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Cooperation strengthens our sovereignty
Switzerland’s relations with Europe have enabled it to become established as a nation of science. Signing the Bilateral Agreements III is strategically important for the future of our country – of this, Yves Flückiger, President of a+, is quite convinced.
Yves Flückiger is the President of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+. | Photo: Annette Boutellier
In a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, economic tensions and technological competition, Switzerland cannot afford isolation. Signing the Bilaterals III package is not a simple technical adjustment, but a strategic choice for the future of our country, our research and our economy.
For two decades, Switzerland has established itself as a leading knowledge economy thanks to stable and structured ties with the European Union. The Bilaterals III package aims to modernise and sustain this relationship. The agreement on Switzerland's participation in European programmes guarantees long-term access to EU research and training programmes. Joining Erasmus+ will strengthen the mobility of students and trainees, and allow our universities of applied sciences to integrate fully into the European Universities alliances.
Some people fear a loss of sovereignty. A meticulous analysis of the agreements shows the opposite, however. Switzerland has skilfully negotiated advantages obtained by few other countries, including the United Kingdom. Our diplomats have carved out major concessions: Switzerland will not be obliged to incorporate the decisions of arbitration panels, and if countermeasures are adopted by the EU, they will have to be strictly proportionate, a rare guarantee which Brussels, knowing the significance, keeps hush about. In addition, both sides remain responsible for the implementation of the package on their territories, avoiding the need for a joint authority and preserving national regulatory sovereignty.
The provisions on free movement also reflect this prowess. The right to long-term stays remains reserved for those active over a five-year period, and residence rights can be withdrawn in the event of non-compliance with integration criteria (language, not receiving benefits). Finally, Switzerland retains the possibility of triggering the immigration safeguard clause without the prior consent of the European Commission.
Rejecting the bilateral route would be tantamount to weakening our international position and curbing innovation. Cooperating, on the contrary, means affirming open sovereignty, based on responsibility, partnership and knowledge.
Isolationism means retreat, whereas cooperation means more freedom.
