EU-DIGEST

Switzerland is the second most competitive economy, behind the US, says the World Economic Forum

The competitiveness of Switzerland's economy has again been ranked second only to that of the United States in a World Economic Forum (WEF) annual survey. WEF awarded Switzerland top marks for innovation and the quality of infrastructure in its 2007/8 Global Competitiveness Report. But the country was held back by the relatively small size of its economy. It is the second year in a row that the Swiss have come runners-up in the poll of 12,000 business leaders, conducted by the Geneva-based organisation.

WEF asked respondents to rank 134 countries based on factors that promoted economic growth, such as the availability of talent, transparency of governance, infrastructure and openness to innovation.

Labels: competitiveness, Switzerland

What would a Swiss banker want for his birthday? - by Tom Bawden

The chairman of UBS is not Mr Popular in Switzerland. Apart from being tarnished with the Swiss bank's sub-prime related writedowns, the largest in Europe, his hefty pay package has also raised eyebrows. Blick, the Swiss daily tabloid newspaper, ran a front page story in 2006 on Mr Ospel's remuneration, reportedly SwFr26 million (£12 million), making him the highest-paid executive in Switzerland. A chain-smoker who is known for his taste for high living, Mr Ospel has removed most of UBS's top management since the sub-prime debacle erupted.

Labels: Economy, Switzerland

Switzerland- Swatch Watches - Why You Should Buy One - by Robin O'Brien

If you're looking for a watch that's a little bit different, one that complements your personality, and one that is so affordable, you could buy several - one to match your mood on any particular day - then take a look at Swatch watches. Just like clothing many of us want to buy a watch that expresses who we are and isn't going to be worn by everyone else. We want a watch that's hip but also exudes quality. But, most watches with both of these qualities are usually expensive designer or Swiss watches and many of us simply can't afford one. The company brings out new designs twice a year, which helps keep the watches unique.

Obviously, you aren't going to get some of the fancier features that other watches have; no chronograph, annual calendars, dive readings, or moon phase. But enough criticism, Swatch watches are for those who want a watch that's affordable, expressive, individualistic and, above all, fun.

Labels: Europe, Swatch-Watch, Switzerland, watchmaking

The Swiss cantonal system: A Model Democracy - by Frances Kendall

The concepts of devolution of power, local autonomy, and participatory democracy have produced the world's most peaceful and prosperous country. Of course, Switzerland, with its compulsory military service, state controlled monetary system, railroad and telephone services, and taxation, is not a pure libertarian society – but for those interested in reining in out-of-control governments in other parts of the world, there are large parts of the Swiss cantonal system that are worthy of emulation.

Switzerland is considered by many to be the most democratic country in the world. It is also one of the world's most successful nations in economic terms. The Swiss people have the highest per-capita incomes in the world, and Switzerland is consistently rated among the top ten nations in terms of quality of life.

Labels: Democracy, Economy, Europe, Switzerland

Michael Pragnell : "Without biotechnology C02 and bio fuel targets EU and USA will be impossible to attain - by Markus Städeli

Michael Pragnell is not a man to indulge in rhetoric. But when it comes to the issue of bio fuels, the English CEO of the Swiss agrichemical business is suddenly willing to speak his mind: "Without green biotechnology, the C02 and bio fuel targets of the EU and those laid down by the USA will be impossible to attain," Pragnell comments. He adds: "People in Europe too will be obliged to acknowledge that fact."

Next year, Syngenta plans to launch a genetically modified maize called maize amylase. Pragnell promises an efficiency gain in ethanol manufacture. He is not prepared to quantity this gain as yet, because approval of the dossier is still pending with the health authorities. We will have to wait for large scale production of ethanol with the new crops to begin to see just how great the gain in fact is. "The world population is expected to grow from the present figure of 6.5 billion to more than 9 billion in the year 2050. But farmland is a finite resource." In addition, there is competition with the bioethanol producers for the scarce crops. "New technologies are needed to increase yields."

Labels: Bio fuels, ethanol, EU, Switzerland

50 years of Swiss mistrust of Europe

Max Petitpierre was Swiss foreign minister when the Treaty of Rome was signed on March 25, 1957. His son, Gilles, talks to swissinfo about Swiss:EU relations.

Gilles Petitpierre, himself a former parliamentarian, says Switzerland's view of Europe always has and most probably always will be one of distrust.

Labels: EU, Integration, Political, Switzerland