on human rights violations, under the EU Global Human Rights regime;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Expresses gratitude for Switzerland's humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, including the acceptance of refugees and significant financial support for the reconstruction of Ukraine, and encourages further collaboration between the EU and Switzerland in addressing the ongoing crisis;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Regrets that Switzerland is currently prohibiting re-export of weapons from other states to Ukraine and is thus blocking delivery of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine from several EU Member States; calls on the Swiss Federal Council to approve re-supply of weapons to Ukraine; welcomes the motion at national level of June 2022 and the launch of a political debate on this topic in the Council of States; further welcomes any initiatives that are under way in the Swiss parliament towards relaxing the re- export rules;
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Regrets that the federal law on war material based on the long humanitarian tradition of Switzerland as a neutral state prevents Member States from re-exporting war material produced in Switzerland to Ukraine;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Subheading 2 Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Welcomes the fact that after a cooling off period, exploratory talks between the EU and Switzerland have been resumed;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the political statement following the conference of cantons of 24 March 2023 advocating treaty-based relations with the EU based on shared values; welcomes, further, Switzerland’s participation in the
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes the political statement following the conference of cantons of 24
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Recognises EU-Switzerland cooperation on international migration,
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 – having regard to Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on trade in agricultural products,
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Recognises EU-Switzerland cooperation on international migration, including the management of flows and relocation of refugees;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Recognises EU-Switzerland cooperation on international migration, including the management of flows and relocation of refugees; notes the large number of cross-border commuters between the EU and Switzerland and underlines the mutual social and economic benefits arising from this;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Notes the large number of cross- border commuters between the EU and Switzerland and the large number of EU citizens and Swiss nationals living and working in Switzerland or the EU respectively;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7.
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets that Switzerland does not
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets that Switzerland does not
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets that to date Switzerland does not qualify to
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Subheading 3 Economy
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Subheading 3 Economy, access to the EU internal market and labour market
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 – having regard to the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on trade in agricultural products, which entered into force on 1 June 20026, _________________ 6 OJ L 114 30.4.2002, p. 132.
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the long-standing relationship between the EU and Switzerland founded on shared values and goals of peace, social justice and economic prosperity, as well as on their economic and social interdependence; underlines the common commitment to further strengthen the fight against abusive working conditions as well as for an effective enforcement of social rights throughout Europe; to this end, intends to further explore possibilities enabling Switzerland to join the European Labour Authority as well as the Internal Market Information System and thus to an even more effective commitment to fair working conditions and to implementing wage protection in the new European legal framework throughout Europe;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the long-standing relationship between the EU and Switzerland founded on shared values and goals of peace, eco-responsibility, social justice, and economic prosperity, as well as on their economic and social interdependence;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the long-standing relationship between the EU and Switzerland founded on shared values and goals of peace, social justice and economic prosperity, as well as on their economic and social interdependence;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the long-standing relationship between the EU and Switzerland founded on shared values and goals of peace and economic prosperity, as well as on their economic interdependence; points out that Switzerland is one of the countries that benefits most from the single market;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Reiterates that a study conducted by the gfs.bern research institute on behalf of the European Movement Switzerland 30 years after the Swiss "No" to the EEA, 71% of the Swiss population is in favour of joining the European Economic Area (EEA), while the majority of the population also wants full access to the European single market and participation in EU cooperation programs;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Considers that the significant degree of integration Switzerland has with the EU internal market is a key factor for sustainable economic growth and makes the EU Switzerland’s most important economic and trading partner;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Underlines that strong EU-Swiss relations go beyond economic integration, and that the extension of the single market contributes to stability and prosperity to the benefit of all citizens and businesses, including SMEs; underlines the importance of ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market in order to create a level playing field and generate quality jobs;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Emphasises the strong economic, social and cultural links of the border regions between Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland; recognises the importance of stable, legal certain and long-term relations between the EU and Switzerland for the future functioning of cross-border cooperation between EU regions and Swiss Cantons, especially for over decades institutionalised cooperations as i.e. the International Lake Constance Conference;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 c (new) 8c. Underlines that the Swiss cantons and their neighbouring regions Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Baden- Württemberg, Bayern, Bourgogne- Franche-Comté, Bozen-Südtirol, Grand Est, Fürstentum Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg can look back on a long shared history filled with good- neighbourly relations and cooperation; notes that these regions are very closely connected with one another; notes that these regions depend on stable framework conditions at European and national level in order to remain innovative as a border region;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Is concerned about Switzerland’s inconsistent implementation of certain agreements and its subsequent adoption of legislative measures and practices that are incompatible with those agreements
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Is concerned about Switzerland’s inconsistent implementation of certain agreements with the Union and its subsequent adoption of legislative measures and practices that are incompatible with those agreements
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Is concerned about Switzerland’s
