In the European Parliament, a new package of agreements between Bern and Brussels is seen as cementing an essential partnership in the face of geopolitical tensions. Despite some criticism, the members of parliament involved see no alternative to this compromise. “We won’t punish Switzerland if it rejects the agreements negotiated with the European Union, but it will punish itself. And if Europe says no, it will deprive itself of treaties that would have encouraged economic growth,” said Christophe Grudler, a French liberal member of the European Parliament and the rapporteur for relations with Switzerland. Based in Belfort, just a stone’s throw from Switzerland, Grudler is well acquainted with the country and its political system. This is an advantage, as it is his task to prepare the report that will be submitted to the European Parliament for approval of the new framework agreement governing Swiss–EU relations. Like their Swiss counterparts, members of the European Parliament ...
