Switzerland toys with Europe

摘要

The countries of Eastern Europe may be queuing up to join the European Union. Not so Switzerland. Even if its voters approve a bundle of economic agreements with the EU in a referendum on May 21st, the government will stay cautious. The seven accords, ratified by parliament last year, cover such matters as air and road transport, some farm products, and the free movement of labour. They would give Swiss citizens and companies broad freedom throughout the EU, but are less generous the other way. But they face strong opposition from those who suspect they are a step toward full EU membership.