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Is concerned about Switzerland’s inconsistent implementation of certain agreements and its subsequent adoption of legislative measures and practices that are incompatible with those agreements, in particular
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Is concerned about Switzerland’s inconsistent implementation of certain agreements and its subsequent adoption of legislative measures and practices that are incompatible with those agreements, in particular
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Is concerned about Switzerland’s inconsistent implementation of certain agreements and its subsequent adoption of legislative measures and practices that are incompatible with those agreements, in particular with the Agreement on the free movement of persons (FMOPA);
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Notes the large number of cross- border commuters between the EU and Switzerland; underlines the importance of the free movement of persons between the EU and Switzerland, the guarantees of residence and the undiscriminated access to social assistance of EU citizens; is therefore worried about possible consequences of any Swiss cantonal and national initiatives that could have the effect of restricting access to the Swiss labour market for EU workers, in particular cross-border workers; invites Switzerland to seek a solution which is fully compatible with the relevant EU instruments;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 b (new) 9b. Calls on Switzerland to strengthen the free movement of persons by introducing additional guarantees regarding residence and equal treatment in access to social assistance, in line with Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 c (new) 9c. Calls on Switzerland and the EU to apply the relevant EU legislation related to cross-border workers and services; calls on Switzerland also to consider cancelling the safeguard clause provided for in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) and applied to the workers from Croatia, bearing in mind benefits of the free movement of persons between the EU and Switzerland; stresses the importance of social legislation, the protection of high social standards and their effective application and enforcement, including efficient measures to protect and enforce workers rights, ensuring equal pay for equal work in the same place for mobile, posted and local workers;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 10 Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Regrets the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to activate the “safeguard clause” and reintroduce restrictions to the access of Croatian workers to Switzerland labour market, starting from 1 January 2023;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 b (new) 9b. Expresses concern about the implementation of quotas on the number of working permits and residence permits in Switzerland for Croatian citizens, which enjoy the rights and privileges of being part of the Schengen area;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that a large number of
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that as long as there is no agreement on a package deal, a large number of bilateral agreements between the EU and Switzerland need to be
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that a large number of bilateral agreements between the EU and Switzerland need to be revisited in order to prevent their expiry, in particular those on enhanced access to the Swiss market for EU economic operators, in particular in the agriculture, food, healthcare and services sectors;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Notes the bilateral agreements signed between the European Union and Switzerland on the automatic exchange of financial account information; calls on the European Commission to continue to guarantee a level-playing field with these countries on taxation, in particular tax transparency and automatic exchange of information, and to adapt future agreements to new or expected European standards, such as DAC7 and Public Country-by-Country Reporting, and to ensure these standards are being followed and collaboration on compliance and enforcement is enabled; calls on both parties to cooperate more closely in the fight against tax fraud, anti-money laundering and tax evasion;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes that an effective dispute settlement mechanism is fundamental
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes that an effective dispute settlement mechanism is fundamental,
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11.
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 – having regard to the Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the European Police Office
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11.
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Stresses that Switzerland strongly benefits from democratic and competitive development throughout its European neighbours and that its financial contributions to programmes such as the EU’s cohesion policy are therefore in its own interest and should be continued; recalls that Switzerland draws significant benefits from participating in the single market; stresses in that regard that the future Swiss contribution to EU cohesion is essential and should be increased significantly;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Welcomes the release of a second Swiss contribution to certain EU Member States, in particular to ensure cohesion between states; recalls that this contribution is a counterpart to access the European single market; notes, however, that this Swiss contribution is unique, while other countries such as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have accepted a regular and planned contribution; calls on Switzerland to propose regular contributions in the future;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Notes that an agreement on the application of state aid rules is fundamental for the preservation of a level playing field in the internal market; calls on the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to find a solution in this regard;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Underlines the importance of a fair competition for companies between the EU and Switzerland; Highlights the importance of a common framework regime for state aid, that applies to all types of sectors; Recalls that a common framework will facilitate the coordinated investments in strategic sectors between the EU and Switzerland;
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 c (new) 11c. Recalls that the freedom of movement of persons is a fundamental principle of the European single market and is inseparable from the other freedoms of movement;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 d (new) 11d. Highlights the large number of cross-border commuters between the EU and Switzerland and the large number of EU citizens and Swiss nationals who live and work in Switzerland or the EU respectively;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 e (new) 11e. Notes with concern Swiss legislative measures and practices that are incompatible with the agreement on the free movement of persons, in particular with regard to expulsions and Swiss accompanying measures for posted workers;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 f (new) 11f. Insists on the arrival in recent years of new European legislation for social rights and workers; stresses that this participates in the development of a real "social Europe", which is not limited to an economic market; highlights the recent revision in 2018 of Directive (EU) 2018/957, which provides for the principle of equal pay from the first day of posting with local workers;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 – having regard to the Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the European Police Office
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Urges Switzerland to apply the relevant EU acquis where required, in particular on posted workers
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12.
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12.
