Switzerland threatens No Deal with the EU over bilateral agreements
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world...stock-exchange
Switzerland could quit EU agreements as row erupts
SWITZERLAND could vote to have its own “Swissexit” from a raft of agreements with the EU next year if tensions aren't resolved, senior Swiss officials warned last night.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daily Express
It follows the launching of a “trade war” by Brussels as it tries to force the Alpine country to accept EU laws.
“The EU commission is playing a dangerous game which could bring a new crisis in the heart of one of the most dynamic economic areas the EU has,” warned Luca Cirigliano, Head of the International Department of the Swiss Trade Union Confederation, last night. Switzerland, which prides itself on its high wages and good working practices, voted by referendum not to join the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or be subjected to European Court of Justice rule. In return for Freedom of Movement, Brussels agreed to a set of 70 bespoke deals.
But EU companies pressured for change against a law which allows Switzerland an eight-day grace period before accepting a foreign worker to ensure domestic salaries aren't being undercut. Though the Swiss Government agreed to a deal which would allow ECJ rule, it suffered the same fate as Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement when it was rejected by parliament and its federal cantons.
It follows the launching of a “trade war” by Brussels as it tries to force the Alpine country to accept EU laws. “The EU commission is playing a dangerous game which could bring a new crisis in the heart of one of the most dynamic economic areas the EU has,” warned Luca Cirigliano, Head of the International Department of the Swiss Trade Union Confederation, last night. Switzerland, which prides itself on its high wages and good working practices, voted by referendum not to join the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or be subjected to European Court of Justice rule. In return for Freedom of Movement, Brussels agreed to a set of 70 bespoke deals.
“It was always clear for us, as one the countries with the highest wages and living costs in the world, we need some sort of protection for Swiss employees against social and wage dumping. By protecting EU workers here from exploitation we protect our whole labour market,“ said Mr Cirigliano. “This was affirmed by direct democratic referendum and the EU Commission was perfectly fine with our laws for two decades.”
He added: “The Commission is being very ideological. They don’t seem to understand the peculiarities of the Swiss direct democracy. “Threats and illegal sanctions will only have one result: voters will become more and more EU-sceptical and the worst scenario could be a “Swissexit” next year, when we will vote on abolishing the bilateral agreements with the EU. We are a pro-European force, but we want a social EU and an EU who respects national peculiarities.“
“Currently Switzerland has its own package of bilateral deals. But though this has worked successfully, the EU has never liked it.
"So Brussels wants to bring all this into a single formal agreement which would mandate Switzerland to adopt EU laws," said Victoria Hewson, of the Institute of Economic Affairs think-tank.
“Switzerland may chooses to adopt EU laws, but it is currently not obliged to - and that’s the point."
Now Brussels has adopted “political pressure tactics” including threatening Swiss energy supplies in order to force its hand, she added. The EU has already excluded Switzerland from EU legislation on power grids and network codes, though the move could backfire as Switzerland is a regional power hub, with 10 percent of the EU’s electricity passing through 40 connection points on its territory.
“Essentially the EU has started a trade war with Switzerland." she said.
"They are using financial services and energy threats to turn the screw. It's completely political and we should take inspiration by way the Swiss are standing up for themselves.
“If the Swiss don't back down or force the EU’s hand it will be a poke in the eye for the Commission, and may hinder the EU’s strategy to extend and preserve the integrity of the single market."
Yet again the EU bullying other countries.
But the tiny Swiss seem to have more balls than us.
