If approved by lawmakers, the legislation is expected to face a national referendum, where nationalist groups have signalled opposition, arguing that deeper integration with the EU could undermine Swiss sovereignty.

The Federal Council said the proposed framework was designed to safeguard Switzerland’s economic interests and ensure continuity in its relationship with the EU.”

“In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance,” the council said in a statement.

The government added that strengthening institutional cooperation with the bloc would provide greater certainty for Switzerland’s export-driven economy.

The legislative package builds on an agreement initially reached between Switzerland and the European Union in December 2024.

According to the Federal Council, the framework would help create predictable conditions for trade and economic cooperation while supporting long-term prosperity in the Alpine country.

Under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, major legislative changes can be challenged through a nationwide referendum.

Political observers say the proposed measures are likely to face strong scrutiny from nationalist groups that oppose closer institutional ties with the European Union, setting the stage for a potentially contentious public vote.

Speaking to the newspaper on Saturday, Trump described Meloni as “a great leader” and said Italy was doing what it could to help in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. “She always tries to help, she is an excellent leader and she is a friend of mine,” Trump said, according to the report.Italy signals support roleItaly has taken steps in recent days indicating a possible role in regional security efforts linked to the conflict.

Meloni said on Thursday that Rome was planning to send air-defence assistance to Gulf countries facing Iranian air strikes.The move reflects broader European concerns about the security implications of escalating hostilities in the Middle East.Naval deployment near eastern MediterraneanSeparately, an Italian navy vessel is preparing to sail to Cyprus, an Italian navy spokesperson said on Friday. The deployment is part of a joint European mission intended to help protect the island after it came under Iranian fire.The operation underscores growing military coordination among European countries as regional tensions intensify.

Diplomatic alignment with WashingtonTrump’s remarks highlight the close political relationship between Washington and Rome under Meloni’s leadership. Italy, a NATO member and a key European Union economy, has maintained strong security ties with the United States.Italian officials have not detailed the full scope of their potential involvement, but recent defence measures suggest Rome is positioning itself to support regional security initiatives connected to the conflict.

Oil shipments through the pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary via Ukraine have been halted since late January after Kyiv said a Russian strike sparked a fire that seriously damaged the line. Ukrainian authorities have said repairs cannot be completed quickly.The disruption has triggered one of the most serious disputes between Kyiv and its two European Union neighbours since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Pressure over EU loan to UkraineFico said he would raise the issue with von der Leyen during a meeting in Paris and push for technical experts to assess the damaged pipeline. In a video posted on Facebook, he warned Slovakia could block a major European Union loan to Ukraine if oil flows are not restored.“Blocking this huge military gift to Ukraine is a legitimate tool to achieve the restoration of oil supplies,” Fico said.Hungary has already vetoed new EU sanctions on Russia and a proposed 90-billion-euro loan package intended to support Ukraine.

Dispute over responsibility for delaysSlovakia and Hungary, both EU members that still import Russian oil and maintain ties with Moscow, have accused Ukraine of deliberately slowing the pipeline restart for political reasons. Ukrainian officials say the damage to the infrastructure makes a quick repair impossible.The European Commission said on Friday it was examining possible ways to help restore Druzhba oil flows, including potential financial assistance.Political tensions across the regionThe dispute has also affected bilateral relations between Slovakia and Ukraine.

Slovakia has already halted emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine during the standoff.Tensions are unfolding as Hungary approaches a closely contested election next month, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has led the country for 16 years, making the war in Ukraine a central issue in his campaign.