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Urges Switzerland to apply the relevant EU acquis where required, in particular on posted workers
Amendment 195 #
12. Urges Switzerland to apply the relevant EU acquis where required and to comply with its obligations under the 1999 Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, in particular on posted workers and to adapt flanking measures applicable to EU economic operators providing services in its territory; notes Switzerland’s concerns in this regard and points out that former EU candidate countries had similar concerns and that they have not materialised;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Stresses the need for Switzerland to dynamically adopt Union law, in areas where both parties cooperate, in order to provide the legal certainty and coherence necessary for businesses and citizens; recalls that the Union is no longer asking for the automatic adoption of Union law by Switzerland, as is the case for the Member States;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Underlines that legal adjustments in line with the EU Posted Workers Directive must not lower the level of protection of wages and working conditions as intended by the Swiss flanking measures that guarantee efficient and non-discriminating protection to workers’ rights, ensuring equal pay for equal work in the same place for mobile, posted and local workers and at the same time permit EU economic operators to provide services in its territory on a non-discriminatory basis; asserts that guarantees for Switzerland may be needed in this regard;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Notes that there are some difficulties in the area of posting of workers to Switzerland, such as the obligation of a notification 8 days prior to the posting and the maximum 90-day period; calls on the Swiss authorities to ease bureaucratic hurdles in this regard;
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 b (new) 12b. Recalls that this freedom of movement of persons is framed and associated with appropriate measures for external border control, asylum, immigration and crime prevention; stresses that settlement in another EU country is not without limits, and does not allow for "social tourism"; calls on Switzerland to fully take on board the Directive on the rights of EU citizens (2004/38/EC), which will benefit Swiss and EU citizens;
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation -1 a (new) -1a having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), which recognizes the right of any Member State of the European Union or member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to apply for membership of the European Economic Area,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 – having regard to the Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the European Police Office
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 b (new) 12b. Acknowledges the observations of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (USS) on the need for adequate protection against anti-union dismissals, and emphasises the importance of strengthening such protection in accordance with Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention;
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 c (new) 12c. Takes note of the ongoing independent mediation process in Switzerland, supported by the State Secretariat for the Economy (SECO), aimed at finding a compromise solution on the protection of trade unionists in the event of unfair dismissal, and encourages its timely resolution;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 d (new) 12d. Supports the USS’s call for a statutory minimum amount of compensation for anti-union dismissal with no ceiling, allowing judges to determine compensation levels based on the economic power of the employer concerned, and reiterates that reinstatement constitutes the most effective remedy against anti-union discrimination;
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 e (new) 12e. Urges the Swiss Government to promote collective bargaining in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention, and requests the continue provision of up-to-date statistical information of collective agreements by sector and the number of workers covered;
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 f (new) 12f. Encourages the EU and Switzerland to collaborate on sharing best practices and strengthening labour rights protection, particularly in areas such as anti-union dismissals and collective bargaining, to ensure a fair and equitable market for all workers;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes with concern that Switzerland
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 a (new) – having regard to the agreement on the participation of Switzerland in the Schengen Area of 26 October 2004, which allows the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU Member States, and which facilitates cooperation in matters of security and the fight against cross-border crime,
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes
Amendment 212 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13.
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13.
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes with concern that Switzerland did not sufficiently support the EU’s push to remove fossil fuel protections from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT); invites Switzerland to consider withdrawing this treaty, following the example of several EU Member States;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Stresses that grid stability and the security of supply and transit depend on close cooperation between the EU and Switzerland; emphasizes that Switzerland and the EU are striving for an environmentally friendly, competitive and secure energy supply and climate neutrality by 2050; notes the interconnection of Swiss, German and French power grids;
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Stresses that in the electricity sector grid stability and the security of supply and transit depend on close cooperation between the EU and Switzerland; notes the high level of interconnection of Swiss, German, Italian, Austrian and French power grids;
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Stresses that grid stability and the security of supply and transit depend on close cooperation between the EU and Switzerland; notes the interconnection of Swiss, German
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Stresses that grid stability and the security of supply and transit depend on close cooperation between the EU and Switzerland; notes the interconnection of Swiss, German, Italian and French power grids; remains concerned that excluding Switzerland’s energy industry poses systemic risks for the whole of continental Europe’s synchronous grid;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15.
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 – having regard to the Agreement between Eurojust and Switzerland
Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Stresses that
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15.
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Regrets that due to the end of negotiations between the EU and Switzerland on an institutional agreement in May 2021, the planned electricity agreement also cannot be concluded in the short to medium term; underlines the importance of starting negotiations on an electricity agreement as soon as possible;
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Points out that electricity supply is undergoing a real change and that the EU's internal energy market is constantly evolving; recognizes that Switzerland is no longer permanently included in the European electricity market; notes that negotiations on Switzerland's full access to the European internal electricity market would mean that both sides would benefit equally from the electricity grid and future cooperation would be secured;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15b. Welcomes the fact that Switzerland and the EU share the common goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; further welcomes Switzerland’s engagement to promote hydrogen with a particular focus on renewable hydrogen as part of the European hydrogen economy;
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 c (new) 15c. Stresses the enabling role that transit through Switzerland can play in establishing a European market for hydrogen and renewable and decarbonized gases;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Recalls that the EU and Switzerland are each other committed towards reaching climate neutrality in 2050; stresses that since 2019 the EU has begun to revise a great deal of legislation to bring it into line with its climate objectives, in particular in the context of the European Green Deal;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Urges the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to find venues of cooperation between the European Union and Switzerland on the EU’s Fit for 55 package; regrets in this regard that the Swiss Federal Council refused to take initiative and postponed consideration on a potential cooperation to 2024;
Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15b. Stresses the potential for further cooperation in the climate and environmental field, and a better alignment of legislation between the EU and Switzerland; invites Switzerland to take over legislation related to environmental protection in the framework of the Cooperation Agreement, in particular the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism, the overhaul of the Emissions Trading Scheme, energy efficiency, the development of renewables, the infrastructure for alternative fuels, the ecodesign of products, the protection of water and soils, or the rules on land use and forestry;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15b. Notes the importance of enhanced cooperation between Switzerland and the EU in combating climate change; stresses the importance of considering Swiss participation in the various aspects of the European Green Deal, in particular in the REPowerEU program, including the European solar PV industry alliance;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 – having regard to the Agreement between Eurojust and Switzerland
Amendment 230 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 c (new) 15c. Stresses that, like the EU, Switzerland is dependent on imports of industrial products, but also of critical raw materials; points out that the strategic autonomy sought by the EU also serves the interests of Switzerland, because of the intensity of economic exchanges between the parties; is of the opinion that Switzerland and the EU would have a common interest in better coordinating their industrial policies in order to be more complementary in strategic industrial areas;
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution Subheading 5 Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16.
