Morten Lyhne Petersen
Switzerland and the EU to discuss economy and defence.
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Switzerland is making a rare appearance with the EU to discuss the possibility of a unified defence front. The new American tariffs are also a major discussion point.
A Special Invitation
For the first time ever, Switzerland has been invited to join an EU Ecofin meeting.
Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter will represent the country at the gathering in Warsaw, Poland.
What Is Ecofin?
Ecofin is the European Union’s council for economics and finance.
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It brings together ministers from all EU member states to discuss key financial and economic issues.
Switzerland Steps In
Although Switzerland is not an EU member, it was invited to take part in this informal meeting.
The event marks a new level of cooperation between Switzerland and the EU.
Focus of the Meeting
The main topic: economic growth in Europe, especially in light of recent geopolitical shifts.
Keller-Sutter will join a roundtable discussion on this theme.
One-on-One Talks
In addition to the group sessions, Keller-Sutter will also hold private talks with several of her EU counterparts.
These bilateral meetings aim to strengthen ties and address shared concerns.
The US Tariff Effect
A major issue on the agenda: the impact of new US tariffs introduced by the Trump administration.
The EU is assessing the consequences for European trade and industry.
Brussels Pushes Back
EU officials warn that trade wars harm both the economy and jobs.
Their proposed response: eliminate the remaining trade barriers within the EU’s internal market.
Swiss Concerns
Keller-Sutter, who currently holds the rotating Swiss presidency, has cautioned against overreacting to tariff changes.
She urges a balanced approach rather than “alarmism.”
Defence on the Agenda
On the second day, ministers will shift focus to defence.
They’ll discuss a proposal for joint arms purchases, based on research by the European think tank Bruegel.
A New Defence Entity?
Bruegel recommends creating a special inter-state body to manage these joint arms purchases.
This would allow for more coordinated and cost-effective defence spending across Europe.
Switzerland Bows Out
Keller-Sutter will not attend the second day of the meeting.
Her participation ends after the economic discussions on Friday.
