At a meeting with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in the Federal Chancellery, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) stated that he strongly supports deepening and modernizing the agreements between the European Union and Switzerland. He noted that these steps benefit both nations, adding that he hopes for a swift implementation process for both countries.
Merz emphasized the deep interdependence of the two economies on exports, stating that they rely on open global trade routes and low tariffs. Consequently, he stressed that the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to both sides. Therefore, he affirmed that he and his partners are committed to restoring the freedom of sea navigation as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, the Chancellor highlighted the need to expand physical connections between the two countries. He pointed to investments in essential infrastructure, specifically mentioning the Pfaffensteigtunnel project, which is set to begin this year. This tunnel is expected to improve connectivity to the border region and the new Stuttgart main station. However, Merz concluded by noting that other major infrastructure initiatives are also crucial and vital for maintaining overall competitiveness.
