Copenhagen – Focus on migration policy
During its visit to Copenhagen, the delegation focused on migration policy issues. In meetings with members of parliament and government representatives, the delegation members discussed Denmark's migration strategy, in particular the reasons for the comparatively low number of asylum applications. On the legal front, the delegation discussed various issues related to Denmark’s opt-out from EU policy in the area of migration. The delegation also gained insights into Danish policy on the rapid integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labour market in talks with representatives from business. The various meetings on the subject of migration allowed the delegation to draw repeated attention to the high level of immigration to Switzerland, both as a result of the free movement of persons and migration by refugees, and foster their dialogue partners’ understanding of Switzerland’s demands based on this in the negotiations with the EU.
Oslo – EEA and energy policy at the centre of talks
The second stage of the trip took the delegation to Oslo, where it was primarily interested in Norway's European policy. The delegation exchanged views with members of parliament, government representatives and experts from civil society on the pros and cons of Norway's membership in the EEA. In particular, the economic advantages of participating in the EU internal market were discussed, as well as the democratic deficit resulting from the obligation to adopt EU legal developments, but with no right of co-determination. The delegation noted that, despite various points of criticism, Norway's assessment of its thirty-year EEA membership is largely positive.
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Norway has become Europe's most important supplier of oil and gas. Norway also has great potential in the areas of hydroelectric power and carbon capture and storage. Against this backdrop, the delegation discussed with various dialogue partners Norway’s integration into the EU electricity market and the promotion of renewable energy sources such as hydro and wind power. The delegation also enquired about Norway's efforts with regard to carbon capture and storage and discussed the status of its ongoing negotiations with Switzerland in this regard.
The Foreign Affairs Committees send a delegation on an annual fact-finding trip abroad. This year the delegation was led by Committee president and Council of States member Marco Chiesa (SVP, TI), accompanied by Council of States members Tiana Moser (GLP, ZH), Matthias Michel (FDP, ZG) and Beat Rieder (The Centre, VS).