FAC-S traditionally sends a delegation on an annual fact-finding trip abroad, alternating each year between European and non-European destinations. Following last year’s trip to Demark and Norway, a delegation of five FAC-S members is now in Argentina and Uruguay, where they will stay until Saturday.
Both Argentina and Uruguay are key members of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), a South American trade bloc. After eight years and 14 rounds of negotiations, the member states of EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Mercosur concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement in July 2025, signing it in Rio de Janeiro on 16 September. The ratification process in the respective countries is now pending. The Foreign Affairs Committees will be responsible for discussing this dossier in the Swiss parliament. During the trip, the FAC-S delegation hopes to gather more detailed information and exchange views with local parliamentary representatives.
The itinerary in Argentina (Buenos Aires) and Uruguay (Nueva Helvecia and Montevideo) also offers numerous opportunities to discuss bilateral relations with politicians and business leaders and to gain insight into the political and economic situation in both countries. Parliamentary elections have recently taken place in Argentina, and President Milei's political actions have drawn keen interest in Switzerland. The delegation will also meet with local organisations of the Swiss expatriate community and institutions that are committed to maintaining contacts. The history of Swiss emigration is an important part of relations with both countries, which the delegation will highlight.
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), Carlo Sommaruga (SP, GE), Daniel Jositsch (SP, ZH) and Beat Rieder (The Centre, VS).