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Good morning and welcome to the press conference on the broad package of the agreements between the EU and the Swiss Confederation.

The Committee on Foreign Affairs has just adopted its recommendation to Parliament to give its consent to this package and also a report that sets out political assessments of the agreements. With us is the rapporteur, Mr.

Christoph Trost and later we will be joined by one of the shadow rapporteurs, Mr.

Reinhold Lopatka, but we will start now because we don't have much time and first we will give the floor to the rapporteur,

and then you will be able to ask questions. We have Mr.

Lopatka here, so let him join us first. Sorry.

We just had a vote in office, so it's a bit hectic. Welcome. Hello. Sorry. So I said first, Mr. Grotheer and then Mr.

Lopatka will give a brief introduction to the report and then you will be able to ask questions, questions. So Mr. Grotheer, you have the floor. Thank you. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning everyone.

I'm delighted to see so many of you here to mark this important step in the relationship between the EU and Swiss Confederation.

It's been a long time that the European Parliament has been talking about bilateral agreements,

but, particularly with Switzerland bilaterals too, for example, was 2005.

I was only 24, so that shows you that it was a couple of years ago now. Now 2 important decisions have been made.

They've given effort of given the green light to the package with Switzerland,

the famous bilaterals 3, which is 800 pages long.

So we have given our consent to that 53 votes in favor, 9 abstentions, and 3 votes against.

So that shows clearly that this is an agreement that everyone or broadly everyone is in favor of.

And we've also voted on the political resolution which will run alongside this.

It explains why we support these agreements,

but also speaks about how much we appreciate the relationship between the EU and Switzerland.

So a very large majority here has sent out a clear message.

The Foreign Affairs Committee supports these agreements and wants to have a strong,

stable and ambitious relationship with Switzerland.

The er resolution which I led the work on was also had the involvement of industry and energy,

economic committee, transport committee, civil liberties and other committees as well.

We also had shadow rapporteurs from AFET, Reinhardt,

here just next to me representing the EPP of course was part of that negotiating team.

So for several months we have analyzed the agreements, like I said, more than 800 pages of them.

We summarize them in a resolution which is only about 30 pages long, so that's a lot easier to read.

Our work was evaluating the balance of the package, generally speaking, looking at the advantages, the compromises,

but also the areas where we believe that there is still a little bit more room for cooperation. So, what was our conclusion on this?

Well, we believe that these agreements respond to our common interest, which is,

namely that the EU and the Swiss Confederation need one another and that we both want to maintain this relationship,

which is very much part of the everyday lives of our citizens.

Swiss citizens travel to the EU every Every day crossing the border with ease, European researchers work with their Swiss colleagues,

whether this is on biotechnology or other research,

and Swiss companies sell their products throughout the single market.

Bilaterals 3 is going to enable us to preserve this,

everyday balance and also prepare it for the future.

It's also going to help us to open up new areas of cooperation and that's something we're very much looking forward to.

In the er Energy Committee, we're also particularly happy to see the electricity agreement.

This is something that we've all got a vested interest in of course ensuring that this works well for our citizens,

and I can talk about that later if you'd like me to.

Now there are a few examples I'd like to give you on digital services, on space or on the financial market, there too,

this is an area that the agreement hasn't yet touched but which hopefully we'll be able to talk about later on and that is of course possible,

Generally though, we very much appreciate this agreement.

We believe it is balanced, responsible, and serves the purpose for both parties.

Bilaterals should not be seen, however, as the end of this.

It is instead a solid basis for deepening the relationship between the EU and Switzerland in the years to come.

Perhaps just in conclusion, I can talk about the calendar and the next steps.

These agreements were negotiated and presented to Parliament as one single package.

The vote today, therefore very clearly was a yes or no to bilaterals and the next step then is a vote in plenary of Olof the MEPs,

and that is due to happen by the end of the year.

The exact timetable of course depends on the content of the agenda for the next sessions.

We know those are particularly busy already, but for AT we believe this file needs to be a priority,

and the vote for today was a major step towards that.

This is because of course we do believe that ratification of this needs to happen as soon as possible.

We don't want to miss the opportunities that our citizens have got and that bilateral represents them.

So consent by the European Parliament will be then provided in plenary and it is then up to Switzerland to do its own internal procedure.

