The Delegation for Relations with the German Bundestag (Del-D) visited Stuttgart from 11–12 October to exchange views with members of Baden-Württemberg State Parliament and with Secretary of State Florian Hassler. The visit focused on relations between Switzerland and the European Union, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and cooperation in the Swiss-German border region. To conclude the visit, the Delegation visited the Pop-up House of Switzerland.

Baden-Württemberg is one of Switzerland's most important trading partners, with strong economic and scientific ties as well as cultural and social life affinities. The border closures at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic strongly impacted both sides and demonstrated the importance of coordinated cooperation in the German-Swiss border region. 

The Delegation was received in Stuttgart by Vice-President of the State Parliament Wolfgang Reinhart and representatives of all five Baden-Württemberg state parliamentary parties. It also met with Secretary of State Florian Hassler. The talks focused on relations between Switzerland and the EU, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and cooperation in the Swiss-German border region. The Delegation also used the visit to enquire about Germany's progress in forming a government following its federal elections. The working visit was received with great appreciation in Stuttgart. The partners emphasised their close relations and common interests, and promised to work towards a positive development of relations between Switzerland and the EU.

The Pop-up House of Switzerland – Switzerland's first presence of this kind in neighbouring Germany – was used by the Delegation as an opportunity to visit Stuttgart. The Delegation got a first-hand impression of this temporary and multifaceted experience of Switzerland under the guidance of Ambassador Nicolas Bideau, which was very well received by the Delegation members.

The Delegation was headed by National Council member Céline Widmer (SP, ZH) and was made up of National Council members Doris Fiala (FDP, ZH), Aline Trede (Greens, BE) and Albert Rösti (SVP, BE), and Council of States member Eva Herzog (SP, BS).


The Delegation in Baden-Württemberg State Parliament.


Delegation Chair Céline Widmer in conversation with Vice-President of the State Parliament Wolfgang Reinhart. 


Albert Rösti, Doris Fiala, Ambassador Paul Seger, Céline Widmer, State Secretary Florian Hassler, Eva Herzog and Aline Trede (from left to right). 


Pop-up House of Switzerland