Regular and friendly exchanges have taken place between the Austrian and Swiss parliaments in recent years. The visit by National Council president Wolfgang Sobotka followed that of the Austria-Switzerland parliamentary group, which came to Bern on 15 and 16 May. This official meeting provided an opportunity to continue talks at presidential level, after National Council president Martin Candinas and Council of States president Brigitte Häberli-Koller were invited to the opening of the renovated Austrian parliament building last January.
The presidents of both National Councils exchanged views on bilateral relations between Switzerland and Austria and in particular on the implementation of the strategic partnership agreed by the foreign ministries of the two countries in summer 2021. The war in Ukraine was also discussed with a focus on its implications for Swiss and Austrian neutrality and on how the public debate on neutrality is conducted in the two countries.
The relations between Switzerland and the European Union were also discussed. Mr Candinas explained how the exploratory talks had progressed so far and underlined Switzerland's interest in promptly finding a solution to the open questions, which would be in the interests of all concerned. He emphasized how much understanding and support Austria had shown Switzerland in the European dossier.
Discussions at the joint lunch revolved around issues of energy and climate policy. In addition, current security policy challenges were discussed, especially in the field of cyber security. The chairman of the Delegation for Relations with the Austrian Parliament (Del-A), Council of States member Alex Kuprecht, and National Council member Nicolò Paganini as Vice President of the Del-A also took part in this exchange.
Also on the agenda was a courtesy visit to Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Switzerland's membership of the UN Security Council and current foreign policy challenges were discussed. Wolfgang Sobotka also visited the Swiss National Bank to exchange views with its Vice-President Martin Schlegel on the effects of the takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS and other financial policy issues. Furthermore, the president of the Austrian National Council paid a visit to the ‘staatslabor’, a platform where issues relating to public services are talked in a multidisciplinary and innovative fashion.
In the spirit of close neighbourly relations, National Council President Martin Candinas receives his Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka.
President of the Council of States Brigitte Häberli-Koller in a meeting with Wolfgang Sobotka.
Wolfgang Sobotka and his delegation visit the Swiss National Bank.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Wolfgang Sobotka for a courtesy visit.
More pictures of the official visit can be found under the following link:
Pictures of the official visit of National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka