One Twitter user, Ross Campbell, called the decision to cancel the 1992 application "a dream."
Switzerland, the most democratic and prosperous country in Europe. Not in the EU. The dream. #voteleave
— Ross Campbell (@_Ross_Campbell_) 16 июня 2016 г.
On Wednesday, twenty-seven members of the Council of States, the upper house of the Swiss parliament, backed the motion that was approved by the National Council, the lower house, in March. Thirteen senators voted against.
Yeah! Switzerland withdrew their EU Application..hope it will bring positive vibes for #Brexit and #UKIP!
— Marcus Foo (@DisneySorceror) 16 июня 2016 г.
"The EU is not the alpha and omega of the political system," the document said, adding that "there are other, much better solutions." The bloc, according to the Swiss lawmakers, is not a game-changer when it comes to promoting innovation, improving the quality of life, fostering competitiveness, enhancing stability, etc. "There is no valid reason to join the EU," they emphasized.
Brexiteers can relate to these concerns.
#Switzerland pulls application to join EU. Don't want country bankrupted and overrun with migrants… #VoteLeave pic.twitter.com/Jme4qEqIUy
— Daily Agenda UK (@DailyAgendaUK) 16 июня 2016 г.
SWITZERLAND have just REMOVED its application to join EU. It helps us to vote LEAVE🇬🇧🇬🇧🆓🔜
— Bryan Hollis (@BryanHollis2) 16 июня 2016 г.
Switzerland withdraws application to join EU. Mr. Minder: only "a few lunatics" may want to join the EU now. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/5rR5w6rZXv
— TTI News (@TTINews) 16 июня 2016 г.
Many on social media hailed the Swiss move to drop the EU bid as the right decision, saying that the country is successful and prosperous on its own. One Twitter user referred to the European Union as "a huge mistake."
Smart move #Switzerland #EU is a huge mistake https://t.co/Xtu2e2QYDW
— Canadian Minion©™ (@Canadian_Minion) 16 июня 2016 г.
Another Twitter user pointed out that joining the bloc would have been detrimental to the Swiss economy.
Switzerland withdraw application to join EU, they know membership would be bad for jobs and economy
— Barry Wright (@bwright1951) 16 июня 2016 г.
Switzerland is so successful outside of EU unhindered by ridiculous regs when dealing with 170+ countries out of EU. https://t.co/9njrYjaYLa
— Chris (@revmeup23) 16 июня 2016 г.
The vote in the Swiss parliament was more of a formality, since the country suspended its accession talks in 1992 after the voters refused to join the European Economic Area. For its part, the EU has not viewed Switzerland as an official candidate for a long time.
