Bilateral talks even before Zollhammer under the shadow of US customs policy

The bilateral agreements once again enjoy a high level of approval. Around two-thirds of the population view them as predominantly positive, with economic factors playing a particularly important role. Access to export markets and the expectation that the agreements will secure prosperity are considered key advantages. While support among the left and centre-right remains stable or is even increasing, a narrow majority in the SVP camp has a negative attitude for the first time since the surveys began. Differences can also be seen between language regions and age groups: approval is particularly high in German-speaking Switzerland and among older respondents.

The individual adjustments to existing agreements are assessed differently. The EU compromises on the deportation of criminal EU citizens, wage protection and immigration control have met with very broad approval. Switzerland’s reintegration into European research programmes and the mutual recognition of production regulations have also been positively received. However, the population is much more cautious about the solidarity contribution and the EU Citizens Directive, which are met with resistance, particularly among SVP supporters. This reveals a clear pattern: economic and research-related adjustments are clearly supported, while social and financial obligations remain controversial.

The newly negotiated package as a whole has also been met with a predominantly positive response. The new agreements in the areas of health and electricity in particular have received clear support, while the food agreement has only achieved a narrow majority. Proponents of the existing agreements emphasise the importance of stability, competitiveness and cooperation in an uncertain international environment. Critical voices, on the other hand, point to the numerous compromises and the influence of EU rules. A clear pattern emerges along party lines: while supporters of the Swiss Green Party, SP, GLP, Centre and FDP overwhelmingly support the existing agreements, SVP supporters clearly reject them.

In terms of trade policy priorities, the EU remains Switzerland’s most important partner by far. For the vast majority of the population, it ranks first by a wide margin, while the US plays only a minor role, possibly due to international uncertainties. Only among parts of the SVP camp do voters attach comparatively greater importance to the US. This assessment underlines Europe’s central economic relevance for Switzerland, but also highlights the fact that certain political uncertainties remain when it comes to dealing with international partners.