At the beginning of their stay, the members of the Delegation for Relations with the German Bundestag had the opportunity to exchange views with the Committee on Europe and International Affairs of the Landtag of Baden-Württemberg on migration issues, the relationship between Switzerland and the EU and various issues relating to neighbouring border countries.
Talks with Winfried Hermann, Minister for Transport of Baden-Württemberg, focused on transport cooperation between Switzerland and Germany. Mr Hermann assured the Swiss delegation that there was a consensus across all political groups in Baden-Württemberg that upgrading the Zurich-Singen-Stuttgart line to expand its capacity was an immediate priority. This included reducing travel times and establishing ideal connections throughout the network. At the end of January 2016, the German Bundestag approved additional funding for noise abatement and the Rhine Valley Railway detour routes (Karlsruhe–Basel) in relation to the upgrade of the main feeder route for the NEAT (Karlsruhe-Basel), which was delayed due to numerous appeals. This was a step towards achieving the transport policy objective of shifting freight transport from road to rail. Regarding the use of German airspace for approaching and leaving Zurich airport, the Swiss delegation emphasised the importance of Zurich airport for German airlines, as an employer for numerous cross-border commuters and as the most important aviation infrastructure in the region. It is therefore of great interest not only to Switzerland, but also to Germany to ensure reliable framework conditions and safe operation of this airport.
At the working lunch with the minister president, the president of the Landtag and the Baden-Württemberg state minister, the Swiss delegation also discussed the issue of aircraft noise exposure. The Baden-Württemberg party provided information about the debate recently held in the Landtag on aircraft noise in South Baden. The Baden-Württemberg state government stressed that is was working with the German federal government and the region to reach a mutually agreed solution with Switzerland. The Swiss delegation reiterated the need for legal certainty and called on the Baden-Württemberg state government and the German federal government to engage in dialogue.
The Del-D rounded off its trip to Stuttgart with a tour of the Baden-Württemberg Landtag, during which it attended a parliamentary debate.
The Swiss delegation was led by the chairman of the Del-D and Council of States member Joachim Eder (FDP, ZG). The meeting was further attended by the vice chairman of the Del-D and National Council member Thomas Hardegger (SP, ZH); Council of States member Anita Fetz (SP, BS); National Council members Kathy Riklin (CVP, ZH) and Hansjörg Walter (SVP, TG); Switzerland’s ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, Christine Schraner Burgener; the Swiss consul general in Stuttgart, Irene Flückiger Sutter; and the Del-D delegation secretary, Nina Wirth.