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The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘He shapes like a strong stayer on handicap debut' – Templegate's Saturday NAP can exploit his mark
TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday's racing - including the brilliant Coral-Eclipse from Sandown live on ITV1 at 3.35pm - confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. Advertisement VALIANCY (2.05 Haydock, nap) He looks the one to beat for William Haggas. This Cracksman gelding is going the right way, just denied here over 1m4f in May before bolting up at Hamilton. He shapes like a strong stayer and should relish this extra yardage on good ground. A fair opening mark gives him every chance on handicap debut. GREEK ORDER (2.25 Sandown, nb) He was a major eyecatcher when fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, finishing strongly behind impressive winner My Cloud and shaping like a Group-class performer in a handicap. That was his first run for Michael Bell after returning from the US and confirmed he retains all his ability. The stiffer mile at Sandown should suit him ideally and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye. Advertisement SIR LOWRY'S PASS (3.15 Haydock, treble) He has more to come over this distance with an excellent Goodwood win before getting no luck at Redcar last time. Moving up to this distance can pay further dividends. Templegate's TV verdicts SANDOWN Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing 1.50 SHE'S QUALITY is living up to her name after two mighty efforts in Group sprints this season. She chased home Rumstar in the Palace House at HQ and went down by just half a length in the Temple Stakes. She's tactically versatile, handles any going and the stiff 5f here could suit ideally. She's ready to strike at this level and gets the nod. Advertisement Kerdos wasn't helped by getting loose before the King Charles III at Royal Ascot, but still ran a blinder, finishing first of the far-side group and beaten only two lengths. He drops in grade here and should go very close. Rumstar beat the tip in the Palace House and has been unlucky twice since, both times poorly drawn. He's proven in this grade and can't be discounted. Balmoral Lady is an improver from the Ed Walker yard. She won a Listed event at Haydock in May and outran her odds at Ascot, shaping well. Another live one. Advertisement West Acre didn't get the run of the race at the Royal meeting and likes this trip, while Adrestia took a hot Ascot handicap last time and isn't out of place in this grade. 2.25 GREEK ORDER was a major eyecatcher when fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, finishing strongly behind impressive winner My Cloud and shaping like a Group-class performer in a handicap. That was his first run for Michael Bell after returning from the US and confirmed he retains all his ability. Advertisement The stiffer mile at Sandown should suit him ideally and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye. Treasure Time is feared most. He's been off since last September but won twice last season and represents the powerful William Haggas yard. He stays strongly, travels well and has won fresh before – this track could bring out even more. Classic Encounter is also on the upgrade and comes here on the back of a gritty win at York. He's not flashy but is tough and improving. Advertisement Classic goes well at Sandown and has hit the frame here last time when second in a tactical race. A repeat of that puts him in the hunt. Arisaig could be pick of the bigger prices after being snookered by the draw at Royal Ascot last time. 3.00 SUPERMODEL is sitting pretty for William Haggas. Advertisement She is bred to excel over middle distances but has also shown a potent turn of foot over shorter in two emphatic wins in her brief career. She cruised home in a Nottingham handicap on reappearance, forging clear late with plenty in hand and was value for a lot more. The stiff Sandown mile and likely strong pace are ideal and she's open to stacks of improvement. Miss Tonnerre looks a major danger. She chased home high-class fillies as a juvenile, including in the Group 2 May Hill at Donny and her pedigree suggests she'll be better as a three-year-old. Advertisement She's entitled to come on plenty for last month's return in the Musidora and dropping back in trip can help. Much of the market attention centres on Blue Bolt, who has won her last two with ease. She's clearly talented but takes on stronger rivals here and is a little skinny in the market. Cajole has Ryan Moore up for the Gosdens and she improved plenty when second in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot. Advertisement She didn't get the clearest of runs there and looks up to this standard. Victory Queen is going the right way and has place claims too. 3.35 OMBUDSMAN may be a short price but he's mighty hard to beat in the Coral-Eclipse. Advertisement This powerhouse from the Gosden yard confirmed himself as a serious Group 1 performer at Royal Ascot, where he stormed through late to land the Prince of Wales's