The interparliamentary meeting provides an opportunity to discuss at parliamentary level the current state of relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU), in particular the new treaty package between the two sides. Following the conclusion of the substantive talks, the formal conclusion of the negotiations is expected shortly. After a presentation of the main elements of the package, the parliamentarians will first discuss possible future forms of cooperation between the European Parliament and the Swiss Federal Assembly.
The Swiss delegation will present the main features of Switzerland's further action with regard to the signing and parliamentary consideration of the package, as well as aspects of the domestic political debate in Switzerland.
In addition to bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU, the parliamentarians will also discuss the current trade policy situation, in particular the tensions between the main players in the global economy. The two delegations will use this platform for parliamentary dialogue to jointly analyse and assess the protectionist tendencies in current international developments and the respective responses of Switzerland and the EU to these developments.
The Federal Assembly will be represented at the interparliamentary meeting by Delegation President Thomas Aeschi (SVP, ZG), National Council members Eric Nussbaumer (SP, BL), Hans-Peter Portmann (FDP, ZH), Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (The Centre, BL) and Nicolas Walder (Greens, GE). From the European Parliament, MEPs Andreas Schwab (EPP, Germany), President of the Delegation for Relations with Switzerland, Christophe Grudler (Renew, France), Christine Schneider (EPP, Germany), Jüri Ratas (EPP, Estonia) and Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR, Italy) will take part.
The meeting will be jointly chaired by the delegation heads from both sides.