The official talks, which took place at the Lohn country residence, were attended on the Swiss side by President Schneider-Ammann and Federal Councillors Doris Leuthard and Simonetta Sommaruga. Both sides stressed their intention to further intensify bilateral relations, which have continually strengthened in recent years.
The delegations discussed cooperation under Switzerland’s contribution to the enlarged EU. On the subject of European policy, the Federal Council delegation explained the ongoing parliamentary process to revise the Foreign Nationals Act and implement Article 121a of the Federal Constitution on immigration.
Other matters on the agenda included energy and climate policy issues and migration to Europe. The delegations also addressed the challenges presented by the strong value of the franc which affect many Polish families who took out loans in Swiss francs. The two parties agreed to encourage an exchange of information between their central banks.
Following the official talks, the two presidents visited a production and research facility of an international corporation where they spoke with apprentices. The Polish president was also given an insight into Switzerland’s system of dual-track vocational education and training.
Deepening relations
The fact that Poland has become an increasingly important partner in recent years is illustrated by the regular high-level visits between the two countries. The last official bilateral working visit at presidential level took place in July 2015 when President Simonetta Sommaruga was received by President Bronislaw Komorowski and Prime Minister Eva Kopacz. Poland is already Switzerland’s largest trading partner in Central Europe with a trade volume of CHF 3.8 billion in 2015 and Swiss direct investment totalling around CHF 6 billion.
Since 2008 Switzerland has been involved in a number of projects aimed at reducing economic and social disparities in the enlarged EU. The enlargement contribution is an expression of Switzerland’s solidarity and serves to reinforce the basis for solid economic and political relations with the EU and its member states.
Further information:
Additional information
Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU
Address for enquiries:
EAER Information Service
058 462 20 07,
info@gs-wbf.admin.ch
Publisher:
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
