Federal Councillor Cassis regularly exchanges views on the Europe dossier with individual civil society actors. Today's gathering was the first time he has brought together representatives of these organisations collectively to discuss Swiss–EU relations. This dialogue complements the institutionalised discussion and consultation formats with Parliament and the cantons.
To start the meeting, Mr Cassis gave an assessment of Switzerland's European policy. The floor was then opened in order to obtain as wide a range of views as possible from the different representatives from business, academia and civil society and to be able to discuss different viewpoints.
Representatives of autonomiesuisse, Kompass Europa, progresuisse, the New European Movement of Switzerland, foraus, AUNS, the Swiss Foreign Policy Society ASPE, economiesuisse, and swissuniversities took part in this first gathering. It is possible that further such gatherings with other representatives will take place in the future.
For more information:
Michael Steiner
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