Stakes in some style. He was short of room at a key moment but still quickened like a jet once clear, brushing aside his rivals with ease. He's looked a monster in the making all year and this could be his coronation. The only thing that could derail him is a messy race in this small field. Advertisement There's no obvious front-runner and a slowly-run race wouldn't be ideal – but William Buick has options. Ombudsman stays 1m2f well, has a sharp turn of foot and acts on any ground. French raider Sosie will keep him honest. The Andre Fabre star has already bagged two Group 1s this season at Longchamp, the Prix Ganay and the Prix d'Ispahan, showing a blend of class and stamina. Advertisement Most French races are stop-start so this could work out very nicely for him. Delacroix looked all class in the spring, winning the Ballysax and Leopardstown Trial but bombed out in the Derby. That run is easy to forgive – he was shuffled right back after early interference – and he wouldn't be the first Ballydoyle runner to bounce back from an Epsom flop at the highest level. Ryan Moore keeps the faith over Camille Pissarro, who he won the French Derby on easily last time. Advertisement He's no mug but this is deeper and he needs more taking on his elders. Ruling Court is interesting. The 2,000 Guineas winner was never happy in the St James's Palace but few of the Charlie Appleby horses enjoyed Royal Ascot. This trip should be ideal and quick ground suits. Oisin Murphy should get a good tune out of him. Advertisement Jessica Harrington runners are always respected and Hotazhell was far from disgraced when third in the Irish Guineas. He is another who should relish this trip and, while 33-1 is a fair enough price, he needs a big step forward to figure. HAYDOCK 2.05 Advertisement VALIANCY looks the one to beat for William Haggas. This Cracksman gelding is going the right way, just denied here over 1m4f in May before bolting up at Hamilton. He shapes like a strong stayer and should relish this extra yardage on good ground. A fair opening mark gives him every chance on handicap debut. Advertisement Deep Water Bay is on the upgrade too, winning two of his last three for Sir Mark Prescott. He's thrived since stepping up in trip and switching to handicaps, though this is tougher back on turf after scoring at Chelmsford. Many Men had Novelista behind when scoring at Doncaster, but the latter now gets a pull in the weights and looks a solid each-way player. Way Of Stars sluiced home in a Goodwood maiden and goes back into handicaps on the up, while Ammes ran with credit in the King George V at Royal Ascot and stays well. Both are in the place picture. Advertisement 2.40 WITH just four runners this could turn into a sprint which would be ideal for SCENIC. Ed Walker's mare is a proven battler and arrives here off the back of a gutsy win in the Bronte Cup at York, getting up late over 1m6f to take it on the line. That form looks solid and she's already a dual Listed scorer who stays well and acts on quick ground. Advertisement Estrange blew the field away in the Pinnacle here last month, slamming Shaha by over four lengths. She's proven over the trip and looks a potential Group 1 performer in the making. But all her wins have come off a strong pace and a dawdle here could make her vulnerable late. Love Talk is likely to get a soft lead but is miles off on ratings in this company, while Nuit is a maiden stepping up from Listed level with lots on her plate. Advertisement Still there's £13,450 on offer for third which is a good payday. 3.15 SIR LOWRY'S PASS looks pretty as a picture for the Old Newton Cup (3.15 Haydock). Ed Walker's improver has more to come over this trip. He can edge out Chillingham and City Of Delight. Advertisement Here's my race guide: ENEMY 1 OH My. Former Group performer has badly out of sorts lately. Drops into handicap but hard to fancy with big weight. STRESSFREE 3 Advertisement NO Stress. Won here in May then had no chance at Ascot from rear. Stays strongly and track suits. Each-way shout. CHILLINGHAM 4 HOT Chill. Got York race in stewards' room after close second. Visor helped and stays. Dangerous if headgear keeps him focused again. SIR LOWRY'S PASS 5 Advertisement PASS master. Improver for in-form yard. Strong Goodwood win then didn't get run of race at Redcar. Likely stayer with more to come now. PLAGE DE HAVRE 3 HAV a look. Stays on any ground. Can pull early but capable of going close at best. CITY OF DELIGHT 4 Advertisement ANGEL Delight. Won six of last eight and only beaten by pace last time. Ahead of the handicapper. Big player. GREAT BEDWYN 3 GREAT shout. Won return at York then unlucky at Epsom. Stays well and lightly raced this year. Place hope. SOL CAYO 3 Advertisement CAYO go. Front-runner thriving after three wins. Big class rise but confidence is high. Could go close if getting own way. BOX TO BOX 2 BOXED in. Won over shorter here latest but step up in trip a worry. Tougher from wide draw off higher mark. MY DREAM WORLD 3 Advertisement DREAM on. Improving 4yo who stays. Track suits and could go close after good York run. MINSTREL KNIGHT 3 MIN the hunt. Solid comeback and stays well. Would like some rain but not out of it. NIGHT BREEZE 2 Advertisement BREEZE blows. Still 6lb higher than Ascot win and modest at Epsom latest. Needs a bit more. PADDY THE SQUIRE 3 PADDY not baddy. Best over 1m2f but looks on fair mark and place claims if getting home. HUMBLE SPARK 2 Advertisement NO Spark. Pick of form on AW and best efforts over further. Likely to be outpaced. MIDNIGHT LION 2 LION barred. Solid run over further at Newcastle last week but best form on the sand. SPORTINGSILVERMINE 2 Advertisement DEEP Mine. Still unexposed over trip but past two runs have been modest so needs more. