Swiss Government Urges Parliament to Reject Initiative Opposing EU Deal

The Swiss government on Thursday urged parliament to reject an initiative that seeks to block a new agreement with the European Union, describing it as a threat to legal and economic stability. The deal, agreed in December 2024, would represent the biggest overhaul of Switzerland’s bilateral economic relations with the EU in a generation.

Known as the “Kompass-Initiative,” the proposal is backed by the billionaire founders of Swiss asset manager and private equity firm Partners Group. It seeks to expand the use of compulsory referendums for international treaties, requiring approval from both Swiss voters and a majority of the country’s 26 cantons.

The government warned that the initiative could create legal uncertainty and disrupt Switzerland’s established democratic system. It also opposes provisions in the EU-Swiss agreement allowing Switzerland to align certain laws with future EU legislation while maintaining constitutional safeguards. The initiative is expected to go to a referendum after gathering sufficient signatures, though no date has been set.

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