Half a million EU citizens could live in Switzerland without having to work, and why limiting immigration would be detrimental to Switzerland’s economy — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.
Half a million EU citizens could live in Switzerland without having to work
If the new treaties between Bern and Brussels are approved in a referendum, 570,000 EU nationals could suddenly be allowed to live in Switzerland, with no conditions attached – including having a job.
That’s because Bern committed to expanding the agreement on the free movement of people.
Concretely, the Swiss government would have to adopt EU’s Citizens’ Rights Directive, which allows EU/EFTA nationals to move freely within all contracting states (of which Switzerland is one) and grants them permanent residency rights after five years of living in the country.
Having a job – or, for that matter, being financially self-sufficient – would no longer be a requirement.
READ ALSO: Why 570,000 foreigners in Switzerland could suddenly get permanent residence
Limiting immigration would be detrimental to Switzerland’s economy, expert says
The hard-right’s ‘No to 10 million people’ initiative would, if approved in an upcoming referendum, have a major impact on Switzerland’s economy and the country as a whole.
According to Patrick Leisbach, migration and labour market expert at Avenir Suisse think tank, if voters end up approving this proposal, “rigid population limits and bureaucratic control would stifle economic dynamism and gradually erode one of Switzerland’s key competitive advantages.”
This measure “would likely weaken Switzerland’s long-term growth, innovation, and prosperity,” Leisbach added.
READ ALSO: If the ‘no to 10 million’ proposal passes, Switzerland would be stifled
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Switzerland has worst traffic fatality rate in Europe
Over the past five years, the number of fatal road accidents in Switzerland has risen by 34 percent, while the European average fell by 12 percent during the same timeframe.
“No other European country has experienced such a dramatic increase during this period,” according to the Accident Prevention Bureau (BFU) , which added that “to date, Switzerland has not managed to reverse this trend and halt the rise in fatal accidents.”
It puts the blame on the legislators who failed to pass a law requiring the use of helmets for cyclists.
READ ALSO: Why are Switzerland’s road death rates the ‘worst in Europe’?
Swiss universities won’t charge EU students higher fees
Faced with a financial shortfall, many public universities in Switzerland – including the two federal polytechnic institutes, the ETH in Zurich and EPFL in Lausanne – had to increase the fees for international students.
However, the new treaties concluded by Switzerland and the European Union in December 2024 could eliminate those extra charges.
That’s because the new agreements between Bern and Brussels will prohibit Swiss universities from charging EU citizens higher tuition fees than domestic students.
READ ALSO: Swiss universities to drop tuition surcharge for EU students
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Wages are highest in the financial sector, study reveals
A survey published by Michael Page recruitment agency found that “financial services sector continues to lead the Swiss market in executive compensation, with private equity showing rising demand.”
An executive below the level of the CEO – that is, those not the ‘top’ – can command gross salaries ranging from 350,000 to 500,000 francs a year, depending on what kind of job they perform within this particular industry.
Among other high-pay industries are Human Resources (280,000 francs on average) as well as Engineering and Manufacturing – 180,000 francs, the study found.
READ ALSO: In which sectors can you earn top salaries in Switzerland right now?
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Swiss business delegation in Washington to negotiate a better tariff deal
Swiss business leaders have met US President Donald Trump to draw his attention to the toll that steep tariffs are taking on their companies.
Their goal was to convince the US president to lower the 39-percent customs duties imposed on Swiss companies, which have had a significant impact on Switzerland’s export-oriented industries.
Though the outcome of the visit is not yet known, Trump announced that talks will continue.
“The meeting was adjourned with the understanding that our Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, will discuss the subjects further with Switzerland’s Leaders,” he said.
READ ALSO: Swiss business leaders meet Trump to make plea over tariffs
