Swiss Senate Backs Referendum Requiring Public and Cantonal Approval for EU Deal

Switzerland’s Senate has voted to require approval from both the public and the cantons for the country’s treaty package with the European Union. Senators rejected the government’s proposal for an optional referendum by 23 votes to 17, with three abstentions. They instead backed a special referendum requiring a cantonal majority, alongside a proposal for a constitutional amendment. The National Council must still review both measures, meaning the voting procedure remains unsettled. The agreement would deepen Switzerland’s ties with the EU