European governments may have to validate the Swiss – EU treaty
The new package of agreements between Bern and Brussels is not a ‘done-deal’ yet.
Before the treaties concluded between Switzerland and the European Union in December can enter into force, they may need to be ratified by EU authorities.
That’s because Brussels can only conclude international agreements in certain areas. If the treaties go beyond these areas, the approval of the national parliaments of the EU member states is required.
It is still unclear, however, which institutions within the EU are responsible for the ratification process.
On the Swiss side too, the new package is far from ready for the ballot box — if the referendum will be held at all.
Government wants to use motorway emergency shoulders as extra lanes
The Federal Council wants to adapt the law, so that existing emergency lanes on motorways can be used to relieve bottlenecks.
This is especially important since the referendum seeking to expand Switzerland’s motorway network by addinig more lanes was rejected at the polls in November 2024.
The Federal Council’s goal is to add the emergency lanes wherever necessary and where the terrain lends itself to it. This method offers several advantages, proponents say: it is significantly less expensive than a complete development on a standard track, and it does not require major works or additional space.
On the stretches of Swiss motorways where this system is already in place, traffic flow has improved and there are 25-percent fewer accident as well.
Currently, several such projects are being studied by the Federal Roads Office in the canton of Vaud, particularly between Vevey and Montreux.
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Composting the dead could soon be authorised in Zurich
In Switzerland, there are currently no other options than traditional burial or cremation.
But a new funeral option could see the light of day in Zurich — composting the dead, or terramation.
Following a motion to this effect submitted by a citizen, the cantonal parliament passed it by majority of votes.
One MP even went as far as saying that this option would be much more pleasant than “finding yourself two metres underground in a cold and damp coffin.”
However, the right-wingers and religious groups oppose this move, arguing that human composting “undermines the dignity of the dead. And what do we do with the end product?”
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‘G permit for 2,200 euros’: Scammers target candidates for cross-border jobs
According to a report by the RTS public broadcaster on Monday, many French nationals who are unsuccessfully seeking employment in Switzerland as cross-border commuters, are scammed by social media ‘influencers’ who promise their help in obtaining permits and finding high-paying jobs in Geneva.
Fraudsters even go as far as promising to deliver a G permit (needed for cross-border employment) for 2,200 euros, when it normally costs 80 francs.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) told the RTS that it is aware of the scam targeting European cross-border workers.
“Selling a residence permit or a border permit is obviously completely illegal,” the SEM spokesperson said. “It is the fact of having found a job in Switzerland that allows you, on the basis of the employment contract, to obtain a border permit, and not the other way around as the scammers suggest.”
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