Zwitserland betaalt half miljard euro voor toegang tot markten nieuwe EU-lidstaten(en)

Plassnik: "Further significant step forward in EU-Swiss relations"

Today, Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik, Member of the Swiss Federal Council Calmy-Rey and Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner signed a memorandum of understanding on Switzerland's financial contribution to the 10 new Member States of the EU. Furthermore, President Plassnik handed the Swiss Foreign Minister the notification documents pertaining to four Bilateral II Agreements, the conclusion of which was agreed by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on the same day.

In return for access to the enlarged internal market, Switzerland has decided to pay CHF one billion to the 10 new Member States for five years. Allocation of this money within the EU has been a controversial issue until now. "With this substantial contribution, Switzerland is going a long way towards redressing the economic and social imbalances within the enlarged European Union. The contribution will enable specific projects in the areas of security, border protection, promotion of the private sector and environmental protection to be carried out in order to support the new Member States", stated Minister Plassnik.

Agreement on the financial contribution also paves the way for the Bilateral II Agreements to be ratified. The Council agreed on the conclusion of the four agreements this morning. These agreements will enable the Swiss employment market to be gradually opened up to citizens from the new EU Member States and strengthen cooperation between the EU and Switzerland in environmental issues and statistics. In addition, they will facilitate Switzerland's participation in the EU's MEDIA programmes.

"During our first EU Presidency in 1998, we achieved a political breakthrough and completion of the Bilateral I Agreement package with Switzerland. Therefore, I am particularly pleased that we have now taken a further significant step forward in EU-Swiss relations during our second EU Presidency. Our special relationship based on trust and neighbourly support have once again proved reliable", stated Minister Plassnik.