Donald Trump pushes Switzerland into the EU arms. A rich country is 180 degrees. “We need to use this time”
In the commercial dispute with the United States, Switzerland found itself in an extremely difficult situation. US President Donald Trump imposed a 39 % duties on this small country, which negatively affects exports. The attempt to force in economic policy with unpredictable Americans is now reflecting on a completely different front: Trump's duties are impetus with the European Union.
In a sea of uncertainty related to the United States, stable relations with the EU become a safe marinade.
This is shown by a new study conducted by the GFS Bern Research Institute on behalf of Interpharma among about 1 thousand. entitled to vote. – The development of the situation around the US apparently strengthens the positive assessment of existing bilateral agreements – notes the author of the study Urs Bieri in an interview with Blick.
64 percent respondents see in bilateral relations only or certain benefits, and only 21 percent. He mainly sees disadvantages. Especially among the members of the Switzerland Freedom Party (FDP) a positive attitude increased significantly – up to 76 percent. This result does not fully reflect the current situation, because the survey was conducted in July and August, i.e. in part before the announcement of a customs shock.
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An increasingly positive attitude towards bilateral relations was reflected in the support for the currently consulted contract with the EU. According to the survey, three new agreements regarding electricity, health and food They also met with positive reception. The first vote on the package of contracts with the EU should take place at the earliest in 2027.
Economic arguments
Currently 61 percent respondents strongly or to some extent support a package of bilateral agreements. Only 30 percent It is opposite and the rest is undecided. A particularly high percentage of supporters was recorded among the voters of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (SP) – 89 percent, the green -borne party of Switzerland (GLP) -84 percent. and green parties – 82 percent Also among the members of FDP and the Centrum party (Die Mitte) supporters have a clear advantage of 72 percent. Only the base of the Swiss People's Party (SVP) rejects the agreement – 68 percent. is opposite, and 17 percent for.
In particular, they are decisive for support Economic arguments such as access to the EU market and greater competitiveness of Switzerland. The vast majority are in favor of safe and stable cooperation with the EU. Also a solution in the field of internal policy aimed at improving the protection of remuneration or a protective clause regarding immigration contribute to the support of the contract with the EU. The protective clause met with a positive reception of up to 60 percent. SVP members.
The agreement with the EU has over 1,000 pages and regulates many areas. Here are the most important points:
- The agreement provides for new rules in the field of free flow of people, land and air transport, agriculture, mutual recognition of directives on products, electricity and food safety. The mechanism of “dynamic acquisition” of European law will apply. This means that Switzerland basically takes over the EU law, but it can reject them through a referendum or in parliament – but they are threatened with punishments.
- EU citizens will be able to move to Switzerland and work there. However, only the person who has a job will receive a residence permit.
- EU companies will be able to send their employees to Switzerland in the future and vice versa. However, they will have to register them in advance.
- Switzerland willingly pays high subsidies. The EU wants to prevent undesirable competition disturbances. Basically, there will be a ban – but with numerous exceptions.
- Foreign railways such as Flixtrain will be able to ride on Swiss tracks.
- Switzerland can again participate in EU programs, such as the Erasmus student exchange program.
In the case of a dispute, the decision will first be made by the so -called Mixed Commission, which will include representatives of Switzerland and the EU. If an agreement is not reached, the case will be considered by the arbitration court. He must turn to the Court of Justice of the EU. The arbitration court will issue a judgment and may impose proportionate compensatory measures. Arbitrary penalties are excluded.
From 2030, Switzerland will pay 350 million francs (PLN 1 billion 598 million) annually for development projects in EU countries such as Bulgaria, Estonia or Croatia. Until 2030 it will be 130 million francs (approx. PLN 594 million) a year.
Changes will also affect Swiss law. The most important issue is protective clause. Thanks to her, Switzerland will be able to temporarily limit immigration. If immigration, unemployment or the number of people using social assistance exceed specific thresholds, the authorities will be able to consider the launch of this clause and introduce such protective measures as, for example, immigration limits. If the EU does not agree, the arbitration court will be able to take compensatory measures.
To secure Swiss salaries, a three -stage concept was introduced. – The principle of equal pay for the same work in the same place applies – explains state secretary Helene Budliger Artieda. Protection of remuneration will not be weakened.
Irritable issues
Critics of new regulations are afraid of the severity of migration and loss of sovereignty. “Especially the right-wing and conservative camp is afraid of limiting direct democracy,” Bieri points out. The partial adoption of the Directive on Union citizens is also concerned about concern. The greatest skepticism shows a solidarity contributions in the amount of 350 million francs (PLN 1 billion 598 million) per year. – These are topics that probably they will be in the foreground again During the campaign before the referendum – Bieri added.
Surprisingly high support, of 69 percent, obtained Electricity agreement. Although trade unions threaten a referendum, only a quarter of the respondents currently reject this contract. Its most important elements are greater supply security and network stability. And above all: a liberalized electricity market for everyone. Bieri assumes that along with the intensification of the debate, the criticism of the contract regarding electricity will increase.
New contract health protection It also enjoys high support, of 68 percent. Only every fifth respondent rejects her. The contract focuses on better protection against health hazards. As part of it, Switzerland is to access early warning and EU prevention systems.
“Nothing is yet to be determined”
– The Swiss understand that our economic well -being largely depends on the regulated relations with our most important trading partner – comments the results of the poll, the director of Interpharma Rene Buholzer. – in the face of the unpredictability of American administration citizens At least they want to settle relations with the EU.
US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, September 5, 2025.Mandel NGAN / AFP / AFP
However, there is no certainty that Trump's duties will pave the way to conclude a contract with the EU. “In two years the world may look completely different, nothing is decided yet,” says Buholzer. – However, we must use this time to show society the benefits of the EU agreement for the country and its inhabitants.
It was the worst Food agreement. However, the majority, because 54 percent, are in favor of its acceptance, while 39 percent. is opposite. Particularly strong opposition is among SVP fans. Basically, it is about creating a common food safety space.
In the future, Switzerland would be connected to the EU fast warning system, which, for example, informs about falsely advertised products or hazardous substances in food. However, the current protection of borders for agricultural products will not change.
