The Council of States says Yes to the Bilateral Agreements III

The economy relies on predictable framework conditions, legal certainty, and access to the European single market that is as unimpeded as possible. Stabilizing the bilateral approach strengthens Switzerland as a business location at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and growing protectionist tendencies. The importance of stable relations with the EU and of the bilateral approach as a tailor-made solution for Switzerland was most recently highlighted by more than 130 business leaders in a joint letter to the members of the Council of States.

Following the debate in the Council of States, the National Council will now take up the Bilateral Agreements III. Certain decisions made by the Council of States will need to be reexamined. In particular, economiesuisse is critical of the incentive tax adopted as part of the safeguard clause. Such a tax would place an additional burden on companies, impair their international competitiveness, and significantly increase administrative burdens and bureaucracy.

It is crucial for the Swiss economy to prevent the erosion of existing agreements and to secure long-term access to the European single market. With an eye toward the deliberations in the National Council, the business community will therefore continue to strongly advocate for the package.