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Referendum in Switzerland on February 8, 2009 Date: 2009-01-26

In Switzerland, Romania is a hot topic these days – at least until February 8. The reason is, of course, the campaign about the prolongation of the existing Swiss-EU agreement on the free movement of persons (which is in fact an agreement on free movement of labour) with the EU-25 and its enlargement to Romania and Bulgaria. This campaign is heated, sometimes aggressive. But this is democracy, and it is normal, as long as the law is respected. If we all agree from the beginning, we do not need political debates, we do not need democracy.
 
The campaign has a collateral effect, which I consider to be positive for both Romania and our bilateral relations: The Swiss media are interested in Romania, Swiss journalists come here, they travel, they report. Of course, their articles are not just positive. And they shouldn't. But the journalists might help to break up the deep prejudices some Swiss still have about Romania. They paint a differentiated, multi-facetted picture of Romania and of its economy. They might raise further interest in Romania.
 
A better understanding of Romania in general and its economy in particular is needed in Switzerland. There are still many opportunities for Swiss investors and business in Romania, even though the crisis has already its negative impacts on the Romanian economy. But investors and business will not come to Romania if it remains totally unknown or only associated with Dracula. Therefore, the visit by the Swiss Minister of Economy, Federal Councillor Mrs. Doris Leuthard, in early September 2008 was very important and most welcome. Such visits help to put Romania on the map. The campaign for the referendum on February 8, 2009, is another opportunity to talk about Romania, to get to know this country better. And to correct prejudices.
 
The bilateral relations between Switzerland and Romania will be influenced by the outcome of referendum on February 8. A positive result should help to maintain the upward trend and contribute to offset the impact of the crisis. A negative decision will probably sharpen the consequences of the crisis on our economic relations, trade might decrease, investments also. But Romania's fundamentals are still strong. The country has an enormous catch-up-potential. Over 30 billion EUR of structural and cohesion funds are "waiting" to be invested and spent for the better of the country. This EU money could help Romania to overcome the crisis and boost the needed reforms and investments in the future (infrastructure, education, health, etc.). In 2009, Switzerland will prepare its EU enlargement contribution to Romania. This contribution will undoubtedly strengthen our bilateral relations and prove the solidarity with and interest in Romania from the Swiss people and authorities.

Simon Geissbühler
Counselor
Embassy of Switzerland
16-20, Grigore Alexandrescu Str., RO-010626 Bucharest
Tel.: +40 21 206 16 00
Fax: +40 21 206 16 20
simon.geissbuehler@eda.admin.ch
www.eda.admin.ch/bukarest

 

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