Zwitsers overwegen EU-lidmaatschap op lange termijn (en)

The complexity of being surrounded by the EU has prompted the Swiss President Joseph Deiss to back his country's membership of the Union.

"I am convinced that accession is the goal we should have in the long term", Mr Deiss told Le Matin yesterday.

Disagreements over banking secrecy and problems with open borders policy have created tension in the EU-Swiss relationship - rekindling the question of EU membership.

"This question, essential for the future of our country, has unfortunately been hidden in this federal election year", said the President, who is also head of federal economic policy.

"We have to have the courage to face the challenges that this question raises".

Surrounded by the Union, much of what is agreed in Brussels and elsewhere has a direct consequence on the country, particularly in the area of mobility of labour and goods.

A recent debate over the management of the border with Germany has again prompted a debate on membership.

The German government recently introduced tough border checks on its Swiss frontier prompting a discussion over whether Switzerland should join the EU's common Schengen border scheme.

In 1992, the Swiss rejected membership of the European Economic Area and many in the country remain resolutely against full EU membership.

However, the pressure is on the government to improve economic growth - which has been lower than many of its EU neighbours since 1992.