Swiss upper house backs higher hurdle for EU accord ratification

Switzerland's upper house of parliament on Wednesday voted to make a national referendum on a deal that would deepen Swiss economic integration with the European Union dependent on majority support among the country's cantons, as well as voters.



The lower house must still vote on the matter, but making a referendum contingent on the approval of a majority of cantons raises the bar to ratification of the agreement representing the biggest overhaul of bilateral relations in a generation.



Covering everything from freedom of movement to electricity, state aid and transport, the accord was initially agreed between Bern and Brussels at the end of 2024, shortly after US President Donald Trump was elected for a second term.