Michael McKay conducts in depth interviews with decision makers and local leaders.
The McKay Interview was founded on a simple idea: that listeners would tune in regularly to listen to intelligent yet relaxed, English-language conversation between Michael McKay and interesting people who do interesting things.
A variety of prominent and thoughtful people have accepted the invitation and a wide range of topics have been covered.
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Michael McKay conducts in depth interviews with decision makers and local leaders.
The McKay Interview was founded on a simple idea: that listeners would tune in regularly to listen to intelligent yet relaxed, English-language conversation between Michael McKay and interesting people who do interesting things.
A variety of prominent and thoughtful people have accepted the invitation and a wide range of topics have been covered.
Switzerland and the EU: Negotiations, Migration, and the Future of Europe – Ambassador Petros Mavromichalis, the EU’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein
The McKay Interview
34 minutes 5 seconds
8 months ago
Switzerland and the EU: Negotiations, Migration, and the Future of Europe – Ambassador Petros Mavromichalis, the EU’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Switzerland is often described as the "hole in the EU doughnut", a country deeply intertwined with the European economy but not a member of the European Union. Today, I sit down, on January 12, 2025, with Ambassador Petros Mavromichalis, the EU’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, to discuss the complexities of this relationship.
We cover:
Switzerland’s EU Negotiations: Why Switzerland prefers bilateral agreements over full membership and the challenges in aligning with evolving EU laws.
The Sticking Points: How free movement of people, labor market access, and dispute resolution mechanisms have become major hurdles.
The EU’s Economic Outlook: Can Europe compete with a growing US economy, and where does the EU see untapped potential?
Migration and Border Challenges: How the EU is handling legal migration, the aging workforce, and the challenge of illegal migration across its vast borders.
Climate Change and EU Leadership: The EU’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 goal, financial commitments to developing nations, and the challenge of balancing economic realities with climate action.
Join us for a deep dive into Switzerland’s unique position in Europe, the EU’s broader strategic goals, and how both sides navigate their interdependent but often tense relationship.
The McKay Interview
Michael McKay conducts in depth interviews with decision makers and local leaders.
The McKay Interview was founded on a simple idea: that listeners would tune in regularly to listen to intelligent yet relaxed, English-language conversation between Michael McKay and interesting people who do interesting things.
A variety of prominent and thoughtful people have accepted the invitation and a wide range of topics have been covered.