Of course we absolutely appreciate the democratic processes which need to happen now.

We know of course that They have their own procedures.

However, both parties were involved in the negotiations of this agreement, and it is seen as a balance,

and we,

Believe that once we've got the ratification in Switzerland.

It will then be up to the Council to formally conclude this,

and then the agreements will come into force.

It is absolutely essential that these texts can fulfill the requirements and meet the needs of European citizens.

We know it's been a very long road to get here.

There was a lot of uncertainty for many years.

With bilaterals 3, I think we've got a much clearer idea of what the EU-Swiss relationship will be like.

Switzerland is going to remain close to the EU.

We've got many interests in common, of course. It's natural.

Our geography is shared, our history is shared, and, so is our future,

and we will remain very closely connected to one another for the years to come.

Now I live very close to the border. I see this every day.

No, of course you don't want to wake up one morning and find out you've got a 30% increase on tariffs.

This relationship is incredibly important and we want to be able to rely on our good neighbors.

This is a relationship that is very important for the EU and for Switzerland.

To remind you, everyone that we have an interpretation available in English, French, German and Italian.

As I understand, we will now switch to German, and I'll give the floor to Mr. Lopatka. Yeah, Thank you very much. Thank you for coming, showing interest.

Let me just say that what we just heard from Mr. Gruet. I can support everything he just said.

Let me just highlight a few things though, from the point of view of the EPP.

The result, when it comes to AFIT, I think we saw extensive support.

We've had other votes where we didn't have that clear majority.

So this is a very comprehensive package and We have, we had 53 votes in favor and only 3 against,

that was a very clear vote and I think shows that we have a strong,

stable futureproof partnership between the EU and Switzerland. And what we've just heard from Mr. Grudler. That's the same for Austria.

It's obviously very important for us, especially for me. Obviously as an MEP.

It's important that we work with Switzerland on the most important questions that we have as close a relationship as possible.

Obviously, this now is in the hand of all Swiss people.

As to whether they accept this agreement or not.

This is, you know, the start, if you will.

We already have a very close, partnership, economic partnership,

more than 50% of Swiss exports come to the EU.

So it's in our both of our interests to simplify and facilitate Olof that.

So, we are in agreement, I think, on the main questions, human rights, for example. Defense of democracy. We work very closely. At the UN level.

And it's even more important to say this,

especially when you look at er the er difficulties we see ahead.

And that's why we need to er highlight the advantages for both.

We can support companies, allow them to have stable framework conditions, er we have a supply provision security,

looking at the world situation, that's going to be important in the future.

Obviously that is all in er in both of our interests if we work better together and we need obviously better cross-border solutions.

There are new areas in covered this time. This is important as well. Electricity supply, Mr. Rühle mentioned this. In health, for example.

During Corona, we saw how important it was to have close cooperation with them, but also when it comes to food security.

So For me, as one of these new points.

I think obviously the most important point is economic cooperation, but as I just said, we cover many more points as well.

If we allow companies access to bother markets, simplify their facilitate their work, if we can have better mutual recognition, if we can avoid,

double rules, if we can avoid Olof that, then obviously it's not,

not just important for larger businesses, but also for SMEs today actually.

I have spoken to a company representative for Alberg in Western Austria.

And that's why I think it's even more important that I show my support for this cross border deal,

looking at the cross border jobs there.

So very important for me, let's not forget this, we do need to send a really strong message to young people. And this is a central part.

This is the long term association of Switzerland in educational programs. Erasmus Plus as well.

It's important that for me, that now we have Switzerland, part of this again. And again, same rules for everybody.

In partnerships, there are always areas where there will be conflict, disputes.

But I think even though things are complicated.

I think here where you have differences of opinion.

You can work with the joint committees, the arbitration procedure.

Both Swiss interests and what we're interested in when it comes to internal market can be covered.

So, let me just conclude with this agreement,

we are providing clear advantages for both sides. We are securing er current market access.

And for the EPP what's important for us is that we've come to a balanced result. I think we've been successful there.

We've maintained the integrity of the internal market. We have fair, competitive rules.

And the full understanding of the different democratic systems and we recognize this in Šuica and we accept that fully. Thank you. Now we can start with your questions.

