Swiss government calls time out in push for EU ties as Brexit talks begin

Zurich

SWITZERLAND'S drive to clinch a sweeping treaty putting its ties with the European Union on firmer footing has run aground as mainstream conservative parties get cold feet ahead of Britain's divorce talks with the EU.

A new treaty could clear the way for closer ties in fields including financial services and power markets, but fear that any deal might upset Swiss voters under the country's system of direct democracy has put the project on hold.