Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

much power as countries associated with it, and that Switzerland
does not fully recognize the EU’s authority in Europe.
Therefore, it tried to re-assert its influence and make
its position known on the issue. This bid for power displayed
the deterioration of Swiss-EU relations more than
anything else.
The Swiss people’s attitude towards the EU suggests
that Swiss-EU relations have been weak in 2011. Traditionally,
the passport free zone has been appreciated for
making it easier for people to move across the continent in
search of employment. However in recent years this has
come under attack as there are not enough resources available
to sustain a growing immigrant population. The Swiss
People’s Party has used this opportunity to promote its
right wing anti-immigration agenda. While there is no
guarantee that the movement will garner enough support
to become a referendum, it does reveal the growing concern
that the EU’s limited influence in Switzerland is already
being challenged. This opens up multiple avenues for
challenging inroads made by the EU. In 2011, room for
compromise between the EU and Switzerland seemed to be
shrinking. It seems unlikely that relations will improve and
that Switzerland will join the EU any time soon.
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