In favour of reliable relations with the EU: Swiss Textiles says yes

Parties, cantons, municipalities, associations and others have until 31 October to submit their response to the Bilateral Agreements III package.

For the Board of Swiss Textiles, it was clear long before the Federal Council first published the complete package of agreements on 13 June that it would give it its full support. "Switzerland as a centre of industry and our sector in particular only have a future if we continue along the bilateral path," clarifies Carl Illi, President of Swiss Textiles. Secured access to the EU internal market is key. It enables companies to remain competitive.

Statement drafted together with the industry

The EU is by far the most important trading partner for the Swiss textile and clothing industry. It accounts for around two thirds of the textiles and clothing imported and exported each year. Research, development, production, distribution and recycling of a textile product often take place across borders. Read below to find out which points take centre stage.

The industry association has now repeatedly clarified its position in the consultation response . As with the positioning process, it has drawn up the statement in a working group in order to represent the concerns of member companies as broadly as possible.

Involving the economy in the process

At the same time, the industry is calling on the Federal Council in its response to get the business community on board and to utilise the new possibilities within the framework of the EU's decision shaping.

In other words: On the one hand, the stakeholders involved should influence the new EU proposals in the committees from the outset in such a way that Swiss needs are covered. On the other hand, a Swiss finish should be avoided in domestic policy implementation. This will prevent companies in Switzerland from being exposed to additional regulations.

Between scepticism and reality

While the majority of the economy - particularly with regard to the issue of skilled workers - clearly supports the treaty package, parts of the population in Switzerland are sceptical about it. There are major concerns about migration policy. And they must be taken seriously.

This makes a fact-based and pragmatic discourse on emotionally charged issues such as immigration all the more important. However, the task of finding a healthy balance between social and economic interests does not lie with Parliament alone. It lies with all of us who are committed to a sustainable Switzerland. That is why Swiss Textiles, as a trade association, is taking a decisive lead and is clearly in favour of the agreement.

The negotiated solution will give Switzerland more opportunities to have a say and greater legal certainty. Especially in geopolitically uncertain times, these are more important than ever.

5 reasons why Swiss Textiles fully supports the agreement

1. Access to research secures innovation
   Full association with Horizon Europe enables Switzerland to continue researching pioneering solutions - from flame-retardant fabrics to medical filters and recyclable fibres. If this access is lost, the industry's innovative strength will be jeopardised.
   
   
2. Less bureaucracy thanks to mutual recognition
   Mutual recognition of product tests and technical regulations (MRA) means: once tested - recognised everywhere. This saves time and money and simplifies the export of, for example, medical textiles, machinery and personal protective equipment to the EU.
   
   
3. Security of supply thanks to the electricity agreement
   Textile companies require a stable energy supply - for example for dyeing or coating processes that require constant temperatures for hours or even days. The electricity agreement guarantees this supply and at the same time creates leeway thanks to the planned liberalisation: SMEs can choose freely between the offers or remain in the basic supply.
   
   
4. Access to skilled workers
   Almost 40 per cent of employees in the textile and clothing industry come from the EU. The free movement of persons is therefore not a luxury, but a necessity. At the same time, viable domestic policy solutions are needed to ensure that immigration remains socially balanced.
   
   
5. Clear rules, more security
   The institutional elements give companies more legal clarity when applying or further developing existing agreements. This strengthens small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, which depend on reliable framework conditions.