Statement: Developments following the Swiss referendum on 9th February – statement by European Commissioner László Andor on behalf of European Commission to European Parliament plenary session

On the 26 February 2014, in Strasbourg, the European Commissioner László Andor gave a speech regarding the developments following the Swiss referendum held on the 9 February 2014 which called the freedom of movement of persons into question. He made clear that both sides must continue to fulfil all their obligations under the existing agreements. Among other issues, he highlighted that the core principle of the free movement of persons was a cornerstone of their relationship, was a fundamental right and was not simply 'negotiable'.

The Commissioner announced that the EU would be suspending Swiss Erasmus participation in 2014.

ESO: Background information: The Outcome Of The People’s Initiative In Switzerland – A Huge Setback! http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-outcome-of-the-peoples-initiative-in-switzerland-a-huge-setback/

European Parliament: Press Release, 25.02.14: Debate on EU-Swiss relations http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140221IPR36669/

ESO: Background information: Switzerland to table immigration quota law by year end / Switzerland gets first penalty for immigration vote http://www.europeansources.info/record/switzerland-to-table-immigration-quota-law-by-year-end-switzerland-gets-first-penalty-for-immigration-vote/

Euronews, 26.02.14: EU suspends Swiss Erasmus participation for 2014 http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/26/eu-suspends-swiss-erasmus-participation-for-2014/

---