Switzerland’s president has said she has not given up hope of reaching an agreement this year to reset relations with the neighbouring European Union, despite continuing disagreements on issues such as immigration, RFI reports.
The EU and Switzerland have said they want a deal to “stabilise and develop” their relationship, updating and expanding a set of more than 120 agreements by the end of the year.
President Viola Amherd told reporters she remained optimistic despite continuing disagreements on central issues such as immigration and wage protection in Switzerland. Speaking at an event hosted on Monday by Switzerland’s foreign press association, she said:
“It is possible that we won’t make it, but I am optimistic. And if we don’t succeed, it is obvious that we have to continue trying.”
When it comes to immigration and wage protection, the main challenge will be to change the position at home, she said.
“We are working on that a lot, we are discussing that a lot,” she said, adding that “we don’t yet have a final solution, but I think that we have the possibility” to find one.
Relations between the EU and Switzerland are currently governed by a host of agreements, and for years the two neighbours have sought a broader co-operation deal. But their relationship has become strained after Bern slammed the door on negotiations with its main trading partner in 2021 without warning.
Earlier this month, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel condemned the stance, emphasising that “Europe is not an a la carte menu”. He also added:
“It is almost impossible.”