Please tell us your name and media you're representing and just information for those who are following us online,

please press the raise hand button and we will open your mic for you when your turn comes.

So the colleague here was the first one, so go on.

We Thank you, I'm from NZZ I've got a couple of questions.

You mentioned that the package is in the Swiss Parliament and currently being discussed.

There are a lot of matters to deal with there, particularly the double majority and whether that is needed voting. So how do you see that?

And on the vote of the date,

the date of the vote as well do you think that will happen in 2027 or do you think it might get pushed back to 2028?

And then my second question, if everything were to fail and the Swiss people were to refuse this package,

what is your plan B? Do you want? Well, I'll answer that first question.

Well, I think it's clear that the internal process within Switzerland,

whether they will ratify or not, of course, and bilaterals 3, that is up to Switzerland.

And while we do have a very good and very good relationship with Switzerland.

We talk to them a lot, very often, the ministers, the councils, pretty much every week.

I'm talking to my colleagues in different political parties in Switzerland,

but it isn't up to us, and we shouldn't be interfering with the national work. It's more complicated, for, Switzerland as well.

It's 800 pages, 150 pages of which have to be put to vote in Switzerland.

It'll take them a while, and that's quite normal.

Now on the double majority that's up to Switzerland to decide,

obviously here it's the Swiss democratic system which will be enforced and we absolutely respect that the popular vote.

Well, for us, obviously we would prefer it to be done sooner rather than later,

but we understand that they've got federal elections at the end of the year as well.

So for us perhaps yes, spring 28 is looking like the most reasonable option for that vote.

But at this point I've got no further comments to make on that,

Hopefully we wouldn't go past spring 2028 and hopefully Switzerland can get it done as quickly as possible on Plan B.

Well, you know, generally speaking, in politics, we like to use plan A.

And for me, Plan A is the best plan, and that is for us to have an agreement between the EU and Switzerland,

something which is balanced, and that's what we've got here, it is an agreement between two sovereign bodies.

Each Party has looked at lots of different areas, maybe here there's a concession to make, maybe here there are different advantages to be had.

This is something which is balanced, and has been looked at by both parties. We don't have a plan B.

This has been negotiated for many months and we've had a lot of discussions on it.

We've had discussions both in Switzerland and the EU side looking at what the best possible solution could be,

what could be proposed, what we could get signed.

By both parties and what we've got here is the best solution.

And so what we're going to do is ensure that Plan A works because that's what we believe is best for both parties involved. Perhaps just briefly. Well, here I agree with Mister Reeder.

It is Exclusively up to Switzerland, what is done on the Swiss side,

it is not for us to get involved. It's not our job. We, shouldn't be doing that.

Secondly, I think,

In 2021 we learned a lot.

We don't think we need a Plan B. Plan B would only be worse.

It wouldn't bring an improvement, and so that's not what we need to look at.

And then thirdly, when we're looking at this agreement, and this is incredibly important for us here, it's cooperation at a parliamentary level that we've had for years, We have had cooperation with With Switzerland we've worked very very closely together,

in the OECD and in various other international bodies and I think that is something, for me which I very much appreciated there but which I've missed when I've then come here so,

I think it's incredibly important for us to have this kind of cooperation with them.

It's something that we've got on a day to day basis,

in the Council of Europe and in the OECD and that's why it's so important for us to have this,

between the European Parliament and parliamentarians in Switzerland as well.

Thank you, we have time for two more questions.

Please tell us also who do you want to reply. I'm from Gus. I have a question for Mr. Grudler.

I know you are very closely following what's happening in the Swiss Parliament.

Apparently there should be an obligatory deposit paid by European companies that send workers to Switzerland,

that's what's being touted. What do you think about those discussions?

I think it goes against the agreements, but still. Second question. I've followed what was said in A. There wasn't a debate. It was just a vote.

What does that mean if there's no vote debate?

Does that mean that the Commission got everything they wanted from the Swiss government? What do you think of that? Well, 2nd first.

The massive vote in Afit, 90% in favor.

That means that that committee in this Parliament fully believes in this very important relationship between the EU and Switzerland.

Believes fully that Switzerland is an important loyal partner, that's what it means. It's an agreement.

It doesn't mean that somebody has to win.

We just believe very strongly in their citizenship.

