Media Release: Europe survey 2023: The Swiss confirm support for Bilaterals and expect Federal Council to table concrete proposal

The 10^th annual representative survey carried out by gfs.bern and commissioned by Interpharma shows that the Swiss population remains convinced of the bilateral agreements’ benefits. The Swiss position is clear: Bilateral agreements are the best option in relation to the EU. The Federal Council is now expected to exercise its responsibility and finally table a concrete proposal to further develop the bilateral agreements. The population proves to be quite willing to compromise.

René Buholzer, Interpharma CEO, explains:

“The survey shows a certain level of helplessness regarding the Federal Council’s European policy among the population. They are realistic and understand that it is necessary to make compromises in order to uphold the bilateral agreements which are so detrimental to our country’s prosperity. The population now expects the Federal Council to exercise leadership and table a concrete proposal.”

For the 10^th time already, Interpharma, the association of research-based pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland, commissioned the research institute gfs.bern to carry out a representative survey among the population on the relation between Switzerland and the EU. For the 10^th time in a row, the population confirms its strong support for the bilateral path. The overall assessment of the bilateral agreements has even become more positive compared to last year. At the moment, a clear majority (59%) sees advantages in the Bilaterals, while only 12% see mostly or only disadvantages. Around one year after the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the EU’s significance for peace in Europe has gained importance. 

Strong awareness for benefits of bilateral agreements

As in prior surveys, a large majority sees key advantages in the bilateral agreements. Access to the export market, the need to recruit the best talents from abroad, access to education and research programmes as well as the possibility to live, study and work anywhere within the EU are mentioned in particular. The view that bilateral agreements benefit prosperity has clearly risen (78%, +15 percentage points compared to last year). The population is aware of the benefits the Bilaterals entail for Switzerland and confirms its solidified positive position.

The population is realistic and willing to compromise

The population appreciates the bilateral agreements and does not want to jeopardize them. The Swiss are aware that a successful further development of the agreements needs concessions. Accordingly, the survey shows a high willingness to compromise. This concerns wage protection, the acceptance of the European Court of Justice for dispute settlement, future cohesion payments and the support of specific sectors (e.g. state guarantee for Cantonal Banks) in particular.

Only the adoption of the Citizens Rights Directive and a waiver of the right to referendum compose clear red lines for the population.

 René Buholzer, Interpharma CEO, further explains:

“For the research-based pharmaceutical industry, a stabilisation of relations to our most important trading partner is of crucial importance. The population understands that the status quo means regression. Accordingly, the Swiss are ready to compromise and clearly mandate the Federal Council to take a decision now!”