New Helvetic Society

On 19 January 2012, Mr Urs Schmid, Minister at the Swiss Embassy, gave a very interesting and lively presentation - despite the seriousness of the topic humour was present with the lively illustrations - about the relationship between Switzerland and the European Union. Is this relationship a "Model or Accident?". The figures of the trade between the two entities show that Switzerland needs Europe as a market to sell the goods it manufactures - a large chunk of its exports are sold in the EU - but also relies on foreign nationals - the frontaliers - to work in Switzerland. However, after decades of negociations to achieve the Bilaterals I and II, how can we consider the relationship between the two entities when you know that CH is kept out of EU negotiations and has to abide by the decisions reached by the EU? The Minister concluded after a short and concise presentation that this model of cooperation is neither an accident nor a model. Stephan Lauper - who assisted Mr Schmid with the presentation - gave an insight into the difficulties faced by the fraught relationship. The lively session of questions and answers continued around a glass of wine and delicious home-made nibbles. NM and MJL

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The New Helvetic Society and the Cercle Genevois have merged. For the past two years, both societies

came together to commemorate L’Escalade, the celebration of an important historic event, which took
place in 1602 in Geneva. We shall keep the tradition of celebrating this important event and smashing the
Marmite each December.

FOSSUK in association with the New Helvetic Society, the City Swiss Club and the Unione Ticinese invited

Swiss politicians from the main three political parties to debate about Direct Democracy and the Swiss Abroad
with Prof. Clive Church, Emeritus Professor, University of Kent, in the chair. The debate was very lively as
was the questions and answers session. It was very interesting to hear what these politicians had to say one month before the election took place in Switzerland. Let us see how they keep their promises during the next 4 years.

Our November film 1 Day created a bit of a controversy. This prize-winning Swiss film was good for some

and a bit risqué for others. It must be pointed out that it has a 12+ age rating in Switzerland and received funds
from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture. It is not our aim to show mainstream films. As a cultural society,
we solely present films with a Swiss connection, which are not usually distributed in the UK.

Lorna Anderson and James Lisney, two internationally renowned musicians, delighted their audience

by performing Franz Schubert’s music for our November concert. People were overwhelmed by the quality
of their rendition. Lorna and James for their part enjoyed the intimacy of the venue. This concert was
sponsored by ncl charted accountants.

Mrs Cécile Mackay