Activities of Marek BELKA related to 2023/2042(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
EU-Switzerland relations (debate)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on EU-Switzerland relations
Amendments (6)
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas between 2014 and 2021, the EU and Switzerland negotiated an institutional framework agreement (IFA) to restructure EU-Swiss relations, notably by establishing key rules and procedures for the dynamic takeover and homogenous application of internal market law, to ensure a level playing field and the enforcement of State aid rules, and to provide for a proper dispute settlement mechanism; whereas both the EU and Switzerland are among each other's top destinations for foreign investment and key partners in trade in services;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that safeguarding strong and sustainable trade relations with Switzerland, the EU’s fourth largest trading partner, remains a high priority; considers that it is in the fundamental interest of both sides to maintain and strengthen good, stable and mutually beneficial relations within a modernised relationship and through an agreement that creates a level playing field, trust, stability, jobs, growth and welfare and is committed to social security and justice;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the decision of the Swiss Federal Council to terminate negotiations on the IFA, which was essential for the conclusion of possible future agreements regarding Switzerland’s further participation in the single market and continuation of frictionless trade in several industry sectors;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that without any modernisation of the FTA, which was concluded 50 years ago and has not been adjusted to reflect developments in international trade rules since, and of the package of bilateral agreements (I and II), which was concluded almost 20 years ago, EU-Swiss relations will inevitably erode over time; and without proper transposition, implementation and enforcement of the single market legislation, EU-Swiss relations will not bring full benefits to citizens and businesses; notes that outdated bilateral agreements need to be revisited in order to prevent their expiry and to take into account the evolution of relevant EU legislation in order to preserve mutual market access, in particular those on reciprocal market access for industrial goods, customs facilitation, free movement of persons, technical barriers to trade and public procurement; stresses the need to prioritize sustainable development, fair trade practices, and worker protection in any updates to these agreements;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to issue a mandate to draw up key parameters for a negotiating mandate with the EU and urges the Commission and the Swiss Federal Council to commence negotiations promptly; underlines that delivering a comprehensive framework agreement is the most efficient way to modernize existing bilateral agreements and respond to evolving priorities in areas such as climate change, digitalization, workers’ rights and social cohesion;
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses that the Swiss Federal Council did not support the EU’s push to remove fossil fuel protections from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT); Notes with concern that EU-based fossil fuel companies could structure their operations through Switzerland so that they can still be protected under ECT; encourages the Swiss government and the European Commission to engage in order to explore possible coordinated action on the next steps for the Energy Charter Treaty.