Swiss Study Warns EU Treaty Could Weaken Democratic Co-Determination Rights
22.06.2026 - 05:56:27 | boerse-global.de
A legal analysis from the University of Zurich has sounded the alarm over the ongoing Bilateral III negotiations, arguing that the planned "dynamic adoption of EU law" would shift substantial legislative power to Brussels in areas such as the free movement of persons. According to constitutional law professor Andreas Glaser, the Swiss parliament would in many cases be reduced to a simple yes-or-no vote on future rule changes.
Although the option of a popular referendum would remain on paper, Glaser's study warns that rejecting an EU-determined rule could trigger retaliatory measures from Brussels—effectively chilling the exercise of direct democratic rights. The Federal Council already approved the treaty package in June 2025, but parliamentary debate continues, including discussions about creating a specialized Europe committee.
FDP National Councillor Simon Michel pushed back against the study's conclusions. "The people's rights are not substantially threatened," he said, stressing the importance of legal certainty for businesses and individuals.
Pension Financing Leaves a Multi-Billion Gap
Separate from the EU talks, lawmakers in the summer session grappled with financing the 13th AHV pension. A planned 0.4 percentage point increase in value-added tax from 2028 is expected to generate 1.4 billion francs annually. But the costs for the first two years are estimated at 8 to 9 billion francs—creating a significant coverage shortfall.
A pension commission is due to deliver a report on June 24, 2026. One key recommendation already circulating: coupling the retirement age to life expectancy. That could mean a gradual rise to 67.5 years by 2041.
Push to Raise Signature Threshold for Initiatives
Direct democracy itself is also under review. Ständerat Fabio Regazzi has called for raising the signature requirement for federal popular initiatives from 100,000 to 150,000. The threshold has not changed since 1977, while the electorate has grown substantially.
Meanwhile, a clear trend is emerging for the September 27 vote on a constitutional initiative for permanent neutrality: just 34% of respondents support it, while 54% oppose it.
Digital Patient Record Stalls at 1.5% Adoption
The electronic patient dossier (EPD) remains in deep trouble. Only 1.5% of the population has opened a record, even though hospitals and nursing homes are required to spend considerable sums on connection costs. The federal government is planning a relaunch under the name "electronic health dossier" but not before 2030, at the earliest. Some cantons are examining whether they can enforce the connection obligation earlier.
US Probes Pharma Pricing, Switzerland in Crosshairs
In trade policy, new headwinds are building from Washington. US authorities have launched an investigation into drug pricing. Although the probe primarily targets Germany, Swiss pharmaceutical companies could also be affected. Roche and Novartis have specific tariff-exemption agreements in place until 2029. Yet planned domestic price reforms in Switzerland could add further pressure in the trade segment.
