The official talks in Bern took place on 8 June, including a courtesy visit with Council of States President Thomas Hefti (FDP, GL). The Czech Republic will take over from France as president of the EU Council in July.
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and the European Union and Switzerland's non-associated country status in research framework programmes such as Horizon Europe formed the focus of the discussions, as well as implementation and cooperation topics in connection with the second Swiss contribution to certain EU member states. Switzerland and the Czech Republic maintain close relations in numerous fields, including education, research and innovation. Swiss and Czech researchers collaborate on more than 100 projects under Horizon 2020.
The war in Ukraine and its impact on Europe were also key topics of discussion, relating in particular to the latest European decisions on sanctions, the repercussions for Europe in the field of energy and security, and the Czech Republic's priorities for its upcoming EU Council Presidency.
The Council of the European Union is the central legislative and decision-making body of the EU. The Council adopts new EU legislation, usually together with the Parliament, and concludes international agreements on behalf of the EU. The presidency of the Council is rotated every six months among member states.
The Czech Republic is one of Switzerland’s main trading partners among the new EU member states and is an important country for Swiss investors in Central Europe. The volume of trade came to around CHF 4.6 billion in 2019. A total of some 120 Swiss companies operate in in the Czech Republic, employing around 28,000 people.
The two countries have very good political and economic relations and are linked by close human ties. Around 13,000 Czechoslovak refugees came to Switzerland following the Prague Spring of 1968 and built a new life for themselves. The Czech Republic was one of the recipient countries of Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU. The two countries also enjoy strong cultural relations spanning a wide variety of areas.
The President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic receives an official welcome from the National Council and the Council of States during her official visit to Switzerland
National Council President Irène Kälin received the President of the Czech parliament, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, on an official visit
Official meeting between the delegations of National Council President Irène Kälin and Markéta Pekarová Adamová, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic
Markéta Pekarová Adamová, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, in a meeting with National Council President Irène Kälin
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