Amendment 234 #
17. Reiterates the importance of EU- Switzerland cooperation in EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Euratom, ITER and Erasmus+, and praises the excellent record of cooperation to date; notes that a possible failure of adopting a package agreement between the EU and Switzerland, should not prohibit Swiss participation in and association to Horizon Europe and Erasmus+;
Amendment 235 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17a. Regrets the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to terminate negotiations on the EU-Swiss institutional framework agreement in 2021; notes that the free movement of persons is necessary for the participation in Erasmus+ exchange programme, and other European educational and research programmes;
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 b (new) 17b. Underlines the importance of cooperation of the EU and Switzerland in the area of research, innovation and development for strengthening the European education system; stresses that the termination of Switzerland’s association in the Erasmus+ programme is disadvantageous for educational benefits of the youth from the EU and Switzerland and for fostering intercultural relations between students and education stakeholders;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the European Commission and the
Amendment 238 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to do their utmost to
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to do their utmost to ensure Switzerland’s return to Horizon Europe; calls on the Swiss Federal Council to adopt a negotiating mandate on key structural issues, giving a clear political signal to the EU; calls on the EU to allow discussions with Switzerland on integrating programs such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe or Erasmus+ as soon as the negotiating mandate is adopted; invites both parties to conduct discussions on joining those programmes in parallel with the negotiations so that Switzerland can re-join quickly upon completion of the negotiations;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 – having regard to the Agreement between Eurojust and Switzerland
Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Calls on the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to do their utmost to
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Calls on the two parties to choose a pragmatic approach for the benefit of the citizens in order to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in the case of Switzerland's participation in all EU programs in the period 2021 - 2027; urges in this regard the Swiss Federal Council and the European Commission to promptly start the work on Switzerland‘s association with Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Euratom, Iter and Erasmus+ programme upon conclusion of the current exploratory talks;
Amendment 242 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 b (new) 18b. Notes the importance of research and innovation in the energy sector, and highlights the importance of Switzerland´s participation in the EU's research and innovation funding programs, such as Horizon Europe, in order to promote the development of clean and sustainable energy technologies;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 c (new) 18c. Recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity, and calls on Switzerland and the EU to strengthen their cooperation in the areas of cultural exchange, education, and sport, including the Erasmus+ programme and the European Capitals of Culture initiative;
Amendment 244 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 d (new) Amendment 245 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Underlines the good cooperation between the Union and Switzerland in the space field, in particular with its participation in the European satellite navigation program Galileo and EGNOS;
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 b (new) 18b. Calls for deepening this space cooperation, by working to study a participation of Switzerland in the Earth observation program Copernicus, as well as in the satellite telecommunications program IRIS², within the framework of a Cooperation Pact; recalls that Switzerland already benefits from the open access data of Copernicus, and that it could benefit even more, in particular to facilitate the participation of Swiss companies, access to the data and services of these programs;
Amendment 247 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 c (new) 18c. Stresses that, in a field where a growing number of European space programs are established within the institutional and financial framework of the Union, the erosion of cooperation between the Union and Switzerland risks disjoining in the long run the industrial ecosystems built by Swiss companies and institutions and their European counterparts;
Amendment 249 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 – having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation concerning cooperation on the application of their competition laws9
Amendment 250 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19.
Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Regrets the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss Institutional Framework in May 2021;
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Regrets the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss Institutional Framework in May 2021
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Regrets the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss Institutional Framework in May 2021; regrets any narratives in the Swiss public and political sphere that the EU would work
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Stresses that it is in the fundamental interest of both sides to maintain and strengthen good, stable and mutually beneficial relations
Amendment 256 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Stresses that it is in the fundamental interest of both sides to maintain good, stable and mutually beneficial relations under a modernised relationship and through a
Amendment 257 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Stresses that it is in the fundamental interest of both sides to maintain good, stable and mutually beneficial relations under a modernised relationship and through an agreement that creates stability and welfare and is committed to social security and justice;
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Stresses that it is in the fundamental interest of both sides to maintain good, stable and mutually beneficial relations under a modernised relationship and through an agreement that creates stability
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 – having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation concerning cooperation on the application of their competition laws9of 17 May 201
Amendment 260 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Is concerned that basic bilateral agreements are reaching the end of their validity and no longer secure frictionless market access as a result of the non- incorporation of new developments of the Union acquis; notes that the model based on bilateral agreements is outdated instead of a broad framework agreement
Amendment 261 #
21. Is concerned that basic bilateral agreements are
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Is concerned that basic bilateral agreements are reaching the end of their validity; notes that the model based on bilateral agreements instead of a broad framework agreement is outdated; remains concerned about the end of the application of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for Medical Devices, which means medical devices are no longer recognised in the regulated area in the EU; calls on the Commission to examine in detail the level of compliance with the agreements and not to grant any further concessions;
Amendment 263 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Is concerned that basic bilateral agreements are reaching the end of their validity; notes that the model based on bilateral agreements instead of a broad framework agreement is outdated; remains concerned about the end of the application of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for Medical Devices, which means medical devices are no longer recognised in the regulated area in the EU; is concerned about the end of the application of the Mutual Recognition Agreement in other areas in the next years (i.e. machinery products, construction products) without a solution regarding the institutional issues;
Amendment 264 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21a. Notes that a solution on institutional matters, such as cohesion policy is fundamental for the future cooperation;
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Welcomes the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Welcomes the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to set out its approach for negotiations and that it commissioned the development of key figures for a negotiation mandate with the EU by the end of June 2023; highlights that this approach enables a broad balance of interests and increases the chances of success in any further negotiation;
Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Welcomes the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to set out its approach for negotiations and that it commissioned the development of key
Amendment 269 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 a (new) Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 15 – having regard to the Arrangement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office11
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 b (new) 22b. Welcomes that the cantons note that in the absence of an acceptable alternative from the EU's point of view, there is no way around a dynamic adoption of EU law;
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 Amendment 272 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Expects the progress in exploratory talks between the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to be stepped up with a view to obtaining the clarifications and assurances required to adopt a mandate for negotiations; calls on both sides to use this window of opportunity for talks on a possible new negotiation package and to reach an agreement
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Expects the progress in exploratory talks between the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to be stepped up with a view to obtaining the required clarifications and assurances
Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Expects the progress in exploratory talks between the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to be stepped up with a view to obtaining the required clarifications and assurances
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 15 – having regard to the Arrangement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office11signed on 10 June 2014
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 15 – having regard to the Arrangement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office11signed on 10 June 2014, and
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 – having regard to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation1,
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 – having regard to the Agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the automatic exchange of financial account information,
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 – having regard to the Agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the automatic exchange of financial account information, which entered into force on 1 January 2017,
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 a (new) – having regard to the regulatory package presented by the European Commission on 14 July 2021, which aims to reduce the EU's net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030,
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 19 – having regard to the decision by the Swiss Federal Council of 26 May 2021 to terminate the negotiations o
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 19 – having regard to the decision by the Swiss Federal Council of 26 May 2021 to terminate the negotiations o
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 19 – having regard to the decision by the Swiss Federal Council of 26 May 2021 to terminate the negotiations o
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 21 – having regard to
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 21 a (new) – having regard to the joint statement of the Chairs of the Swiss Federal Assembly Delegation for relations with the European Parliament and of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Switzerland (DEEA Delegation), adopted on the occasion of the 41st interparliamentary meeting between Switzerland and the EU on 7 October 2022 in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland,
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 23 Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 23 Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 – having regard to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation1, signed on
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 24 a (new) – having regard to the decision of the Swiss Federal Council to adopt the EU's gas (24.08.2022) and electricity (21.12.2022) saving targets for Switzerland which is part of a wider regulatory alignment of Swiss energy policy and network regulation,
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the EU and Switzerland are close like-minded allies
