Of course, but they're fiercely opposed to the notion of being subject to regulation by EU institutions. The Swiss are well capable of regulating themselves to death entirely on their own, thank you very much. ;)
On the other hand, this same thoroughness makes their trains run on time and their products well-respected for quality and precision. Two sides to a coin.
To get back to my nitpick: It's a bit like casually referring to the US when you're actually talking about Canada. Some Canadians might be offended.
> Of course, but they're fiercely opposed to the notion of being subject to regulation by EU institutions.
They're also fiercly opposed to not having an open border, both for people and goods, with their EU neighbours.
One of these days something is going to have to give.
There had already been a few upset people over the issue, but then the war in Ukraine happened and the Swiss said "we're neutral!", and a few more got upset.
Eventually one of the deadlines the EU give them to get their act together will stick. It will presumably coincide with an economic crisis for one side or the other..
> They're also fiercly opposed to not having an open border, both for people and goods, with their EU neighbours.
Switzerland is part of schengen and has open borders. The same goes for a lot of goods but even between EU members there are some tariffs for certain goods.
On the other hand, this same thoroughness makes their trains run on time and their products well-respected for quality and precision. Two sides to a coin.
To get back to my nitpick: It's a bit like casually referring to the US when you're actually talking about Canada. Some Canadians might be offended.
And yeah, I'm fun at parties.