Swiss vote on EU talks

Opinion polls indicate voters will reject EU talks

By Claire Doole in Geneva

The Swiss are voting this weekend on whether to start negotiations on European Union membership.

The government believes Switzerland should eventually join, but argues that the time is not right now.

For the moment it is not possible to say that we have this political basis to win a referendum on membership

Foreign Minister Joseph Dice

Supporters of the referendum, mostly left-wing groups, however say Switzerland should help formulate EU policies since they affect everyday life and reinforce its world position.

The Swiss are famously reluctant to give up their sovereignty to the European Union.

Although this small alpine nation is geographically in the heart of Europe, the Swiss people have consistently voted against joining the European Union.

Membership cost

Last year they agreed to a package of primarily economic accords with the EU, and for many that is as far a Switzerland should go on the path to greater European integration.

This weekend's ballot question calling for an immediate start to negotiations is not backed by the government.

It is aware of concerns about the cost of membership, and the changes needed to the countries hallowed traditions of direct democracy and banking secrecy.

The government does not want to jeopardise its long-term aim of membership by supporting a referendum which it believes is premature.

Doubts

Foreign Minister Joseph Dice says the question should be whether to join the EU, not whether to talk about it.

''We need sufficient basis among the people in order to win the referendum, not on starting negotiations, but on entering the European Union,'' he said.

''I think that for the moment it is not possible to say that we have this political basis to win a referendum on membership.''

Supporters of accession talks argue that Switzerland is losing out by not being able to influence many EU decisions which already affect the country.

They also say its independent stance has exposed it to attacks over its banking laws and wartime past.

But the opinion polls indicate the government has correctly read the mood of the people, they predict that more than 60% of voters will reject the call to open immediate negotiations on EU membership.