Switzerland's Monetary Bilateralism. The Episode of 1975

Abstract

The present article is a contribution to the history of the monetary relations between Switzerland and its European neighbours. Given its historical focus on independence and self-determination, Switzerland is opposed to full membership of the European Union. Instead, given the close economic links with its European neighbour countries, Switzerland aims at formal relationships with the European Union only in selected economic and technical areas. The article first gives some historical background, then discusses Switzerland’s negotiations with the “snake” countries and ends with a note on the developments after 1975.