b'EU immigration. Initially, the EU refusedIf the referendum were to be rerun, in view of to negotiate at all, but in December 2015,subsequent events, it is highly probable that Swiss President Simonetta Sommarugathere would be a larger majority in favour of met European Commission President Jean-limiting EU emigration to Switzerland. Claude Juncker and President of the Council of Ministers Jean Asselborn to discuss theThere are wider implications for the future. matter. In December 2018, the EU extendedThe aftermath of the Swiss referendum on the deadline for a deal to be reached by siximmigration demonstrates that countries can months.49 stand up for themselves against European Union laws. Negotiations between Switzerland and the European Commission on an institutionalThe huge disadvantage of Switzerlands framework accord concluded in Novemberformer arrangements was that Switzerland 2018. On 7 December 2018, the Swisswas bound by EU rules on Free Movement Federal Council decided to neither acceptof Persons. Switzerland has now removed nor decline the negotiated accord, insteaditself from the obligation. opting for a public consultation.50If the accord were accepted by Switzerland, theAfter the referendum on 9 February 2014, country would be similarly subjected to EUSwitzerland has a different blueprint for regulations as are other EFTA countriesits relationship with the EU. This creates a which are members of the EEA.precedent for other countries, although not (in my judgment) for the UK.84'