Switzerland’s government described maintaining steady relations with the European Union as a “strategic necessity” while seeking public support for stronger ties ahead of a national vote on a related agreement.

Highlighting its significance, three of Switzerland’s seven ministers appeared together on Friday to underscore the need for the accord to be enacted. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis underscored that it is crucial “for our prosperity, our security, and the future of our country.”

The Swiss-EU agreement, officially signed this month by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after initial negotiations concluded in 2024, must still be approved by a national referendum in Switzerland.

Given that EU relations are often a contentious issue in the region’s only major central European economy outside the bloc, it remains uncertain whether the vote, expected no earlier than next year, will pass.

Justice Minister Beat Jans cited the worsening geopolitical climate as a key reason to strengthen ties with Brussels, Bloomberg reports.

“In an uncertain world where ‘might makes right’ seems to be the only rule that applies, a stable relationship with our most important partners is all the more important,” he said.

Complicating matters for the government, earlier on Friday it requested an extra 67 million Francs ($85 million) from parliament, in addition to the existing budget, to cover mandatory contributions to EU research programs, from which Switzerland was readmitted under the agreement.

A key point of contention in the deal is that Switzerland would have to adopt certain European laws. Critics, including the private equity billionaires behind Partners Group, argue that this undermines national sovereignty.