The role of the swiss franc in Switzerland’s European stance

The case of Switzerland appears to be unique with regards to the European economic and monetary integration process, which began in 1957: although the country has had close and growing links with the European Union (EU) over time, it does not want to access full membership. Even though this situation of high integration without full membership entails certain constraints, it is also interesting for Switzerland in many respects. In particular, it allows the country to preserve the sovereignty of its money, which is the backbone of Switzerland’s modern existence. That is why I consider that the Swiss Franc is at the core of Switzerland’s European stance.