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Foreign Policy: EU and Switzerland Strengthen Cooperation
Switzerland is strengthening its cooperation in foreign policy with the EU, asserting that its neutrality is compatible with increased partnership.
The European Union (EU) and Switzerland are strengthening their cooperation in foreign policy and defense with the signing of a joint declaration in Zurich on Thursday to enhance dialogue amid increased geopolitical tensions.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign minister, met with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to sign a declaration committing to annual dialogues on foreign policy issues between their high representatives.
They also signed a technical agreement that would make it easier for Switzerland, known for its neutrality, to participate in “civil and military peace missions,” Cassis stated during a press conference in Zurich. “The recent military escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran clearly demonstrates one thing: no conflict remains regional,” he added.
“Tensions in the Middle East directly affect Europe, our security, energy supply, commercial routes, and economic stability,” stated Cassis, emphasizing the strategic importance of a “stable” relationship with the EU, “our closest partner.”
University of Zurich, a Symbolic Location
This joint declaration comes three days after a series of agreements were signed in Brussels to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Switzerland, including on free movement of people, trade, and transportation.
“In one week, we have made more progress in our partnership than we have seen in many years,” said Kallas, noting that “neutrality is not a barrier to greater cooperation.”
The signing ceremony took place at the University of Zurich, a symbolic location where Winston Churchill delivered a speech in 1946 calling for the creation of “a sort of United States of Europe” to ensure peace on the continent in the aftermath of World War II, laying the groundwork for what would later become the European Union.
(afp)
