Swiss Cantons Back EU Treaty Package, Demand Policy Involvement

Cantons approve EU treaty deal, emphasizing their role in policy. Vote signals progress in Switzerland-EU relations.

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2025 October 28 . 9:04 PM

1 min read

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Swiss Cantons Back EU Treaty Package, Demand Policy Involvement

Swiss cantons have approved a crucial treaty package with the EU. The cantons, which make up Switzerland's 26 member states, voted 21 to 4 with 1 abstention in favour of the deal. This comes after the Federal Council's results and national implementation measures aligned with their expectations.

The package, aiming to strengthen the bilateral path and secure Switzerland's market access to the EU, was welcomed by the cantons. They also backed an optional referendum on the four decrees, voting 15 to 10 with 1 abstention.

The cantons, however, made their stance clear. They demand involvement in both foreign and domestic policy processes. While the Federal Council assists cantons with tasks arising from agreements, the cantons warn that their support is not indefinite. They expect the federal government to back them in their tasks stemming from these agreements.

The cantons' approval of the EU treaty package signals a significant step forward in Switzerland's relationship with the European Union. Their vote, along with their demands for involvement and support, sets the stage for further negotiations and cooperation.