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘He shapes like a strong stayer on handicap debut' – Templegate's Saturday NAP can exploit his mark
TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'He shapes like a strong stayer on handicap debut' – Templegate's Saturday NAP can exploit his mark Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday's racing - including the brilliant Coral-Eclipse from Sandown live on ITV1 at 3.35pm - confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up VALIANCY (2.05 Haydock, nap) He looks the one to beat for William Haggas. This Cracksman gelding is going the right way, just denied here over 1m4f in May before bolting up at Hamilton. He shapes like a strong stayer and should relish this extra yardage on good ground. A fair opening mark gives him every chance on handicap debut. GREEK ORDER (2.25 Sandown, nb) He was a major eyecatcher when fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, finishing strongly behind impressive winner My Cloud and shaping like a Group-class performer in a handicap. That was his first run for Michael Bell after returning from the US and confirmed he retains all his ability. The stiffer mile at Sandown should suit him ideally and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye. SIR LOWRY'S PASS (3.15 Haydock, treble) He has more to come over this distance with an excellent Goodwood win before getting no luck at Redcar last time. Moving up to this distance can pay further dividends. Templegate's TV verdicts SANDOWN 1.50 SHE'S QUALITY is living up to her name after two mighty efforts in Group sprints this season. She chased home Rumstar in the Palace House at HQ and went down by just half a length in the Temple Stakes. She's tactically versatile, handles any going and the stiff 5f here could suit ideally. She's ready to strike at this level and gets the nod. Kerdos wasn't helped by getting loose before the King Charles III at Royal Ascot, but still ran a blinder, finishing first of the far-side group and beaten only two lengths. He drops in grade here and should go very close. Rumstar beat the tip in the Palace House and has been unlucky twice since, both times poorly drawn. He's proven in this grade and can't be discounted. Balmoral Lady is an improver from the Ed Walker yard. She won a Listed event at Haydock in May and outran her odds at Ascot, shaping well. Another live one. West Acre didn't get the run of the race at the Royal meeting and likes this trip, while Adrestia took a hot Ascot handicap last time and isn't out of place in this grade. 2.25 GREEK ORDER was a major eyecatcher when fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, finishing strongly behind impressive winner My Cloud and shaping like a Group-class performer in a handicap. That was his first run for Michael Bell after returning from the US and confirmed he retains all his ability. The stiffer mile at Sandown should suit him ideally and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye. Treasure Time is feared most. He's been off since last September but won twice last season and represents the powerful William Haggas yard. He stays strongly, travels well and has won fresh before – this track could bring out even more. Classic Encounter is also on the upgrade and comes here on the back of a gritty win at York. He's not flashy but is tough and improving. Classic goes well at Sandown and has hit the frame here last time when second in a tactical race. A repeat of that puts him in the hunt. Arisaig could be pick of the bigger prices after being snookered by the draw at Royal Ascot last time. 3.00 SUPERMODEL is sitting pretty for William Haggas. She is bred to excel over middle distances but has also shown a potent turn of foot over shorter in two emphatic wins in her brief career. She cruised home in a Nottingham handicap on reappearance, forging clear late with plenty in hand and was value for a lot more. The stiff Sandown mile and likely strong pace are ideal and she's open to stacks of improvement. Miss Tonnerre looks a major danger. She chased home high-class fillies as a juvenile, including in the Group 2 May Hill at Donny and her pedigree suggests she'll be better as a three-year-old. She's entitled to come on plenty for last month's return in the Musidora and dropping back in trip can help. Much of the market attention centres on Blue Bolt, who has won her last two with ease. She's clearly talented but takes on stronger rivals here and is a little