Statement of the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the EU on the results of the Swiss referendum

Met dank overgenomen van Grieks voorzitterschap Europese Unie 1e helft 2014 i, gepubliceerd op zondag 9 februari 2014, 19:10.

The Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the EU regrets the result of the Swiss popular vote on the initiative “against mass immigration”.

The introduction of quotas on immigration from the EU citizens goes against the principle of free movement of persons between the EU and Switzerland as enshrined in the bilateral agreement in place, which is a key factor in the harmonious development of our relations.

The free movement of persons is a core principle of the European project and a fundamental right of all its citizens, Swiss and citizens of the E.U. member states that should be upheld and promoted. The EU will have to examine the implications of the outcome of the vote and is ready to work with the Swiss Government in order to find ways to tackle the issues arising therefrom.

The Hellenic Presidency will follow closely this process with the EU institutions and its Member States.