9 March 2011. This public event will take place on Thursday, 17 March 2011, from 6.30 p.m. in Room 09-011 (Senate Room) of the HSG Library Building.

The EU is increasing pressure

Relations between the EU and Switzerland are regulated by means of 120 bilateral agreements. However, bilateralism appears to be reaching its limits. The EU is demanding changes in the institutional domain: Switzerland should adopt new EU law and the new case law of the European Court of Justice more quickly. In addition, a supervisory instance and a court mechanism should be put into place to guarantee an efficient monitoring and implementation of bilateral law.

Alternatives for Switzerland?
The EU’s position appears to be clear. Leaving everything as it is and continuing on the bilateral path with Switzerland as before does not appear to be a solution. But what alternatives are there? In a panel discussion, four current and former HSG members would like to point out possible consequences and opportunities for Switzerland, as well as answering critical questions.

• Prof. Dr. Carl Baudenbacher, President of the EFTA Court and Director of the Institute of European and International Business Law at the University ofSt.Gallen

• Ambassador Dr. Henri Gétaz, Head of the FDFA/FDEA Integration Office, HSG alumnus

• Sabine Monauni-Tömördy, College Member of the EFTA Surveillance Authority, HSG alumna

• Dr. Rudolf Walser, Senior Consultant of Avenir Suisse, former Chief Economist of Economiesuisse, HSG alumnus

Photo: Photocase/krockenmitte