| Type of parliamentary body |
Multifunctional |
| Nature |
Permanent |
| Related to chambers |
Nationalrat - Conseil national - Consiglio nazionale
|
| Date of creation |
25 November 1991 |
| Last renewal date |
|
| Mandate |
During negotiations, the Committee is informed and consulted by the Federal Council (government). The Committee has the right to be consulted.
In general terms, the Committee's mandate extends inter alia to all matters pertaining to international economic policy and foreign trade.
As a legislative committee of the National Council, the Committee deliberates laws, international treaties, and government reports, which it refers with recommendations to the Chamber.
|
| Membership |
The Committee is composed of 25 members nominated by their respective groups. The number of each group's delegates depends on the strength of its representation within the Federal Assembly.
Committee members are normally appointed for the duration of a legislature (four years). After two years, the Committee Vice Chair takes over from the initial Chair.
|
| Working methods |
The Committee's deliberations are confidential. The Committee takes its decisions by simple majority vote.
With respect to international negotiations, the government has the obligation to consult with the Committee in advance and to present a mandate.
The Committee generally obtains information from government authorities and holds hearings to get testimony from interest groups and representatives of the scientific community.
|
| Relations with other parliamentary bodies |
In the context of consultations concerning negotiations for the WTO Ministerial Conferences, the Committee does not interact with other parliamentary bodies.
The Committee refers its recommendations on laws, international treaties, and government reports to the National Council. The Committee may also draft joint reports on behalf of another Council committee and issue recommendations from an international and foreign policy perspective.
|
| Relations with external bodies |
In the context of the Parliament's participation in the areas of foreign policy and trade, the Committee is informed and consulted by the Federal Council.
Civil society is included in the decision-making process by way of Committee hearings.
Committee members do not take part in official national delegations. This matter of participation by parliamentarians has been discussed several times within the Committee.
|
| Subjects dealt with |
With respect to foreign trade: WTO and the Doha Round (reduction of trade barriers, repercussions for Swiss agriculture, and crafts production in the developing countries); Switzerland's free-trade policy, particularly within the framework of the EFTA; bilateral relations with the European Union (internal market, free circulation agreement); and human rights in the context of international trade. |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Main address |
Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Service du parlement, 3003 Berne |
| Phone |
+41 31 323 21 80 |
| Fax |
+41 31 322 98 74 |
| E-mail |
apk.cpe@pd.admin.ch |
| Website |
http://www.parlament.ch
|
|
|
|
PRESIDING OFFICER(S)
|
| Name |
Mr. Geri Müller |
| Notes |
National Counsellor, Chair, Committee on Foreign Policy |
| Address (if different from above) |
Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Service du parlement, 3003 Berne |
| Phone |
+41 31 323 21 80 |
| Fax |
+41 31 322 98 74 |
| E-mail |
apk.cpe@pd.admin.ch |
| Website |
http://www.parlament.ch
|
| Name |
Ms. Christa Markwalder Bär |
| Notes |
National Counsellor, Vice Chair, Committee on Foreign Policy |
| Address (if different from above) |
Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Service du parlement, 3003 Berne |
| Phone |
+41 31 323 21 80 |
| Fax |
+41 31 322 98 74 |
| E-mail |
apk.cpe@pd.admin.ch |
| Website |
http://www.parlament.ch
|
|
SECRETARY
|
| Name |
Mr. Paolo Janke |
| Notes |
Secretary, Committee on Foreign Policy |
| Address (if different from above) |
Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Policy, Service du parlement, 3003 Berne |
| Phone |
+41 31 323 21 80 |
| Fax |
+41 31 322 98 74 |
| E-mail |
apk.cpe@pd.admin.ch |
| web site: |
http://www.parlament.ch
|
| Notes |
|