skinny in the market. Cajole has Ryan Moore up for the Gosdens and she improved plenty when second in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot. She didn't get the clearest of runs there and looks up to this standard. Victory Queen is going the right way and has place claims too. 3.35 OMBUDSMAN may be a short price but he's mighty hard to beat in the Coral-Eclipse. This powerhouse from the Gosden yard confirmed himself as a serious Group 1 performer at Royal Ascot, where he stormed through late to land the Prince of Wales's Stakes in some style. He was short of room at a key moment but still quickened like a jet once clear, brushing aside his rivals with ease. He's looked a monster in the making all year and this could be his coronation. The only thing that could derail him is a messy race in this small field. There's no obvious front-runner and a slowly-run race wouldn't be ideal – but William Buick has options. Ombudsman stays 1m2f well, has a sharp turn of foot and acts on any ground. French raider Sosie will keep him honest. The Andre Fabre star has already bagged two Group 1s this season at Longchamp, the Prix Ganay and the Prix d'Ispahan, showing a blend of class and stamina. Most French races are stop-start so this could work out very nicely for him. Delacroix looked all class in the spring, winning the Ballysax and Leopardstown Trial but bombed out in the Derby. That run is easy to forgive – he was shuffled right back after early interference – and he wouldn't be the first Ballydoyle runner to bounce back from an Epsom flop at the highest level. Ryan Moore keeps the faith over Camille Pissarro, who he won the French Derby on easily last time. He's no mug but this is deeper and he needs more taking on his elders. Ruling Court is interesting. The 2,000 Guineas winner was never happy in the St James's Palace but few of the Charlie Appleby horses enjoyed Royal Ascot. This trip should be ideal and quick ground suits. Oisin Murphy should get a good tune out of him. Jessica Harrington runners are always respected and Hotazhell was far from disgraced when third in the Irish Guineas. He is another who should relish this trip and, while 33-1 is a fair enough price, he needs a big step forward to figure. HAYDOCK 2.05 VALIANCY looks the one to beat for William Haggas. This Cracksman gelding is going the right way, just denied here over 1m4f in May before bolting up at Hamilton. He shapes like a strong stayer and should relish this extra yardage on good ground. A fair opening mark gives him every chance on handicap debut. Deep Water Bay is on the upgrade too, winning two of his last three for Sir Mark Prescott. He's thrived since stepping up in trip and switching to handicaps, though this is tougher back on turf after scoring at Chelmsford. Many Men had Novelista behind when scoring at Doncaster, but the latter now gets a pull in the weights and looks a solid each-way player. Way Of Stars sluiced home in a Goodwood maiden and goes back into handicaps on the up, while Ammes ran with credit in the King George V at Royal Ascot and stays well. Both are in the place picture. 2.40 WITH just four runners this could turn into a sprint which would be ideal for SCENIC. Ed Walker's mare is a proven battler and arrives here off the back of a gutsy win in the Bronte Cup at York, getting up late over 1m6f to take it on the line. That form looks solid and she's already a dual Listed scorer who stays well and acts on quick ground. Estrange blew the field away in the Pinnacle here last month, slamming Shaha by over four lengths. She's proven over the trip and looks a potential Group 1 performer in the making. But all her wins have come off a strong pace and a dawdle here could make her vulnerable late. Love Talk is likely to get a soft lead but is miles off on ratings in this company, while Nuit is a maiden stepping up from Listed level with lots on her plate. Still there's £13,450 on offer for third which is a good payday. 3.15 SIR LOWRY'S PASS looks pretty as a picture for the Old Newton Cup (3.15 Haydock). Ed Walker's improver has more to come over this trip. He can edge out Chillingham and City Of Delight. Here's my race guide: ENEMY 1 OH My. Former Group performer has badly out of sorts lately. Drops into handicap but hard to fancy with big weight. STRESSFREE 3 NO Stress. Won here in May then had no chance at Ascot from rear. Stays strongly and track suits. Each-way shout. CHILLINGHAM 4 HOT Chill. Got York race in stewards' room after close second. Visor helped and stays. Dangerous if headgear keeps him focused again. SIR LOWRY'S PASS 5 PASS master. Improver for in-form yard. Strong Goodwood win then didn't get run of race at Redcar. Likely stayer with more to come now. PLAGE DE HAVRE 3 HAV a look. Stays on any ground. Can pull early but capable of going close at best. CITY OF DELIGHT 4 ANGEL Delight. Won six of last eight and only beaten by pace last time. Ahead of the handicapper. Big player. GREAT BEDWYN 3 GREAT shout. Won return at York then unlucky at Epsom. Stays well and lightly raced this year. Place hope. SOL CAYO 3 CAYO go. Front-runner thriving after