Swiss Cantons Reaffirm EU Ties Ahead of ORK Session
The cantonal governments of Switzerland have reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties with the EU, with Basel-Stadt's Government President Dr. Conradin Cramer set to discuss this at the upcoming ORK session. The meeting, held ahead of the first presidium meeting of the German-French-Swiss Upper Rhine Conference (ORK) in 2025, saw Martin Bühler, the government councillor from Graubünden, express the importance of these relationships for both economies and societies.
Cramer expressed satisfaction about Switzerland's potential full participation in the EU's Horizon Europe research program. The cross-border cooperation between Baden-Württemberg, Basel-Stadt, and Aargau has been close and trusting for many years. Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann underscored the significance of stable relationships with Switzerland. The cantons of Basel-Stadt and Aargau, along with Baden-Württemberg, are united in their commitment to a stable, long-term relationship between Switzerland and the EU. Kretschmann also highlighted the need for Swiss population approval in any final agreement. These cantons and two Baden-Württemberg government districts work closely together in the ORK, demonstrating their shared dedication to fostering these crucial ties.
The upcoming ORK session will see discussions on strengthening Switzerland-EU relationships, with the potential full participation in Horizon Europe being a key topic. The close cooperation between the cantons and Baden-Württemberg underscores the importance of these ties for both sides of the border, with a stable, long-term relationship being the ultimate goal.
