The Swiss are deeply divided over relations with the EU

Although the Swiss population has little enthusiasm for the European Union, it considers the bilateral agreements with Brussels to be important. These are the findings of a new survey. Relations with EU remain sensitive and highly controversial in Switzerland, according to a survey by research institute gfs.bern for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. The responses of almost 20,000 Swiss on bilateral agreements with the EU reveal extremely divided opinions. The majority of the Swiss population recognise the importance of the EU for the Swiss economy. This rational, economic view is shared by all political stripes. There is, however, a major fissure: on an emotional and personal level, a feeling of distance and indifference dominates in the hearts of the Swiss. “Is it about me or the Swiss economy as a whole?” This question sums up the dichotomy in which the upcoming negotiations will take place, according to the survey's authors. “The EU issue is highly polarised,” says Martina ...