The meeting was an important opportunity to strengthen parliamentary relations between the Swiss Federal Assembly and the European Parliament, institutions that share strong democratic values and a joint commitment to civil rights and democratic participation. In an international context in which these values are coming under increasing pressure, inter-parliamentary dialogue between Switzerland and the European Union is an affirmation of the will to protect and promote them.
Besides discussing parliamentary cooperation, Mr Nussbaumer and Ms Metsola addressed the topic of relations between Switzerland and the European Union in the context of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Council and the European Commission on a new package of bilateral agreements aimed at stabilising and developing the bilateral path. Although the Swiss and EU parliaments are not directly involved in the negotiations, their respective presidents expressed their commitment to fostering constructive dialogue between their institutions in order to promote greater mutual understanding. Mr Nussbaumer also expressed the hope that this dialogue would soon lead to a mutually beneficial solution. Mr Nussbaumer and Ms Metsola also discussed the parliamentary and democratic processes that any future package of agreements would undergo before being passed into law.
Finally, Mr Nussbaumer emphasised the value of interparliamentary dialogue as an important factor in strengthening relations between Switzerland and the EU, as it creates a climate of trust and presents avenues for cooperation. He and Ms Metsola both expressed the hope that the Swiss and EU parliaments will work even more closely together going forward.