28/06/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 28 June, Switzerland’s Federal Council acknowledged, in a press release, the “social and economic importance of the bilateral path” with the EU. Bern makes clear its desire to maintain and build on this relationship but “plans to assess the situation in the next few months based on the tangible outcomes obtained following the resumption of talks on outstanding dossiers”. After a chilly period following the referendum of 9 February 2014, EU-Swiss relations thawed at the end of 2016 when a solution was found on free movement of workers. Both parties have not as yet signed any inter-institutional agreement – as asked for by Brussels to be able, for example, to prepare new agreements on European market access. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Swiss President Doris Leuthard are scheduled, in principle to meet in Bern in autumn to take stock of outstanding issues. (SP)