Switzerland needs more influence in Europe

Switzerland now stands at a crucial crossroads in its relationship with the European Union. The need for increased cooperation in various fields has become increasingly clear. There is an urgent need for action, especially in the areas of technology and education.

Switzerland urgently needs agreement on all energy sources, especially electricity and gas.

Electricity trading must be regulated immediately. Switzerland should not be excluded from electricity trading platforms as this affects grid stability. This would hinder, among other things, the implementation of the 2050 Energy Strategy.

At a time when energy supplies play a key role in many ways, such an agreement is of the utmost importance.

Swiss educational institutes and Swiss technology rely on cooperation with European research and exchange programs such as Horizon and Erasmus+. It is unfortunate that the European Union links these agreements to the conclusion of further bilateral agreements, which is not always understood. But we have to accept that this is the current reality.

Swiss students must be integrated into the Erasmus+ exchange program and be able to complete study stays at foreign universities: in order to exchange important knowledge about Swiss technology and bring their knowledge back to Swiss universities.

Switzerland must also be able to once again play a leadership role in the joint European research program Horizon. Swiss universities can contribute a lot to these research programmes. They also benefit from the greater resources resulting from cooperation.

In order to increase pressure on the Federal Council and ensure that it finally takes the necessary action, a permanent subcommittee should be established. As part of implementing its parliamentary initiative, the Foreign Policy Committee of the National Council, at its meeting held on June 19, 2023, approved a draft to complete the National Council’s work regulations. This project provides for the establishment of a permanent subcommittee on European issues.

The Permanent Subcommittee is of great importance in order to actively and in-depth follow up on developments and projects in the European Union. It is crucial to enhancing our opportunities to engage in the context of EU law. This will guarantee Switzerland’s interests in this important area.

The Swiss Society of Engineering, the professional association of engineers in Switzerland, strongly supports the establishment of a permanent subcommittee on European issues. This step will enable Switzerland to act informed and active in the ever-changing European landscape.

“It is time to treat European issues with greater weight and make sure that Switzerland represents its interests,” emphasizes Alexander Jäger, Secretary General of Swiss Engineering.