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the EU and Switzerland are close like-minded allies and key economic partners with a strong focus on social and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the EU and Switzerland are politically and culturally close like- minded allies and key economic partners;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas the Swiss Confederation is a democratic, sovereign and independent state, and the EU has no competence or standing to dictate its conduct, criticise it for its policy stance or require it to adopt any position or action;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the EU and Switzerland have a long-standing relationship, founded on shared values and
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the EU and Switzerland have a long-standing relationship founded on shared values and goals of peace, social equality and economic prosperity;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the EU and Switzerland face common challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, diminution of resources, international instabilities, challenge to the multilateral system, accelerating digitalisation, strengthening of undemocratic or authoritarian regimes, inequalities and the rapid changing world of work;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the EU and Switzerland share a strong commitment to uphold multilateralism and the rules-based international order, actively leading global efforts to address existential challenges like climate change, migration, and international security;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas Switzerland has voted in favour of all of the UN resolutions concerning Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 4 – having regard to the
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B b (new) Bb. whereas Switzerland cooperates in select parts of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and has participated in the civil and military peace missions of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP);
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B c (new) Bc. whereas the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the necessity for the EU and Switzerland to deepen their partnership in the areas of foreign policy, security and crisis response; whereas Switzerland has aligned with the EU on sanctions against Russia and seeks new forms of cooperation in areas like security, research, innovation, and health; whereas Switzerland is prepared to expand its cooperation in security policy, focusing on areas like cybersecurity, hybrid threats, resilience, and disinformation, and aims to strengthen interoperability within the framework of the European Defence Agency;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the 2021 Swiss Security Policy Report and its 2022 supplement set out options for Switzerland’s increased security cooperation with the EU;
Amendment 53 #
C. whereas the Swiss Federal Council commissioned the development of key
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas the Swiss Federal Council commissioned the development of key
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas to date, the EU and Switzerland have concluded
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas Switzerland is deeply integrated into the EU single market; whereas to date, the EU and Switzerland have concluded over 120 bilateral agreements;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas to date, the EU and Switzerland have concluded
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas to date, the EU and Switzerland have concluded
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas many of the bilateral agreements urgently need to be updated in order to maintain the functioning of the internal market;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 – having regard to the
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas Switzerland decided to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss institutional framework; whereas
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas Switzerland decided to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss institutional framework; whereas a solution for a future EU-Switzerland relationship is needed to further consolidate the bilateral relations and to develop the EU-Swiss partnership to its full potential;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas Switzerland decided to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss institutional framework agreement in May 2021; whereas a solution for a future EU- Switzerland relationship is needed and a series of exploratory talks have recently been held between the European Commission and the Swiss Federal Council;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas the visit of Vice-President Šefčovič in March has generated a new impulse for discussions aimed at resolving institutional problems; whereas there is a demonstrated will on both sides to narrow the remaining gaps through the exploratory talks at both technical and political levels, which is crucial for progress; whereas it is essential for both parties to maintain momentum, continue moving in the right direction, and potentially accelerate their efforts to determine whether there is a solid foundation for full negotiations with the prospect of a swift, successful conclusion;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas, with regard to international issues, on the background of a changing geopolitical landscape, the EU and Switzerland
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas Switzerland is deeply integrated into the EU single market; whereas a
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the EU is Switzerland’s main trading partner and Switzerland is the EU’s fourth trading partner after China, the US and the UK; whereas the EU accounts for around 42% of Switzerland’s exports in goods and for 60% of its imports;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas Switzerland is the EU's third largest economic partner after the United States and China;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 – having regard to the
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F b (new) Fb. whereas Switzerland’s trade with the EU in 2021 accounted for the lion's share, with a trade volume of CHF 266.07 billion, corresponding to a share of 57.70% of Switzerland's total goods trade volume;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F c (new) Fc. whereas Switzerland earns every third CHF through trade with the EU;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the EU and Switzerland should work towards a more inclusive and sustainable economic model, promoting social cohesion and addressing income inequality, recognizing that Switzerland is the EU's third-biggest partner in terms of export of goods and its fourth biggest in terms of import of goods;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas Swiss citizens benefit fully from free movement within the Union, and installations in the Union, on the same basis as EU citizens;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F d (new) Fd. whereas in 2021, an average of 351 844 cross-border commuters worked in Switzerland, of which 193 051 were from France, while as of 31 December 2021, 442 371 Swiss citizens were resident in the EU and vice versa around 1,4 million EU citizens were residents in Switzerland;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F e (new) Fe. whereas Switzerland currently has a status of a non-associated third country under the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe” and other related programmes and initiatives; whereas EU-Swiss cooperation on research and development would benefit both sides;
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F f (new) Ff. whereas the EDA-Switzerland Framework for Cooperation, which was signed on 16 March 2012, enables exchange of information and provides for joint activities in research and technology and armament projects and programmes;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F g (new) Fg. whereas Switzerland is currently considered a non-associated third country in the EU programme Erasmus+ (2021- 2027) depriving young people from mobility and cooperation opportunities;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas Switzerland will hold general elections on 22 October 2023; whereas the EU will hold elections for the European Parliament in 2024;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas Switzerland will hold general elections on 22 October 2023; whereas the European Parliament will hold elections in June 2024;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 – having regard to the
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G a (new) Ga. whereas the European Parliament will hold elections in the second quarter of 2024;