three wins. Big class rise but confidence is high. Could go close if getting own way. BOX TO BOX 2 BOXED in. Won over shorter here latest but step up in trip a worry. Tougher from wide draw off higher mark. MY DREAM WORLD 3 DREAM on. Improving 4yo who stays. Track suits and could go close after good York run. MINSTREL KNIGHT 3 MIN the hunt. Solid comeback and stays well. Would like some rain but not out of it. NIGHT BREEZE 2 BREEZE blows. Still 6lb higher than Ascot win and modest at Epsom latest. Needs a bit more. PADDY THE SQUIRE 3 PADDY not baddy. Best over 1m2f but looks on fair mark and place claims if getting home. HUMBLE SPARK 2 NO Spark. Pick of form on AW and best efforts over further. Likely to be outpaced. MIDNIGHT LION 2 LION barred. Solid run over further at Newcastle last week but best form on the sand. SPORTINGSILVERMINE 2 DEEP Mine. Still unexposed over trip but past two runs have been modest so needs more. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sakamoto days part 2 release trailer reveals release date; Here are the details
Sakamoto Days Finally, after a long wait, Sakamoto Days Part 2 has been officially announced. According to the latest trailer of the anime, it will release globally on July 14, 2025. Furthermore, the intro song of the show has also been revealed through the trailer, named Method by Kroi. It has been confirmed that the second part will continue the story from the first part. For those who haven't watched the first part, it is an action-comedy show based on a manga with the same name available on Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump. Sakamoto Days Part 2 details that you should know Sakamoto Days part 2 trailer shows the members of ORDER wreaking havoc. And the trailer also brings a mic drop moment where Sakamoto says that as a father, there are times when he cannot kneel down. The main focus of the second part will be on ORDER, X, and Sakamoto's squad. There are chances that we will also get to see better animations as compared to the first part. Moreover, the second part will also bring some new characters into action. And yes, the Amusement Park Arc of the manga will be continued in the second part. All other details related to the anime are still under wraps. One thing which we know for sure is that it will be exclusively available on Netflix to stream. As for the first party, we get to see Taro Sakamoto, who is a lovable double XL-sized store owner living a peaceful life with his family, comprising a wife and a daughter. But once he was one of the most legendary assassins in the world. His peaceful life is not a long-lived one, as his past organisation puts a bounty on Sakamoto. And the story ahead is filled with action, comedy and whatnot. If you have not watched the first part, then you should do it as soon as possible. Also Read: Is Blue Lock the best football anime ever made? Explored
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Staggered by Trump tariff blow, Switzerland leans closer to Europe
By Dave Graham ZURICH (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to hit Switzerland with steeper tariffs than most of Europe was a major shock to the export-oriented country, pushing it towards the European Union as it scrambled to contain the fallout. While there was relief that Trump temporarily lowered his tariffs on Wednesday, for advocates of stronger ties the episode confirmed their argument: that a more unpredictable world means Switzerland must increase engagement with its EU neighbours. Switzerland took an initial step toward closer economic integration in December when it reached a political deal with Brussels to overhaul their joint trading relationship. That EU deal faces a long approval process, but Swiss President and Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter pointed to it in a Wednesday newspaper interview as she took stock of Switzerland's options following the U.S. trade broadside. "We want to stabilize, deepen relations with the EU," she told the Neue Zuercher Zeitung daily. Neutral Switzerland has combined a low-tax business model with direct democracy to create a stable, open economy which is wealthier than nearly all EU member states. That has fed both national pride and resistance to being absorbed by the bloc. After Trump imposed tariffs, Keller-Sutter said she quickly spoke to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and agreed to stay in close touch on how they should proceed. On Friday, Keller-Sutter will become the first Swiss finance minister to participate in a regular meeting of her counterparts from the EU, which Trump last week hit with a 20% tariff, well below the 31% he put on Switzerland. Both now face 10% duties. Keller Sutter's invitation to the informal ECOFIN meeting in Warsaw predates Trump's re-election, but her attendance comes as Switzerland is stepping up cooperation with the EU in strategic areas in response to geopolitical upheaval, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the U.S. shift towards protectionism. Jean-Philippe Kohl, deputy director of industry association Swissmem, said the