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Author: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Source: Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the European Economic Forum in Lucerne
Publication Date: November 26, 2025
Summary Reading Time: approx. 5 minutes

Executive Summary

In a time of global upheaval and geopolitical tensions, Federal Councillor Cassis emphasizes the importance of stable relations between Switzerland and its most important partners - especially the EU. The bilateral path is the royal road to combining sovereignty and prosperity. A new package of agreements is intended to renew and future-proof relations with the EU.

Critical Guiding Questions

  1. How can Switzerland maintain its freedom of action in an increasingly geopolitically shaped world?
  2. What opportunities does a renewal of the bilateral treaties offer for innovation and competitiveness?
  3. How can direct democracy be reconciled with the demands of a globalized world?

Scenario Analysis

Short-term (1 year):
Intensive domestic political debate on the new EU package of agreements, referendum campaign.

Medium-term (5 years):
If accepted: Stabilization of relations, planning security for business and research.
If rejected: Erosion of bilateral treaties, legal uncertainty, market access restrictions.

Long-term (10-20 years):
Fundamental decision on Switzerland's positioning in Europe and the world.
Impact on prosperity, innovative strength and geopolitical influence.

Main Summary

a) Core Topic & Context

In a changing world, Switzerland faces the challenge of reshaping its relations with important partners. In particular, the relationship with the EU shapes the domestic political debate.

b) Key Facts & Figures

  • Trade in goods with the EU: around 300 billion Swiss francs annually
  • Trade with the USA: about one fifth of that with the EU
  • Trade with China: about one tenth of that with the EU

c) Stakeholders & Affected Parties

  • Swiss population (prosperity, direct democracy)
  • Business (market access, planning security)
  • Universities and research (cooperation, funding)
  • Medtech industry [⚠️ To verify]

d) Opportunities & Risks

  • Opportunity: Stabilization of relations, legal certainty, participation in the internal market
  • Risk: Erosion of bilateral treaties, loss of prosperity, isolation

e) Relevance for Action

The Federal Council must strengthen the foundations of prosperity and renew relations with the most important partners. The new EU package of agreements requires an objective debate and a democratic decision.

Source List

Primary source:
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the European Economic Forum in Lucerne

Verification status: ⚠️ Partly to verify (26.11.2025)