It is unfair that Europe offers Switzerland conditions that are not reciprocated by that country, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told journalists today following a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. During the weekend the Swiss voted by a very small margin in favour of limiting immigration to their country, including immigration from the EU.
“The Swiss can settle everywhere in Europe. There around 430,000 Swiss in the EU. So, it is not fair that Europe offers Switzerland these conditions and Switzerland does not offer them back, There is an international agreement between Switzerland and the EU that must be respected,” Barroso said when questioned by a journalist on this issue.
We respect the vote which has posed a problem certainly for Switzerland, Barroso added.
“It is Switzerland that must now come up with the solutions. This is why it is not for myself or the Commission to present the solutions,” Barroso said and added that the EU is expecting the new law the Swiss are preparing.
“At the same time there must be no illusion. We are not going to negotiate the principles of the freedom of movement of people. This is an integral element,” the Commission President said.