Media Release: Europe survey 2024: the Swiss electorate backs the bilateral path and is open to compromise

The 11th representative survey carried out by gfs.bern on behalf of Interpharma shows that the Swiss population remains convinced of the benefits of the bilateral agreements. The electorate see the bilateral agreements as the best option for regulating relations with the EU. They see the current negotiations as highly important for innovation and prosperity in Switzerland. They support the efforts of the Federal Council – and they are willing to compromise in the interests of successful negotiations.

For the eleventh time, Interpharma – the association of Switzerland’s research-based pharmaceutical companies – has commissioned gfs.bern to conduct a representative survey on relations between Switzerland and the EU. And for the eleventh year in succession, the Swiss population has shown that they are strongly committed to the bilateral path. The general view of the bilateral agreements has grown even more positive in comparison with previous surveys. Currently, a clear majority (65%) see mainly benefits in the bilateral path – the highest rate since the surveys began. Markedly fewer respondents than last year are neutral, and can see both advantages and disadvantages in cooperation with the EU (14%, -9 percentage points). The Federal Council’s resumption of negotiations has noticeably heightened discourse among the population and increasingly prompted clear positioning.

René Buholzer, CEO of Interpharma, said:

“Despite some strong criticism in the media and political discourse regarding the negotiations with the EU, the population seems to be significantly more clear-eyed. There is an undeniable desire for regulated relations with the EU. So it is also not surprising that more voters than at any time in the last ten years see advantages in the bilateral agreements.”

Clear affirmation of the benefits of the bilateral agreements

As in previous years, a majority is in favor of negotiations with the EU. Here respondents saw particular benefits for the Swiss economy (86%), for Switzerland as a research hub (83%), and for working (70%) and studying (69%) in Europe. The population is also aware that the bilateral agreements will give Switzerland access to the export market (84%), to educational and research programs (82%) and to skilled workers from other countries (79%). For the Swiss, the vital role of the bilateral agreements for Switzerland’s prosperity and innovation is clear, once again confirming a position that has been consolidated for years.

René Buholzer, CEO of Interpharma, commented:

“The prosperity of Switzerland is greatly dependent on its economic relations with other countries. Because a strong research hub with great innovative energy is something we can’t achieve alone – consequently voters are firmly in favor of cooperation with the EU, our most important trading partner.”

Voters: willing to compromise

Almost four out of five respondents think it is right that negotiations with the EU are starting up again. Voters value the bilateral agreements and don’t want to jeopardize them. But they are also clear that successfully moving the bilateral agreements forward will take concessions. Since last year there has been a markedly sharp increase in the willingness to compromise on the retention of current protections against wage dumping. In the interests of reaching an agreement, 85% of respondents (+30 percentage points) were prepared to compromise on wage protection. While not yet a majority, there was also a sharp increase in willingness to compromise on adoption of Union citizenship (47%, +16 percentage points). And for the first time, a majority is in favor of continuing with the bilateral agreements even if it is associated with the adoption of EU law (55%). Voters also declared their willingness to compromise on opening up the Swiss electricity market and recognizing the EU Court of Justice for dispute resolution.