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Germany's Central Bank confronts Nazi past and pledges 'never again'

Germany's Central Bank confronts Nazi past and pledges 'never again' Germany's Central Bank confronts Nazi past and pledges 'never again'
Germany's Bundesbank has taken a significant step in addressing the Nazi legacy of its predecessor, unveiling new research that delves into...
Read More...

Belgium secures eleventh victory in World Student Diplomacy Championship

Belgium secures eleventh victory in World Student Diplomacy Championship Belgium secures eleventh victory in World Student Diplomacy Championship
  On March 14, 2024, Belgium clinched victory in the World Student Diplomacy Championship, a prestigious competition simulating the workings...
Read More...

Commission declares Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for EU accession talks

Commission declares Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for EU accession talks Commission declares Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for EU accession talks

On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged EU member states to approve the start of accession negotiations with...
Read More...

Romanian President and Austrian Chancellor confer on Schengen during Bucharest meeting

Romanian President and Austrian Chancellor confer on Schengen during Bucharest meeting Romanian President and Austrian Chancellor confer on Schengen during Bucharest meeting
In the backdrop of the European People's Party (EPP) congress, Romania's President Klaus Iohannis engaged in discussions with Austrian Chancellor...
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NATO unveils 'Nordic Response' with massive military exercises

 NATO unveils 'Nordic Response' with massive military exercises NATO unveils 'Nordic Response' with massive military exercises
In a display of strength and solidarity, NATO has launched its largest military exercises since 1952, marking the first participation of new...
Read More...

Far-right Vlaams Belang surges in Belgian polls

Far-right Vlaams Belang surges in Belgian polls Far-right Vlaams Belang surges in Belgian polls
With Belgian elections looming in June, the far-right party Vlaams Belang is witnessing a historic surge, polling just under 28 percent in...
Read More...

Sweden officially joins NATO as Hungary grants approval

Sweden officially joins NATO as Hungary grants approval Sweden officially joins NATO as Hungary grants approval
In a significant geopolitical development, Sweden has gained approval to become the 32nd member of the NATO military alliance, marking a blow...
Read More...

Munich Security Conference: Netherlands and US reaffirm support for Ukraine

Munich Security Conference: Netherlands and US reaffirm support for Ukraine Munich Security Conference: Netherlands and US reaffirm support for Ukraine
  During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte...
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Dutch NATO contribution could double without U.S., says Defense Minister

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Outgoing Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren warned that the Netherlands might need to double its defense spending if the United States were to...
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Planned talks between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) to rebuild their relationship have been postponed until the end of October, following a

request from the Swiss government after the federal elections.

Since March 2022, Switzerland has been engaged in exploratory talks with the EU with the aim of reestablishing long-term ties. The government had previously announced that the key parameters for a negotiating mandate would be finalized by the end of June 2023.

The exploratory talks were expected to conclude at this point, as confirmed by Livia Leu, Switzerland's chief negotiator with the EU, after her meeting with the European Commission in Brussels. However, Swiss public radio RTS reports that Switzerland has now requested a delay until the end of October, after the federal elections, to conclude the current discussion phase. The European Commission has acknowledged this request from Switzerland.

Following her meeting in Brussels, Leu expressed a positive assessment of the current state of relations, stating that they are at a significantly different stage compared to a year ago. She added that a "relationship of trust" has been reestablished with the EU.

The consolidation of EU-Swiss ties has been a contentious issue since the Swiss government's decision in May 2021 to abandon talks on an umbrella accord that aimed to complement over 120 bilateral agreements with the EU. Disagreements on salary protection, state aid rules, and access for EU citizens to Swiss social security benefits were cited as the reasons for the decision. Talks have been ongoing since then to rebuild the relationship.

There are still several points that need to be clarified, according to Leu, particularly three new agreements covering electricity, health, and food safety. Progress has been made on state aid and immigration issues.

Currently, Bern and Brussels are discussing a negotiating package that includes institutional matters, new agreements, and the regulation of Switzerland's participation in EU programs such as the Horizon Europe research funding scheme and cohesion payments.

Last year, Bern proposed a new approach to the talks, focusing on updating individual sectoral agreements rather than pursuing an overarching treaty. The EU has expressed openness to this sectoral approach, but with the condition that all issues are resolved.

Livia Leu, who has been leading the talks with the EU since autumn 2020, will step down as Swiss state secretary at the end of August and will subsequently become the Swiss ambassador to Germany as per her request. A recent report suggests that Leu saw no possibility of reestablishing relations with the EU without making significant concessions, which led to the breakdown of the institutional framework agreement three years ago. Photo by Elwood j blues, Wikimedia commons.

deneme