Our legislation and discussions ongoing, obviously, I obviously don't intervene,

but I do follow what's happening in Switzerland on the deposit scheme there.

Well, the Swiss Parliament currently Is, can do whatever it wants, it's a sovereign Parliament,

it's not up to us to go and say, no, don't do this, don't do that. So for the moment they're discussing it. Obviously discussions reached as far as Brussels. But until they decided something specific. I'm not sure we need to comment.

The only thing I can say is When you have a bilateral agreement signed together,

it's an overall agreement.

Any legislation, European or Swiss, any legislation that would go against that agreement.

Would obviously lead to problems, would nullify the agreement. I think our Swiss colleagues know that. And we'll act with that in mind. On that deposit issue, you know.

You know, in certain situations that system might be possible.

I'm not going to go into the technical details here, but the principle,

when it comes to deposits for workers or other parties under the bilateral agreements.

You know, there are 120 different agreements between the two sides.

I think the spirit we need to think about all this in is this, Olof that shouldn't go against the text we have,

you can go beyond the text you've already signed, but you can't be below the threshold you've already voted on.

You can't vote on things that, will call into question the agreement.

But I know my Swiss colleagues are extremely responsible people.

I promise, just very brief because we don't have much time. Last question. Thank you, Ramos Silva, Schwesig, Monseu Grudler, not. Mr.

Rigler, I noted your, friendly message to Switzerland saying that we need one another.

At the same time, however, the European Parliament, together with the other institutions,

the Council and the Commission, is developing more and more the kind of European preference concept.

It's something which has been introduced into a lot of laws,

just yesterday, for example, the Innovation Act, which excludes Switzerland.

You could also think, however, about the Industrial Accelerator Act, you know that very well,

I'm sure, or the Procurement Act where Switzerland has been systematically treated like a third country.

And treated worse than EU countries,

so if we look at that.

Situation of increasing kind of EU preference laws, what would you say to Swiss people who believe that this is protectionism,

given that it will have an impact on Switzerland and on Swiss people? Thank you very much.

Well, I forgot to respond to a part of the previous question actually,

which is that if we're having a debate in in fact the reason we didn't have a debate today in AF was because it was just a vote.

We had the debate, In previous months, that debate has been had and so then as is tradition,

what happens is the rapporteur, the shadows, the various different people involved in the committees have very long debates.

Previously and they were obviously very positive debates as well as you can tell from the outcome of the vote, but I just wanted to say there was a debate. It just happened before, it wasn't today.

Now, on the European preference, well, here it is European and Switzerland is part of Europe.

And so I think, I think Switzerland is in Europe,

it's not part of the EU of course, but it's got privileged access to the single market.

Now,

I am the rapporteur for the industry committee on the Industrial Accelerator Act which you mentioned.

And on that,

I can clearly tell you what we're trying to do is create a kind of opt-in system where we've got the 27 EU member states and we're going to ask the Commission to add those countries who meet certain list of criteria.

Now today I don't want to get ahead of myself and tell you what the Commission will do there,

but I would imagine that we will leave plenty of space for Switzerland to be involved as a kind of favored partner.

And so that these benefits can also be extended to France.

Now on the criteria, it would be a reciprocity for the For procurement.

Here we've got an agreement since '99 in fact with Switzerland on access,

so I don't think that would be a problem at all and then Now,

geographical proximity of course is incredibly important for us.

The The UK of course also could perhaps be a part of this and involved in these benefits.

This is what we're trying to do here.

I mean, here I've got my, my two hats on, of course.

I'm, responsible here for this in ETrade and then for Switzerland in, Aet, but.

Obviously here what we're trying to do is respect both of these things, and the text as we've got it at the moment in this stage,

We're just at a draft of course, but we're looking at, the free trade countries.

Switzerland, of course, is part of those, and,

whenever we get this kind of file come up where we're looking at say steel quotas or similar points every time we've had a discussion on this before we've managed to find a solution.

Now, of course, this is something which is still being discussed.

I was with the Minister for Industry just last week in Brussels and we discussed exactly that.

So I can tell you that the discussions are ongoing.

I think these collective discussions are going quite well and I believe we will work together very closely in the future. And thank you for your questions.

Thank you to the rapporteurs for your answers and thank you all for participating in this conference.

Have a nice day. Mercy Merce mercy.