For the first time ever, Swiss representatives have been invited to a public hearing in the European Parliament where they are expected to explain themselves. Why are obstacles gathering in the way of EU citizens coming to work in the country?

Swiss protectionism

What’s up in Switzerland?   New waves of protectionism?

After the referendum about the ban   on building minarets and mosques,

this time it’s the turn   of European workers

who feel discriminated against   when trying to enter Switzerland.

The current controversy is about   the so-called eight days rule –

the time that Swiss Cantons   apparently need, to check on the workers.

The problem is that most of the time   it’s about urgent services,

and eight days on stand-by   would mean losing the job.

Swiss representatives have been invited   to a public hearing at the EP today

They can hear the Europeans’ discontent   and set out their reasons.

There are certain problems,   for example when it comes to services.

We have problems with   the so-called supporting measures

that the Swiss Cantons and government   use for fighting social dumping.

Sometimes these measures   are not proportionate.

In 2008, every working day, more than   300 people came to Switzerland to work.

But there are only 10 Swiss people   going to work in the EU, per day.

This agreement works   in a very asymmetric way.

They fear that today   it's temporary workers,

but tomorrow other professionals   will face closed doors too.

At a legal level, Switzerland   doesn’t risk too much.

It's not part of the EU or the EEA,   unlike Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

However, because of its 120 bilateral   agreements with the EU,

Switzerland is almost like a Member State   - with many exceptions and derogations.