STORY
A new poll in Switzerland has found support for a proposed agreement to deepen economic ties with the European Union by a margin of around two to one. The agreement would represent one of the most significant changes in Swiss-EU relations for a generation.
The package covers areas including state aid, transport, free movement and the way Switzerland updates EU-linked laws connected to access to the single market. The agreement has been under discussion in the Swiss Parliament and would be put to voters in a referendum if approved by lawmakers.
The Swiss People’s Party opposes the deal, citing concerns about EU bureaucracy, wages and immigration. Supporters argue that stable relations with the EU are important for Swiss businesses, including the pharmaceutical sector, which relies heavily on access to European markets.