Should I Stay or Should I Go? Switzerland and the European Economic and Monetary Integration Process

The case of Switzerland appears to be unique with regard to the European Economic and Monetary Integration Process which began in 1957: even though the country has cultivated close ties and growing links with the European Union (EU) over time, it does not desire full membership. If this situation of “non-adhesive integration” seems to be beneficial for Switzerland in many respects, it also presents some constraints. Such a position leads to a national dilemma for Switzerland with regard to the EU: should I stay or should I go? Thus we shall examine in this article the particularities, the advantages, and the constraints of the Swiss stance.