Key facts
- A poll indicates Swiss voters favor closer economic ties with the EU by a two-to-one margin.
- The proposed agreement covers state aid, transport, free movement, and legal alignment.
- 62% of respondents in a poll support the agreement, while 31% oppose it.
- The Swiss People's Party opposes the deal, citing concerns about bureaucracy, wages, and immigration.
- Supporters of the agreement emphasize the importance of access to the EU marketplace.
A poll suggests Swiss voters are more inclined to support closer ties with the European Union, with 62% in favor of a new agreement to deepen economic relations. This sentiment follows a recent referendum that threatened to disrupt the existing relationship between Switzerland and the EU. The proposed deal, which would represent the biggest overhaul in bilateral ties in a generation, covers areas such as state aid, transport, free movement, and the adoption of EU laws. The right-wing Swiss People's Party opposes the agreement, citing concerns over bureaucracy, wages, and immigration, while supporters highlight the crucial importance of access to the EU marketplace for Swiss businesses, particularly the pharmaceutical sector which relies heavily on EU exports.