The German government has noted the outcome of Switzerland’s referendum on tight immigration quotas, and will respect it. The outcome does, however, pose "serious problems" said government spokesman Steffen Seibert in Berlin.
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Switzerland’s close links to the European Union benefits people on both sides, continued Steffen Seibert. "Freedom of movement is part of this."
As a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Switzerland has access to the EU’s single market on the basis of "a whole series of contractual measures". The free movement of people, goods, services and capital is seen as one integral element, explained the government spokesman.
"We consider the freedom of movement to be an extremely precious and valuable asset, as the Chancellor has repeatedly underscored," continued Steffen Seibert. It is now up to the Swiss government to explain to the EU how it intends to act on the outcome of the referendum. "The EU institutions will then have to review the political and legal implications of the vote."
"It is in our interests to retain as close a link as possible between the EU and Switzerland," stressed the government spokesman, to enable both parties to continue to hold their own against global competitors.
In a referendum on 9 February, 50.3 per cent of Swiss voters backed a proposal to bring back strict immigration quotas.