Follow @dorgang

Follow @snbchf

Home › 3) Swiss Markets and News › 3.) Swissinfo Business and Economy › EU Commission president says Swiss-EU deal is ‘historic’ agreement

Previous post Next post

EU Commission president says Swiss-EU deal is ‘historic’ agreement

Published on December 20, 2024

See on Internet Archive

by
Swissinfo
My articles My site About me My videos My books
Follow on:Twitter Facebook Google +

EU Commission president says Swiss-EU deal is 'historic' agreement — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and Swiss President Viola Amherd at a joint press conference in Bern on December 20 to announce the political agreement. Keystone-SDA

Generated with artificial intelligence.

At a joint media conference in Bern with Swiss President Viola Amherd in Bern, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of a "day of joy" on Friday.

This content was published on December 20, 2024 - 15:59

“This agreement between the European Union and Switzerland is historic,” the European Commission president told reporters on Friday.

“This will not only strengthen the lasting partnership between us. The strengthened bond is also of great importance in the wider context.”

Switzerland and EU reach deal on future bilateral relations

This content was published on Dec 20, 2024 Switzerland and the European Union have announced a political agreement to update their trading relationship after almost a decade of difficult talks.

“We are providing common answers to global realities that we all have to deal with. We are living in a time of rapid change and the global balance of power is constantly shifting,” she noted.

‘Challenging environment’

Von der Leyen referred to a highly interconnected world where geopolitical tensions such as those in Ukraine or the Middle East have an immediate impact “in Switzerland as well as in our 27 member states”. In this challenging environment, strong partnerships are not only an advantage, but a must, she continued.

She said Switzerland and the EU shared values such as democracy, the rule of law and a social market economy and both are committed to a rules-based international order. “We are as close as you can get,” said von der Leyen.

“With the agreement between the EU and Switzerland, we are recognising what has grown historically,” said the Commission President. She said the agreement created a level playing field where everyone would enjoy unrestricted access to the EU internal market, while at the same time ensuring the same high standards that “creates security for businesses and consumers”.

‘Deep bond’

“To a certain extent, we are putting together a power package that can compete with the world’s leading economies,” continued von der Leyen.

The Swiss are deeply divided over relations with the EU

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 Despite little enthusiasm for the European Union, the Swiss consider the bilateral agreements with Brussels to be important.

“This agreement between the EU and Switzerland is an expression of the deep bond that has grown between us. Today marks a new chapter in our partnership, taking our cooperation to the next level and modernising the foundations of our strong relationship. This agreement ensures that our partnership is equipped for the future and that both sides can fully exploit the potential of our close cooperation,” she also said in a statement published shortly after the media conference.

Von der Leyen added: “Let’s show what is possible when good neighbours work together.”

Adapted from German by DeepL/ac

This news story has been written and carefully fact-checked by an external editorial team. At SWI swissinfo.ch we select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools such as DeepL to translate it into English. Providing you with automatically translated news gives us the time to write more in-depth articles.

If you want to know more about how we work, have a look here, if you want to learn more about how we use technology, click here, and if you have feedback on this news story please write to [email protected].

Newsletters

Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.

Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.

Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.

Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.

Most Swiss companies consider sustainability in supplier selection

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 The majority of large listed Swiss companies pay attention to sustainability when choosing their suppliers.

Swiss president is ‘shocked’ by attack on German Christmas market

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 Swiss President Viola Amherd has expressed her shock at the attack in Magdeburg.

Swiss security strategy will prioritise cyberdefence and NATO cooperation

This content was published on Dec 20, 2024 The aim is to reduce vulnerabilities and increase Switzerland's defensive capabilities.

Switzerland and EU reach deal on future bilateral relations

This content was published on Dec 20, 2024 Switzerland and the European Union have announced a political agreement to update their trading relationship after almost a decade of difficult talks.

Switzerland could build new nuclear power plants

This content was published on Dec 20, 2024 The Swiss government has opened up the possibility of new nuclear power plants in response to a people's initiative.

Swiss government wants a regulated drone ‘highway’

This content was published on Dec 20, 2024 Like for aircraft, Swiss airspace is to be regulated for drones too.

Full story here Are you the author?

About Swissinfo

SWI swissinfo.ch – the international service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Since 1999, swissinfo.ch has fulfilled the federal government’s mandate to distribute information about Switzerland internationally, supplementing the online offerings of the radio and television stations of the SBC. Today, the international service is directed above all at an international audience interested in Switzerland, as well as at Swiss citizens living abroad.

My articles My site About me My books
Follow on:Twitter Facebook Google +