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Subheading 1 Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 (new) -1. Recalls that the Union and Switzerland are united by common values, that they face common challenges and that they often have similar responses;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 a (new) -1a. Considers that it is in the fundamental interest of both parties to strengthen their relations; stresses that these relations must be stable and mutually beneficial, within the framework of a modernized relationship based on a set of agreements that are a source of stability, well-being and fair competition;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 b (new) -1b. Regrets in this context the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to terminate the negotiations on the EU-Swiss Institutional Framework in May 2021; regrets any narratives that the EU works against Swiss interests; stresses that a new failure in negotiating an agreement on EU-Swiss relations would be damaging for the citizens of both the EU and Switzerland;
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 c (new) -1c. Welcomes the political declaration of 24 March 2023, in which the conference of cantonal governments declared itself in favor of a clear relationship with the Union, based on agreements and common values;
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 d (new) -1d. Welcomes Switzerland's participation in the summits of the European political community;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 e (new) -1e. Is concerned that existing bilateral agreements are reaching the end of their validity, or their distance from the law applied in the rest of the Common Market;
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 f (new) -1f. Notes that the bilateral path remains the one preferred by Switzerland, and not membership of the European Economic Area or membership of the Union; stresses that Switzerland is still welcome to join the EEA or the Union in the future if it so wishes, thus enabling it to participate fully in European decisions and rules;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 g (new) -1g. Calls for the negotiation of a Cooperation Pact between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation; stresses that such a Pact should enable a new start to be made in the relationship between the EU and Switzerland, and should be of full benefit to EU and Swiss citizens; calls for this Pact to modernise all existing bilateral agreements, and to extend Euro-Swiss cooperation to new areas;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph -1 h (new) -1h. Welcomes the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to set out its approach for negotiations and that it commissioned the development of key figures for a negotiation mandate with the EU by the end of June 2023; calls on the Federal Council to respect this timetable by rapidly adopting a negotiating mandate on the essential structural issues, which would give a clear political signal to the EU, so that negotiations can be opened as soon as possible;
Amendment 91 #
-1i. Expects the progress in exploratory talks between the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to be stepped up with a view to obtaining the clarifications and assurances required to adopt a mandate for negotiations; calls on both sides to use this window of opportunity for talks on a Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation, which both parties should agree on before the end of the term of the current European Commission and European Parliament;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland on international peace, security and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland on international peace, security and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland on international peace, security and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland on international peace, security and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions adopted in this context
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland on international peace, security and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes Switzerland’s
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland on human rights, international peace, security and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions adopted in this context, diverging from its traditionally neutral stance;
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Highlights the EU’s strong interest in cooperating with Switzerland on international peace, security and defence matters, in particular in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes Switzerland’s full alignment with EU sanctions adopted in
source: 749.089
2023/05/30
INTA
36 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Recital A A. whereas Switzerland’s economic and trade relations with the EU are mainly governed through a free trade agreement (FTA) and a series of bilateral agreements, including the agreement on the free movement of persons (AFMP), according to which Switzerland has agreed to take over certain aspects of EU legislation in exchange for accessing part of the EU’s single market;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Underlines that safeguarding and enhancing strong and sustainable trade relations with Switzerland, the EU’s fourth largest trading partner, remains a high priority especially in the current turbulent international environment;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Underlines that safeguarding and deepening strong and sustainable trade relations with Switzerland, the EU’s fourth largest trading partner, remains a high priority;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new) (1) Notes that the EU roaming regulation is a success story which particularly benefits citizens in border regions and more broadly facilitates the free movement of people; notes that EEA countries already apply the roaming regulation; encourages Switzerland to consider joining the roaming regulation as part of a new agreement between the EU and Switzerland to the benefit of both Swiss and EU citizens;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Acknowledges that Switzerland has taken over EU sanctions against Russia in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine; encourages Switzerland and the EU to work closely together in order to use Russian frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Regrets the decision of the Swiss Federal Council to terminate negotiations on the IFA, which was essential for the conclusion of possible future agreements regarding Switzerland’s further participation in the single market and continuation of frictionless trade in several industry sectors;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Considers of utmost importance that, in order to overcome the shortcomings of stalled negotiations and reach a broad balance of interests, the Commission stands ready to take in due account the legitimate priorities and issues raised by Switzerland;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Notes that without any modernisation of the FTA, which was concluded 50 years ago and has not been adjusted to reflect developments in international trade rules since, and of the package of bilateral agreements (I and II), which was concluded almost 20 years ago,
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Notes that without any modernisation of the FTA, which was concluded 50 years ago and has not been adjusted to reflect developments in international trade rules since, and of the package of bilateral agreements (I and II), which was concluded almost 20 years ago, EU-Swiss relations will inevitably erode over time; calls therefore upon the European Commission to propose a mandate for modernising the FTA once negotiations on the IFA have resumed;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas between 2014 and 2021, the EU and Switzerland negotiated an institutional framework agreement (IFA) to restructure EU-Swiss relations, notably by establishing key rules and procedures for the dynamic takeover and homogenous application of internal market law, to ensure a level playing field and the enforcement of State aid rules, and to provide for a proper dispute settlement mechanism; whereas both the EU and Switzerland are among each other's top destinations for foreign investment and key partners in trade in services;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Notes that without any modernisation of the FTA, which was concluded 50 years ago and has not been adjusted to reflect developments in international trade rules since, and of the package of bilateral agreements (I and II), which was concluded almost 20 years ago, EU-Swiss relations will inevitably erode over time; believes that the EU should strive for pragmatic solutions to solve this issue between EU and Switzerland;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Notes that without any modernisation of the FTA, which was concluded 50 years ago and has not been adjusted to reflect developments in international trade rules since, and of the package of bilateral agreements (I and II), which was concluded almost 20 years ago, EU-Swiss relations
