Switzerland's Selective Approach to European Integration

Switzerland is at the geographic center of Europe and in many ways is thoroughly integrated with the European Union, but the country resists full institutional integration for strategic reasons. Bern's "discriminatory" approach to immigration drew the ire of the European commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion earlier this week.

Through bilateral agreements, Switzerland tries to find a balance between independence and integration with the rest of Europe. Maintaining this balance will become more difficult as the European crisis lingers and Euroskeptical forces in Switzerland remain strong. Brussels, as well as core countries such as France and Germany, is likely to put additional pressure on Switzerland out of fear that its selective European integration strategy will gain momentum in EU countries, thus weakening the bloc's structures. However, this pressure is unlikely to be effective because the European Union's crisis has further weakened the Swiss group advocating EU membership.