Statement of the V4 countries
19.04.2012 / 14:10
(This article expired 20.04.2013.)
Ministers of foreign affairs of the V4 countries during their meeting in the margins of the North Atlantic Council, that took place on April 19, 2012, adopted a statement regarding the decision of the Swiss Government to re-establish quantitative limitations for certain categories of residence permits for citizens of eight of the EU Member States.
Ministers expressed their regrets at the decision of the Swiss Federal Council of April 18, 2012, re-establishing quotas for certain categories of residence permits for citizens of Estonia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. This measure puts citizens of these eight EU Member States at unjustified disadvantage. The number of citizens of the affected 8 EU countries seeking residence in Switzerland is insignificant compared to the overall number of immigrants into Switzerland and its impact on the Swiss labour market is minimal. The V4 ministers pointed out that free movement is beneficial for both the EU and Swiss economies. Furthermore, the V4 ministers welcomed the statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton, which confirms that this measure is in breach of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (as amended by the Protocol of 2004).
