This is an automated translation.
The SwissHoldings Session Preview informs about the upcoming issues of the autumn session from 11 to 29 September. The Preview contains a brief overview of the issues, the current stand as well as a recommendations of our association.
National Council
23.043 Double taxation. Agreement with the United Arab Emirates
Recommendation: SwissHoldings recommends the adoption of the Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Agreement.
On the agenda on the 19th of September 2023
The revision protocol includes the adoption of the BEPS minimum standard in the DTA with the United Arab Emirates. This internationally mandatory standard has already been incorporated into many Swiss double taxation agreements since its adoption in autumn 2015. The innovations bring our companies more clarity and legal certainty.
27.06.2023: WAK-N recommends adoption
Against the background of the introduction of an ordinary profit tax by the United Arab Emirates (9% from June 2023), a modern, advantageous and internationally compatible DTA will become significantly more important for the Swiss economy.
Martin Hess Head Taxation
✉ martin.hess@swissholdings.ch
☎ +41 (0)78 805 04 95
23.052 Situation Assessment Switzerland-EU Relations. Report
Recommendation: SwissHoldings recommends supporting the APK-N recommendation and taking note of the report.
On the agenda on the 27th of September 2023
At its meeting on 9 June 2023, the Federal Council finally approved the report on relations between Switzerland and the European Union and forwarded it to the Federal Assembly. The report was dealt with in December 2022 and adopted subject to the results of consultations with the foreign policy commissions.
The report, entitled “Assessment of Switzerland-EU relations”, provides a comprehensive presentation of the existing bilateral ties with the EU, an assessment of the current situation with regard to European policy and a forward-looking perspective. It concludes that the bilateral approach remains the most advantageous solution for Switzerland. The draft was already published after the Federal Council meeting of 9 December 2022.
Not yet dealt with in the councils
Orderly and secure relations between the European Union and Switzerland are essential for both sides. The EU member states will remain extremely important trading partners of the strongly export-oriented Swiss economy for the foreseeable future. It must therefore remain a priority objective that the bilateral path can be successfully continued.
SwissHoldings welcomes the fact that the Federal Council is endeavouring to ensure that the bilateral agreements continue to be applied as smoothly as possible. From the association’s point of view, it is also important to exploit all possibilities that Switzerland can implement unilaterally to strengthen the framework conditions to ensure the competitiveness of our country.
Denise Laufer Head Economics
✉ denise.laufer@swissholdings.ch
☎ +41 (0)76 407 02 48
Council of States
23.052 Situation Assessment Switzerland-EU Relations. Report
Recommendation: SwissHoldings recommends supporting the APK-N recommendation and taking note of the report.
On the agenda on the 28th of September 2023
At its meeting on 9 June 2023, the Federal Council finally approved the report on relations between Switzerland and the European Union and forwarded it to the Federal Assembly. The report was dealt with in December 2022 and adopted subject to the results of consultations with the foreign policy commissions.
The report, entitled “Assessment of Switzerland-EU relations”, provides a comprehensive presentation of the existing bilateral ties with the EU, an assessment of the current situation with regard to European policy and a forward-looking perspective. It concludes that the bilateral approach remains the most advantageous solution for Switzerland. The draft was already published after the Federal Council meeting of 9 December 2022.
Not yet dealt with in the councils
Orderly and secure relations between the European Union and Switzerland are essential for both sides. The EU member states will remain extremely important trading partners of the strongly export-oriented Swiss economy for the foreseeable future. It must therefore remain a priority objective that the bilateral path can be successfully continued.
SwissHoldings welcomes the fact that the Federal Council is endeavouring to ensure that the bilateral agreements continue to be applied as smoothly as possible. From the association’s point of view, it is also important to exploit all possibilities that Switzerland can implement unilaterally to strengthen the framework conditions to ensure the competitiveness of our country.
Denise Laufer Head Economics
✉ denise.laufer@swissholdings.ch
☎ +41 (0)76 407 02 48
23.035 Investment protection. Agreement with Indonesia
Recommendation: SwissHoldings supports the investment protection agreement with Indonesia and recommends its adoption.
On the agenda on the 28th of September 2023
On 5 April 2023, the Federal Council adopted the Dispatch on the new bilateral investment protection agreement between Switzerland and Indonesia for the attention of the Federal Assembly. The agreement closes the gap in the treaty that existed since the previous agreement expired in 2016.
30.06.2023: APK-S recommends adoption
SwissHoldings supports the present Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with Indonesia: The IPA protects Swiss companies from state discrimination and unlawful expropriation and ensures the free transfer of payments in connection with investments. In combination with the free trade agreement between the EFTA states and Indonesia, which will enter into force in 2021, it is expected that the investment protection agreement will significantly strengthen the trade and investment dynamics of Swiss companies in Indonesia in the medium and long term.
The content of the agreement corresponds to current standards: The design of investment protection has been continuously developed in recent years – especially with regard to legal certainty and protection against its misuse. The association has always supported the corresponding work for the further development of the dispute settlement system.
Denise Laufer Head Economics
✉ denise.laufer@swissholdings.ch
☎ +41 (0)76 407 02 48
