Bilaterals III: Important step toward stabilizing the bilateral approach

Today, the Federal Council published the consultation draft on the Bilateral Agreements III. The consultation period will run until the end of October. With the start of the consultation process, all the facts are now on the table for an informed discussion.

Bilateral approach has proven its worth

For the economy, one thing is clear: the bilateral agreements have brought Switzerland prosperity and security over the past decades. This is also demonstrated by the studies published today. According to the Ecoplan study, the abolition of Bilateral Agreements I would lead to a significant weakening of the Swiss economy and a loss of income for the Swiss population. Without the Bilateral Agreements I and with a downgrade in the area of research to the status of a non-associated third country, Swiss gross domestic product (GDP) would be 4.9 percent lower in 2045.

The bilateral approach has proven to be a tailor-made solution for our country. The new package offers Switzerland the opportunity to secure the bilateral approach and continue on this path. Especially in view of the current geopolitical uncertainty, reliable relations with the EU as our most important trading partner are of great importance.

In-depth examination of the package of agreements

Last February, economiesuisse drew an initial positive conclusion on the package based on the content of the agreement that had been negotiated at that point: with the updating of the existing internal market agreements, the access to the EU single market can be put on a solid footing for the long term. economiesuisse also expressly welcomes the cooperation programs in selected areas, particularly in research and development via Horizon Europe, and the electricity agreement. The business community also welcomes the fact that a separate safeguard clause was negotiated in the agreement on the free movement of persons. This will enable Switzerland to take measures in the event of serious problems with immigration.

The domestic implementation of the agreement package will be decisive for its overall assessment. One thing is clear: the flexible labor market is not up for negotiation.

Statement on the overall package in summer

economiesuisse will now thoroughly analyze the consultation draft published today and aims to issue an assessment before the summer break. In doing so, economiesuisse attaches great importance to a well-founded discussion and the broad involvement of all members who are consulted.