The debate over the value of Switzerland's bilateral agreements with the EU has intensified with the Swiss People's Party (SVP) initiative challenging these agreements.

The SVP opposes deeper contractual ties with the EU, questioning the benefits of existing agreements like Bilateral I, which includes accords on free movement, trade barriers, and public procurement.

While some studies suggest these agreements boost Switzerland's economic growth, the SVP argues that their impact is overstated and calls for a new study to assess their true value.

Critics of the SVP's stance highlight the economic advantages of reduced trade barriers and increased innovation due to immigration.

However, the SVP remains skeptical, citing concerns over increased population density and potential job displacement.

The ongoing debate underscores the complexity of measuring the agreements' economic impact, with significant uncertainty about the consequences of terminating these agreements.