Swiss model offers UK a BREXIT BLUEPRINT for dealing with EU, say experts
THE 'Swiss model' offers a blueprint for future EU-UK relations after Brexit – and hints at the kind of the deal David Davis and his fellow negotiators can achieve if they hold their nerve, experts have said.
Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association, but not the EU, having voted against joining in a 1992 referendum.
As such they are sometimes held up as an example when it comes to the UK’s future relationship with the bloc.
The seminar, chaired by Professor Richard Whitman, an associate fellow on Chatham House’s Europe Programme, was titled: Switzerland and the EU: Lessons for a Post-Brexit UK?
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The Swiss model is in place, and therefore represents the possible
Mrs Calmy-Rey: “It’s true that Switzerland and the EU abide by different logic to the EU and the UK, one tending to reinforce partnership, the other looking for a divorce.
“However, this does not mean that there are no similarities or convergences between the two situations.
“The EU might be reluctant to agree to the Swiss model, which combines the identities of both the Norwegian and Canadian models.
“But despite pressure and reluctance, the Swiss model is in place, and therefore represents the possible.”
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Mr Dietrich, who was speaking on the subject of border controls, said Switzerland managed its land borders with Austria, Liechtenstein, France, Italy and Germany very few physical controls.
He said: “Since the 1990s we have implemented computerised declarations for commercial goods, which can be declared seven days a week electronically.
“We have a very low percentage of physical controls.
“That means that international cooperation and consensus with the partner across the border is absolutely crucial.
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“There is in my opinion a large room for manoeuvre in the design of border controls for independent countries.
“A lot depends on the cooperation of neighbouring countries on the basis of a pragmatic approach.”
Professor Ambühl advised: “It’s best if you don’t question the EU’s principles – it’s hopeless.
You should focus on the flexibility of the principles – and the EU has a lot of flexibility when they implement their principles themselves – for example, the Maastricht treaty and the refugee situation.”