The focus on European contracts: SVP warns of loss of sovereignty!

The focus on European contracts: SVP warns of loss of sovereignty!

In yesterday's program of the "Arena", the new contracts were violently discussed with the EU. While the SVP clearly shouted against the transfer of the right, the representatives of the FDP and Mitte saw a step towards greater legal certainty in the new regulations. The SP, on the other hand, particularly praised the secure wage protection, which is anchored in the new agreement. The Swiss have been waiting for detailed information on this EU agreement since December 2022, but so far only a handful of parliamentarians have had an insight into the legal texts. This led to a certain unrest among politicians and among the population. nau.ch reports that the dissatisfaction of the SVP National Council Franz Grüter, the autumn criticism, was in the room. He emphasized that the EU dictates the rules for Switzerland and thus conventional Swiss standards.

The resistance of the SVP is not shared by everyone. Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter from the middle rejected the concerns of the SVP and explained that it was a comprehensive legal framework that includes five existing and three new agreements. FDP Councilor Matthias Michel emphasized that Switzerland had a special position and that the new contracts were tailored. He decidedly rejected the allegations of a submission and considered the arbitral tribunal as an instrument that would give Switzerland more sovereignty. Contrary to Grüter's concerns, Michel sees the arbitral tribunal as an advantage that ultimately benefits the Swiss company.

measures to protect wages

Another central point of the discussion was the protection of Swiss wages in the context of the new EU contracts. Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin presented a plan that aims to protect the wages as well as before. For months, the social partners have worked on these measures to ensure that the regulations, especially for EU companies that send employees to Switzerland, do not have any new burdens for domestic companies. Parmelin made it clear that a measure for dismissal protection is also proposed by the Federal Council. Nevertheless, there are still a few points where you do not agree.

The newly categorized measures include a reduction in the pre-registration period for EU service providers from 8 to 4 days as well as the introduction of a central, automated reporting procedure for EU companies. New requirements for public orders that require proof of wage and working conditions are also included. The Berner Zeitung emphasizes that it is primarily about securing service blocks as a sanction against wage dumping.

The electricity market and bilateral relationships

Another aspect addressed in the "arena" is the controversial electricity agreement. SP Vice President David Roth said that it could lead to a "pseudo-competition competition" and the electricity prices could drive up. Green President Lisa Mazzone contrasted that the agreement for the energy transition and the network stability was of great importance.

In the background there are the bilateral III, which have taken back trip again after the failed negotiations on the framework agreement. These new contracts include not only regulations on the free movement of people and food safety, but also specific adjustments for Switzerland in wage protection and migration policy. An expert discussion about the advantages of bilateral III compared to the broken negotiations shows that Switzerland has proven a good hand during the negotiations and that many of its peculiarities were maintained. smu.admin.ch reports that an focus on the living expenses on site is aimed Automatism is sought.

The discussion in the arena has shown clearly that Switzerland faces major challenges. Opinions about the new EU contracts, wage protection and the role of Switzerland in European context diverge. It is now up to politics to bridge these differences and to find a sustainable path into the future.