The Swiss electorate voted in favour of the renewal of Switzerland’s agreement with the European Union on free movement recently, as well as approving a protocol to extend the agreement on free movement to Romania and Bulgaria.
Voters were asked to approve legislation adopted by the parliament in 2008 that extended the accord to the two new European Union members.
Approximately 59.6 percent of Swiss citizens voted for the extension of the agreements on free movement of labour to Romania and Bulgaria between the European Union (EU) and the Swiss Confederation.
The enlargement of the EU is also significant for Switzerland in another way, as Swiss companies will have the opportunity to access a larger market. However, enlargement also has implications for the numerous contractual relations between Switzerland and the EU with its new Member States.
The free movement of labour, which has been in force since 2002, was associated with other six agreements which facilitate trade exchanges between partners. If it had been rejected, all the other agreements would also have been void, in keeping with the ‘guillotine clause.’
The President of the Council of the EU welcomed the outcome of the referendum, and congratulated the people of the Swiss Confederation, noting that freedom of movement is one of the most fundamental of the EU.
Romanian officials said the move will create new ties of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Romania.
Voters were asked to approve legislation adopted by the parliament in 2008 that extended the accord to the two new European Union members.
Approximately 59.6 percent of Swiss citizens voted for the extension of the agreements on free movement of labour to Romania and Bulgaria between the European Union (EU) and the Swiss Confederation.
The enlargement of the EU is also significant for Switzerland in another way, as Swiss companies will have the opportunity to access a larger market. However, enlargement also has implications for the numerous contractual relations between Switzerland and the EU with its new Member States.
The free movement of labour, which has been in force since 2002, was associated with other six agreements which facilitate trade exchanges between partners. If it had been rejected, all the other agreements would also have been void, in keeping with the ‘guillotine clause.’
The President of the Council of the EU welcomed the outcome of the referendum, and congratulated the people of the Swiss Confederation, noting that freedom of movement is one of the most fundamental of the EU.
Romanian officials said the move will create new ties of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Romania.
