National Council
24.021 BRG. “In favour of a responsible economy within planetary boundaries”. Popular initiative
The popular initiative, which had already been widely criticised in advance, was the subject of fierce debate in the National Council. In particular, the initiative was criticised for being too radical. In the run-up to the session, the majority had recommended that the popular initiative be rejected and that the Federal Council’s draft be followed. The Council of States followed this recommendation by 129:60(2). The popular initiative now goes to the Council of States.
Council of States
23.047 BRG. Cartel Act (CA). Amendment
The bill was discussed intensively during the session. In the end, the Council of States rejected the presentation of harmfulness in Art. 5 and 7 KG and, on the other hand, supported the compliance defence. The business will therefore next go to the WAK-N in August and then to the National Council.
23.077 Agreement between Switzerland and Slovenia for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital. Protocol of amendment
The revision protocol contains almost exclusively adjustments to the BEPS minimum standard already adopted by Switzerland in many double taxation agreements. By adopting it, Switzerland would be aligning itself with internationally harmonised standards. The Council of States unanimously adopted the agreement with Slovenia in this session as the second chamber. The deal then went to the final vote, where it was approved by both Councils.
23.080 BRG. Supplementary agreement to the agreement of 9 September 1966 between Switzerland and France for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital and for the prevention of tax fraud and tax evasion. Authorisation
The supplementary agreement mainly regulates the possibility for cross-border commuters to work from home. The agreement contains welcome improvements, particularly for cross-border commuters without decision-making functions who only make a few business trips (especially to France). After the National Council, the Council of States unanimously approved the agreement with France. The deal then went to the final vote, where it was clearly approved by both chambers.
24.024 Federal law on the taxation of teleworking in international relations
After the bill on the taxation of teleworking was revised, it was initially adopted unanimously during the 2024 special session of the National Council, which sent the matter to the Council of States. The Council of States also adopted the bill unanimously in the last session, thereby following the proposal of the responsible committee. The matter then went to the final vote, where it was clearly approved by both chambers.
24.009 BRG. Foreign policy report 2023
The Council of States has taken note of the report.
24.022 BRG. Foreign policy strategy 2024-2027
The Council of States has taken note of the strategy.
24.032 BRG. Free trade agreement between the EFTA states and the Republic of Moldova. Authorisation
The free trade agreement was unanimously approved by the Council of States. The deal now goes to the National Council and will be discussed by its Foreign Affairs Committee (APK-N) on 1-2 July 2024.
