EU-Switzerland
Swiss Textiles welcomes the outcome of the exploratory talks
The Federal Council decided today to draw up a mandate for negotiations with the EU. Swiss Textiles warmly welcomes this important step and expects the mandate to be finalized by the end of the year. The Swiss textile industry urgently needs a return to regulated relations with its key trading partner.
Swiss diplomats have been holding “exploratory” talks with the EU for eighteen months. Many differences have been resolved and good progress made. That is why the Federal Council decided today to draw up a negotiating mandate. This will focus on a package approach which Swiss Textiles welcomes. At the same time, we expect the Federal Council to adopt the mandate by the end of 2023 and open negotiations rapidly. Time is pressing
Time is pressing
Further delays are damaging textile industry companies with each passing month. A full association with the EU’s Horizon research programme and mutual recognition of product licences are essential. We need a stable energy supply with electricity agreements and also freedom of movement. And we need a dialogue about the EU-Textile Strategy, which has an immediate impact on our businesses.