For Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the question of relations with the EU is not a technical or institutional debate. (archive picture)
Keystone
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis described the issue of Switzerland’s relations with the EU as “strategic” at the General Assembly of the European Movement Switzerland on Saturday. The movement itself rejects the popular initiative on Switzerland’s 10 million citizens.
Cassis appeared at the meeting as guest of honor. “The question of our relations with the EU is strategic and not merely a technical or institutional debate,” emphasized the Foreign Minister in his speech.
The Federal Councillor from Ticino recalled Switzerland’s special position, as the European Movement also reported. The country shares common interests with its European neighbors in terms of security, prosperity, innovation, the rule of law and institutional stability, Cassis continued. “The treaty package contains mutual concessions, and stability is not a matter of course. Today, it is the result of joint efforts.”
The European Movement rejects the SVP’s popular initiative “No 10 Million Switzerland”. According to the communication, the proposal is intended to provoke Brexit-like chaos because it calls into question the free movement of persons, a central pillar of relations with the EU.
Eric Nussbaumer, who was re-elected as President of the movement, emphasized that security and the ability to innovate are closely linked to stable relations with the EU. “The debate on Switzerland’s European future must not be dominated by images of fear,” said the SP politician from the canton of Baselland, who stepped down from the National Council last winter.