The United States to impose a huge 39-percent tariff on Swiss imports; Switzerland will have a say in a deal with the EU; and more news in our Friday roundup.
US to impose a 39-percent import duty on Switzerland
Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday evening increasing customs duties for dozens of countries.
According to the list published by the White House, Switzerland will be taxed at a whopping 39 percent.
This tariff is higher than originally announced in April — that is, 31 percent — and also higher than the Swiss government had hoped after negotiations with the Trump Administration.
The Federal Council has received this news “with great regret,” the spokesperson for the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) said, adding that “Switzerland continues to seek a negotiated solution with the United States,” to lower the customs duty.
The new tariffs will do into effect on August 7th.
Switzerland will ‘maintain its sovereignty’ in adopting EU regulations, MP says
A sensitive question arises in relation to the new package of bilateral agreements concluded between Switzerland and the European Union in December — in other words, will Bern have to adopt any and all European rules?
And, are these treaties compatible with Swiss direct democracy?
These questions worry elected officials from several parties, but experts assure that “the adoption of European law will not be ‘passive’; on the contrary, Switzerland will have its say.”
For instance, for the Green Liberals, this mechanism — called “decision shaping”— is essential.
“When the EU wants to amend a law that also concerns Switzerland, Switzerland will participate in its development,” said MP Céline Weber. “In this sense, we will maintain our sovereignty.”
READ ALSO: How will Switzerland benefit from new pact with the European Union?
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Update: Construction work on the SBB Bern-Fribourg line is on the right track
The railway line between Bern and Fribourg, one of the most important in Switzerland as it connects German and French-speaking regions, has been completely closed since June 27th for the modernisation of railway tracks.
According to the interim report, the project is going well, and the replacement buses that have been put in place to transport passengers in the meantime are running regularly and on time.
This section will be closed until August 24th.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
