EBA Members and staff met this morning for an EBA Business Morning with the Swiss Ambassador H.E. Mr. George Zubler. Mr Zubler gave an interesting and informative presentation before answering many attentive questions from members of the audience.

Swiss/Ukrainian trade has been seriously affected by the 2008 financial crisis (decreasing by 40-60%) however; Mr Zubler was able to explain the relationship between the two countries and describe the Embassy’s work in promoting and supporting trade between the two nations. Furthermore, Mr Zubler shared his personal views and experience on a wide range of topics from Swiss Banking to tourism and the Swiss relationship with the EU.

Like Ukraine Switzerland is not an EU country but, as Mr Zubler explained – thanks to a huge number of bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU, the country may actually be more integrated with the EU than some EU Member States. Public opinion and the unique form of direct democracy that Switzerland has makes membership unlikely but the Ambassador made clear that he sees this as a good long-term strategic goal for Ukraine. The EBA thanks all members for attending and providing a lively and interesting debate and extends its gratitude to Mr Zubler for his time.

EBA Corporate Partner	EBA Event Partner