Maltese can now work in Switzerland

The Swiss yesterday decided in a referendum to approve a deal with the EU to open up their country's labour market to the citizens of the 10 new member states, including Malta.

Malta and Cyprus obtained even better conditions than the other eight states.

According to a protocol between the EU and Switzerland, already approved by the EU institutions, only Maltese and Cypriot citizens will gain immediate rights to enter the Swiss labour market. Citizens from the other countries will still have restrictions. In the case of Malta and Cyprus there are no restrictions.

Despite right-wing warnings of floods of cheap labour, 56 per cent of Switzerland's electorate endorsed government plans to extend an agreement with Brussels on the free movement of people to the new states.

The referendum was seen as a test of Switzerland's relations with the EU. A 'no' vote would have unravelled a raft of complex deals with the EU, aimed at making cross-border trade and law enforcement easier. However, yesterday's clear endorsement was seen as a victory for the Swiss government and a vote of confidence for its bilateral relationship with the 25-member EU.

The citizens of the 'old' 15 member states already enjoy free movement in Switzerland according to an agreement signed six years ago. It also guarantees access for Swiss citizens to the EU market.

Relations between Switzerland and the European Union are considered to be close as is demonstrated by the large number of bi-lateral agreements which are in place between them. They cover many areas including free movement of persons, overland transport, air transport, agriculture, research, as well as technical barriers to trade and public procurement. All these agreements will now have to be amended to reflect the accession of the 10 new members.