scienceindustries says yes: Bilaterals III ensure stability

Core concerns of the industry met

An examination of the agreement package clearly shows: key concerns of the Chemistry, Pharma and Life Sciences industries are covered. The Bilaterals III

• ensure barrier-free sectoral access to the EU common market and prevent the erosion of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA);
• guarantee participation in European research and innovation programmes such as Horizon Europe, which is of central importance to Switzerland as a centre of research and innovation;
• improve security of supply under the electricity agreement – a cornerstone for Switzerland as a production location;
• make it easier to recruit urgently needed specialists under the agreement on the free movement of persons, particularly in the STEM fields.

The big picture: the pros outweigh the cons

The package also entails challenges, such as the dynamic adoption of law developments and the protection measures, which may not weaken the competitiveness of local industries, particularly with regard to the liberal labour market. Dynamic adoption of law developments goes hand in hand with a rule-based structuring of rela-tionships and clearly defined participation and dispute resolution mechanisms. It thus reduces legal uncertain-ty and duplication and creates a reliable framework for investments. This reliability is what would be lost in the event of rejection. In an unregulated relationship, for example, the EU could take retaliatory measures at any time. For Switzerland as an investment location, the resulting uncertainty would be toxic. scienceindustries therefore believes that overall, the benefits clearly outweigh the cons.

EU remains the most important partner

The EU is Switzerland’s most important partner by far. More than 90% of the products of the chemical, phar-maceutical and life sciences industries are exported, more than half of them to the EU. Conversely, around three-quarters of chemical and pharmaceutical imports originate from the EU. Barrier-free, stable access is essential for Switzerland. “Our industries earn one in two francs in the EU – which shows why stable frame-work conditions are so crucial for us and the entire business location,” emphasises Annette Luther, Chair of scienceindustries.

Landmark decision for Switzerland

Standstill is not an option: the existing bilateral agreements are eroding and no realistic alternatives are fore-seeable. With the package, Switzerland can achieve economic benefits through clearly defined institutional cooperation. “As a small country in particular, Switzerland is dependent on a rules-based system that ensures equal treatment for all parties, regardless of their size. In geopolitically uncertain times, stable and reliable rela-tions with the EU are of vital importance,” says Luther.

From the point of view of scienceindustries, the continuation of the bilateral agreements is the best way to secure stability, innovation and prosperity in the long term. The comprehensive statement as part of the con-sultation process can be found here (in German).

Further information:

Stephan Mumenthaler, Director
Tel. 044 368 17 20, stephan.mumenthaler@scienceindustries.ch

Anne Cécile Vonlanthen, Head of Public Affairs & Communication
Tel. 044 368 17 44, annececile.vonlanthen@scienceindustries.ch