Swiss voters today are expected to reject flatly an initiative calling for closer ties to the European Union, but the vote does not mean they necessarily oppose membership.
The latest opinion poll shows only a third of voters favour immediate talks on joining the 15-nation bloc, but also finds most voters – traditionally so wary of international entanglements that they have kept neutral Switzerland out of the United Nations – see themselves as EU members in the future.
"There's no question this initiative will be voted down," said Economics Ministry spokesman Robin Tickle. "But voters are voting down an unrealistic initiative."
Because the initiative calls for quick negotiations with Brussels, it overlooks the main obstacle that Switzerland is not yet ready to become a member.
Many reforms are needed first, such as restructuring Swiss direct democracy and tax laws.
Swiss likely to reject closer ties with EU
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