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The debate in Switzerland 
on the #InstaA framework agreement tabled between it and the EU is increasingly influenced by the 
-
EU-UK TCA.
So what have the Swiss learnt from the UK - and what can the UK learn from the Swiss?
1) https://twitter.com/hjbertschi/status/1351048856100884480
on the #InstaA framework agreement tabled between it and the EU is increasingly influenced by the - EU-UK TCA.So what have the Swiss learnt from the UK - and what can the UK learn from the Swiss?
1) https://twitter.com/hjbertschi/status/1351048856100884480
The UK is mostly unaware of the fact that Switzerland and the EU are negotiating a new framework agreement.
Those opposed to it are enviously looking at how the ECJ has almost no role in the- TCA - unlike the "Ukraine-style" model of the deal the EU wants with the Swiss.
2)
Those opposed to it are enviously looking at how the ECJ has almost no role in the
- TCA - unlike the "Ukraine-style" model of the deal the EU wants with the Swiss.2)
Unlike the Brexit debate in the UK, the Swiss debate is far more nuanced, with both sides acknowledging the trade-off between sovereignty and market access.
But the language can also be quite strong, sometimes painting the EU as "the enemy" rather than a difficult partner.
3)
But the language can also be quite strong, sometimes painting the EU as "the enemy" rather than a difficult partner.
3)
The government’s position, outlined by foreign minister @ignaziocassis in this @NZZ interview, is that Swiss parliament has decided it wants to deepen the partnership with the EU and continue to partially take part in the Single Market - and that this deal is needed for that.
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The oppositon's critique (which crosses party political lines) is that the proposed deal constitutes "subjugation to the dictatorship of the ECJ" (language we are familiar with in the UK), and should therefore be rejected.
This YES/NO divide over the ECJ now drives the debate.
5)
This YES/NO divide over the ECJ now drives the debate.
5)
What we in the UK don't understand is how the Swiss got themselves into this mess in the first place.
Why isn't the @EFTA_Court involved?
Wouldn't the Swiss have more autonomy vs the EU if they were full players in EFTA?
6)
Why isn't the @EFTA_Court involved?
Wouldn't the Swiss have more autonomy vs the EU if they were full players in EFTA?
6)
Whilst being envious of the legal framework around the #BrexitDeal, the Swiss do recognise that the degree of access it grants the UK to the Single Market of the EEA is far worse than their own (which technically puts some of its sectors in the Single Market, but not others).
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7)
In comparing the UK's new situation with Switzerland, some have pointed out that the EU-UK TCA's lack of depth on many economic sectors puts Britain into a situation similar to Switzerland in 1992 (a time when the Swiss didn't have many bilateral deals with the EU yet)
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The Swiss also note that the EU-UK TCA sets out a framework for research cooperation, which they do not have themselves, a positive aspect of the #BrexitDeal that has received little attention in the UK (possibly as neither side of Brexit divide would respond well to it).
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Overall, it appears that the Swiss are far better informed on the UK’s turbulent relationship with the EU than vice-versa + are doing their best to learn from it.
To make the best of Brexit, the UK could also learn a few lessons from the Swiss. Closer ties would benefit both.
10)
To make the best of Brexit, the UK could also learn a few lessons from the Swiss. Closer ties would benefit both.
10)