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new) Notes that investment protection is currently upheld through outdated bilateral agreements between Switzerland on the one hand and only nine EU Member States on the other; believes that a modern EU-Switzerland Investment Protection Agreement would increase legal certainty for investors on both sides and further strengthen bilateral trade relations; incites therefore the European Commission to propose a mandate for negotiating a modern EU-Switzerland Investment Protection Agreement;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes the importance of enhanced cooperation between Switzerland and the EU in combatting climate change; stresses the importance of considering Swiss participation in the various aspects of the European Green Deal, in particular in the RE Power EU program, including the European solar PV industry alliance; encourages to find venues of cooperation between the EU and Switzerland on the EU’s Fit for 55 package;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Highlights that the Mutual Recognition Agreement (2002) is becoming more and more outdated as it cannot be updated to take into account new EU legislation; notes that this has already created technical barriers and hampered trade in medical devices and will do so in the future for mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence in particular; believes that the EU should strive for pragmatic solutions to solve this issue between EU and Switzerland;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Highlights that the Mutual Recognition Agreement (2002) is becoming more and more outdated as it cannot be updated to take into account new EU legislation; notes that this has already created technical barriers and hampered trade in medical devices and will do so in the future for mechanical engineering, machinery or construction products and artificial intelligence in particular;
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Notes that business and industry associations are currently only consulted through informal information channels; calls upon the negotiators to agree on the establishment of a bilateral ex ante and ex post consultation platform between the EU and Switzerland designed to facilitate discussions and consultations in advance of any new measures or subsidies that could negatively affect trade or investment; takes the view that business and industry associations should be able to bring any new trade or investment irritants to the attention of the secretariat of this platform; believes that the platform should eventually be made an integral part of the governance framework of the modernised trade agreement and should entail the setting up of a SME Helpdesk, that would help to reduce trade costs and administrative burdens, while increasing SMEs’ participation in trade;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Stresses the importance of flanking measures that guarantee efficient and non-discriminating protection to workers’ rights, ensuring equal pay for equal work in the same place for mobile, posted and local workers and at the same time permit EU economic operators to provide services in its territories; stresses that such flanking measures are necessary to create a level- playing field for EU citizens and economic operators in areas where Switzerland has market access to the EU single market;
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas between 2014 and 2021, the EU and Switzerland negotiated an institutional framework agreement (IFA) to restructure EU-Swiss relations, notably by establishing key rules and procedures for the dynamic takeover and homogenous application of internal market law, to ensure a level playing field and the enforcement of State aid rules, while respecting the specific characteristics of the Swiss labour market, and to provide for a proper dispute settlement mechanism;
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Acknowledges the flexibility provided by the Commission and the compromises offered in past negotiations on the IFA and current exploratory talks; invites the Commission to keep the European Parliament duly informed and closely involved in any steps related to potential future negotiations, taking their views into account and limiting any future negotiating mandate to 5 years;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Welcomes the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to issue a mandate to draw up key parameters for a negotiating mandate with the EU and urges the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to commence negotiations promptly; underlines that delivering a comprehensive framework agreement is the most efficient way to modernize existing bilateral agreements and respond to evolving priorities in areas such as climate change, digitalization, workers’ rights and social cohesion;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Welcomes the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to issue a mandate to draw up key parameters for a negotiating mandate with the EU and urges the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to commence negotiations promptly; emphasizes the importance of using the current momentum as general elections in Switzerland will take place in October 2023 and the European Parliament elections are held in June 2024;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Highlights that regarding the negotiations, the European Parliament should be informed about all the new developments in a timely manner;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Underlines that negotiated deals should be designed with a structure that allows for horizontal consistency and transparency to facilitate the implementation of existing bilateral agreements, as well as new and updated ones, in an easily interpretable and practical manner that provides legal certainty and predictability
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1 (new) Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Stresses that the Swiss Federal Council did not support the EU’s push to remove fossil fuel protections from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT); Notes with concern that EU-based fossil fuel companies could structure their operations through Switzerland so that they can still be protected under ECT; encourages the Swiss government and the European Commission to engage in order to explore possible coordinated action on the next steps for the Energy Charter Treaty.
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas on 26 May 2021, the Swiss Federal Council, considering that the draft agreement would be passed by the Swiss Parliament but expecting it to be rejected by the electorate, made the decision to unilaterally terminate negotiations on the IFA;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Acknowledges the fact that historical, strong and stable EU-Swiss relations and shared values have contributed to peace, economic prosperity, social justice and cooperation in Europe for decades;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Underlines that safeguarding strong and sustainable trade relations with Switzerland, the EU’s fourth largest trading partner, remains a high priority; takes the view that that an ambitious framework for a mutually beneficial relationship between Switzerland and the European Union means emphasis must be placed not only on reducing barriers to trade but also on promoting the highest level of protection for workers, consumers and the environment so as to avoid social and environmental dumping, in line with our shared objectives of sustainable development, social progress and fair competition;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Underlines that safeguarding strong and sustainable trade relations with Switzerland, the EU’s fourth largest trading partner, remains a high priority; considers that it is in the fundamental interest of both sides to maintain and strengthen good, stable and mutually beneficial relations within a modernised relationship and through an agreement that creates a level playing field, trust, stability, jobs, growth and welfare and is committed to social security and justice;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Underlines that safeguarding strong and sustainable trade relations with Switzerland, the EU’s fourth largest trading partner, remains a high priority; stresses the importance to continue joint efforts to reform the WTO, in particular its dispute settlement body, and to promote sustainable and green trade initiatives on the way to MC 13;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Underlines that safeguarding strong
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