Swiss government is in favour of closer ties with the EU; Geneva bans single-use e-cigarettes; and more news in our Monday roundup.
Government is in favour of even closer ties with the EU
In order to reduce its economic dependance on US-bound exports, some MPs suggest that Switzerland should get closer to the European Union – not just for trade purposes, but for security as well.
“The US is no longer a reliable partner,” said Fabian Molina, a deputy from the Social Democratic Party, who supports this move.
“Switzerland must therefore expand cooperation with its neighbouring countries,” he added.
Though the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) immediately countered that closer ties with the EU would put Switzerland’s neutrality at risk – an argument they use every time this issue comes up – the Federal Council agrees that extended “partnership with the EU in this area is in Switzerland’s interest and compatible with neutrality.”
The National Council will decide on the matter in the first week of its session starting in September.
Geneva to ban single-use cigarettes
Single-use electronic cigarettes, also known as ‘puffs,’ are now banned from sale in Geneva.
The cantonal parliament adopted a law to this effect on Friday, with immediate effect.
In supporting this ban, deputies said they are aware that its legality could be challenged by opponents.
However, in approving the move, MPs “prioritised the health of the population,” and especially young people who are particularly attracted to these harmful products, according to deputy Raphaël Dunand.
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A project to legalise cannabis in Switzerland is put out for consultation
Currently, the cultivation, production, trade, and consumption of cannabis for non-medicinal purposes are prohibited in Switzerland.
However, the National Council’s Social and Health Committee (SGK-N) seeks to provide legal access to cannabis for adults – concretely, to regulate the commercial cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis, while, at the same time, not actively encouraging its consumption.
Under the proposal, any form of advertising for cannabis and cannabis-derived products would be prohibited, and ‘zero tolerance’ for cannabis will continue to apply in road traffic.
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Basel ‘Mobility Challenge’ begins today
The “31DAYS Basel” mobility challenge starts on September 1st and runs until November 31st.
This is how it works: If you give up your car for a month within this timeframe, you will be entitled to use public transport for free during this period.
If you live in Basel and want to participate in this environmentally-friendly ‘challenge’, you can find more information about it here.
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
