The cantonal governments have unanimously affirmed their position in a new statement on European
policy, adopted at their plenary conference on 24 March 2023.
For the cantons, “it is now time to take the next steps to retain and deepen the existing bilateral agreements [between the European Union and Switzerland]. As institutional partners to the federal government, the cantons are willing to support the Federal Council in negotiations. […]
Given the gradual erosion of the bilateral agreements, the cantonal governments believe that Switzerland should proceed rapidly to clarify relations with the EU.
The cantonal governments also continue to believe that the present bilateral accords should be maintained. Where research partnerships are concerned, the cantons affirm that full association to the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and to Erasmus+ is of great importance to Switzerland as a centre of research and education. At the same time, existing treaty relations should be strengthened in other areas. Here, the cantonal governments place particular emphasis on energy and health.”
Media release and position of the cantons in EN