Gegen und mit dem Strom schwimmen: Informationen für eine Lehreinheit zur Europäischen Union aus Schweizer Sicht

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is generally taught in the German classroom from the perspective of Brussels or from Germany's leading role in the EU. Although Switzerland was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and a member of the Council of Europe since 1963, the Swiss people voted twice against a full EU membership. The country has worked out a series of bilateral agreements with the EU that allows this fiercely independent country to participate in the European market and in European scientific, social, and cultural programs. Teaching Switzerland's stance on Europe highlights diplomacy and policy making and opens an array of controversial topics that help students understand the processes of state and nation, self and community, and extends their knowledge of Europe and Switzerland.