Switzerland and the EU: Partners, for Better or for Worse

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to contribute to a better understanding of why Switzerland has been a difficult partner of the EU at times and why it is still worthwhile for both sides to keep on talking to each other - and more - to go out of their way, if necessary, to find agreement. It is the firm conviction of the author that ultimately, the EU and Switzerland will fare best if they learn from each other and meet some- where in the middle. Switzerland will have to become more European - or rather more EU compatible. But the EU should also become more like Switzerland in many respects.