Immigration security

Switzerland Moves Closer to Compromise Over EU Immigration

Switzerland’s lower house of parliament on Wednesday appeared to defuse a potential conflict with the European Commission over the Alpine country’s efforts to limit immigration.

In a series of votes, parliamentarians decided that Switzerland would make better use of its domestic workforce to limit immigration, and that it would seek the approval of Brussels if it wants to take any additional corrective action.

Switzerland and Brussels have been on a collision course since February 2014, when the Swiss narrowly approved a referendum to limit immigration.

The referendum was binding. But the government has some leeway in how to implement it. The measure now goes to the Senate, but Wednesday’s vote indicates that the Swiss are seeking a compromise with the European Union that would ensure its access to the massive EU market.