Headlines
Swiss gov't proposes optional referendum on closer ties with European Union
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 30, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Summary
The Swiss government proposes an optional referendum on a new EU agreement, requiring 50,000 signatures for a vote, needing a simple majority to pass.
Swiss Government Proposes Referendum on EU Agreement
ZURICH (Reuters) - The Swiss government suggested holding an optional referendum on the country's new agreement with the European Union, the cabinet said on Wednesday, making it easier to win support for the deal.
Under Swiss law a popular vote on a new treaty can be held if 50,000 signatures are gathered within 100 days, leaving it up to citizens to decide on the need for a vote.
A simple majority of voters is needed for the optional referendum to pass, rather than a double majority of voters and of the country's 26 cantons under some compulsory referenda.
(Reporting by John Revill, editing by Ariane Luthi)
Key Takeaways
- •Swiss government suggests an optional referendum on EU agreement.
- •A popular vote requires 50,000 signatures within 100 days.
- •Optional referendum needs a simple majority to pass.
- •The proposal aims to simplify gaining public support.
- •The decision reflects ongoing Swiss-EU relations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss gov't proposes optional referendum on closer ties with European Union
1What is the main topic?
The main topic is the Swiss government's proposal for an optional referendum on a new agreement with the European Union.
2How many signatures are needed for a referendum?
A popular vote on a new treaty can be held if 50,000 signatures are gathered within 100 days.
3What majority is required for the referendum to pass?
A simple majority of voters is needed for the optional referendum to pass.
