Schweizer Europapolitik am Wendepunkt

Switzerland’s Policy on Europe at Turning Point
Between 1988 and 1992 Switzerland’s policy on Europe was at a turning point: The EC built a Single Market, the Cold War ended and the formation of the European Union created a new center of gravity in Europe. At the same time negotiations on the European Economic Area (EEA) ended disappointing for the Swiss. The majority in government and administration found the EEA inacceptable as permanent solution due to its institutional shortcomings. While the executive aimed with more and more determination for EC membership, this course lacked support among the umbrella organizations of Switzerland’s economy.
How can the change of Switzerland’s policy on Europe towards EC membership be explained? New archive material makes accessible the decision making processes of government, administration and umbrella organizations of industry, small business, banks, trade unions and agriculture. The analysis is carried out from the perspectives of corporatism and foreign policy analysis. Competing views on national sovereignty as well as opposed interests in policy fields such as freedom of movement for labor, competition and social policy provide new explanations for the policies of stakeholders.