Donald Trump demands NATO countries increase military spending to 5% of GDP, while the EU faces rising debt and discontent among its member states. Switzerland, thriving through various industries, resists EU integration, with political leaders struggling to gain public support for a contentious treaty that may face significant opposition in upcoming elections.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen returned to Brussels without a finalized submission treaty after the Swiss Federal Council opted for a piecemeal approach to negotiations, fearing public backlash. This decision marks a significant victory for EU opponents in Switzerland, delaying any agreements until at least 2026.
James Breiding, author of "Too Small to Fail," highlights the strengths of small nations like Singapore and Switzerland in navigating geopolitics. At the recent "Lucerne Dialogue," discussions emphasized Europe's need for innovation over regulation amid a bipolar world dominated by the US and China, with calls for greater independence and unity to enhance bilateral relations with Switzerland. Arancha González Laya urged Europe to seize global instability as an opportunity for new partnerships, advocating for a self-assured Europe to resist superpower pressures.
Stahl Gerlafingen, Switzerland's oldest steelworks, faces potential closure amid financial struggles, including a CHF 300-400 million drop in turnover and high electricity costs. Over 400 employees rallied for federal support, as local and national politicians unite to advocate for the plant's survival, emphasizing its systemic importance and climate-friendly practices.
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