October 2007 - CH: Council of States overcautious towards ACE

The Swiss Council of States (upper chamber of the Swiss parliament) was the first chamber to discuss the Freight Traffic Transfer Act.

The draft by the Federal Council (government) intended to give the government the authority to introduce an ACE in agreement with neighbouring countries. Although the Council of States did not oppose an ACE, it did create a “double barrier”, by only giving the government a negotiating mandate. Only in a second step does it want to discuss the necessary contracts and implementation of the Alpine Crossing Exchange in Swiss law. A compromise proposal more in line with the original draft was narrowly rejected by 21 to 18 votes. The National Council, the second Chamber to discuss the draft, will probably do so at the beginning of 2008.