The party proposed ways this Saturday to settle institutional issues with the European Union.
© KEYSTONE/Anthony Anex
Bilateral relations are deteriorating to the detriment of the economy, research and society, PVL President Jürg Grossen lamented on Saturday.
Switzerland must quickly settle the institutional questions with Europe. The Vert’liberals in turn traced avenues to get Switzerland out of the impasse during their assembly of delegates online on Saturday.
It is necessary either to pass by a new institutional agreement, or by an adhesion to the EEA in order to take account of the political interests of Switzerland, indicated the PVL in an official statement. The party wants “a strong Switzerland with Europe” and is committed to the preservation and rapid development of bilateral relations with the EU.
The many global challenges of the coming decades, such as climate change or the preservation of biodiversity, will indeed require joint efforts. By breaking off negotiations for an institutional framework agreement, the Federal Council has led Switzerland to a deadlock in terms of European policy.
There is no plan B for this central file, regrets the PVL. Meanwhile, bilateral relations are deteriorating to the detriment of the economy, research and society, according to President Jürg Grossen. The Green Liberals criticize the Federal Council’s lack of responsibility vis-à-vis the economy and society.
Other disgruntled parties
Last Saturday, the parliamentary group of the Center and the assembly of delegates of the Greens, also asked the Federal Council to take up the file. The Center sees possibilities for the dynamic takeover of European law. The Socialist Party also drew up a two-phase roadmap in December on how to stabilize and develop relations between Switzerland and the EU.
At the end of November, the EU had asked Bern for a concrete roadmap by January 2022. Proposals were expected at the Davos Economic Forum, which was postponed. The international meeting is now scheduled for May 22-26.