U.S. policy shock made it even more urgent for Switzerland to approve the new Brussels deal and cement the future foundations of ties with its biggest market, the EU. "Maybe a few more percent of people will grasp that we must at least be good with the EU and can't create additional problems with China if the U.S. falls away," he said. Yet with major economies such as Germany struggling, Switzerland will need to expand its business footprint outside Europe, Kohl said, pointing to India and Southeast Asia. The Swiss foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment for this article. NEW WORLD ORDER The EU accord faces a tough ratification process in Switzerland, where the bloc is seen by critics as a bureaucratic hindrance and undemocratic affront to Swiss sovereignty. Franziska Roth, a lawmaker for the centre-left Social Democrats (SP), said if the deal clears parliament it will face a struggle in any referendum unless it ensures that Swiss living standards like higher wages are protected. But she pointed to a parliamentary resolution backed last month with strong cross-party support that urged the government to seek a stronger security role in Europe and to explore scope for more Swiss security cooperation with the EU. That showed most parties now believed Switzerland only had a secure future in partnership with the EU, Roth said. The country's biggest party, the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), remains a powerful holdout, vigorously opposing closer EU ties. But it was not pleased by the U.S. tariffs, with longtime SVP leader Christoph Blocher calling them "absurd." Daniel Woker, a former Swiss ambassador, said that with old certainties crumbling, getting closer to Europe was vital. "Trump is destroying the existing order. And he wants a completely different world order, not just on trade," he said. "This can only hurt Switzerland, which has unquestionably benefited greatly from the current world order."
Reuters
10-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Switzerland leans closer to Europe after Trump tariff blow
ZURICH, April 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to hit Switzerland with steeper tariffs than most of Europe was a major shock to the export-oriented country, pushing it towards the European Union as it scrambled to contain the fallout. While there was relief that Trump temporarily lowered his tariffs on Wednesday, for advocates of stronger ties the episode confirmed their argument: that a more unpredictable world means Switzerland must increase engagement with its EU neighbours. Switzerland took an initial step toward closer economic integration in December when it reached a political deal with Brussels to overhaul their joint trading relationship. That EU deal faces a long approval process, but Swiss President and Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter pointed to it in a Wednesday newspaper interview as she took stock of Switzerland's options following the U.S. trade broadside. "We want to stabilize, deepen relations with the EU," she told the Neue Zuercher Zeitung daily. Neutral Switzerland has combined a low-tax business model with direct democracy to create a stable, open economy which is wealthier than nearly all EU member states. That has fed both national pride and resistance to being absorbed by the bloc. After Trump imposed tariffs, Keller-Sutter said she quickly spoke to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and agreed to stay in close touch on how they should proceed. On Friday, Keller-Sutter will become the first Swiss finance minister to participate in a regular meeting of her counterparts from the EU, which Trump last week hit with a 20% tariff, well below the 31% he put on Switzerland. Both now face 10% duties. Keller Sutter's invitation to the informal ECOFIN meeting in Warsaw predates Trump's re-election, but her attendance comes as Switzerland is stepping up cooperation with the EU in strategic areas in response to geopolitical upheaval, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the U.S. shift towards protectionism. Jean-Philippe Kohl, deputy director of industry association Swissmem, said the U.S. policy shock made it even more urgent for Switzerland to approve the new Brussels deal and cement the future foundations of ties with its biggest market, the EU. "Maybe a few more percent of people will grasp that we must at least be good with the EU and can't create additional problems with China if the U.S. falls away," he said. Yet with major economies such as Germany struggling, Switzerland will need to expand its business footprint outside Europe, Kohl said, pointing to India and Southeast Asia. The Swiss foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment for this article. NEW WORLD ORDER The EU accord faces a tough ratification process in Switzerland, where the bloc is seen by critics as a bureaucratic hindrance and undemocratic affront to Swiss sovereignty. Franziska Roth, a lawmaker for the centre-left Social Democrats (SP), said if the deal clears parliament it will face a struggle in any referendum unless it ensures that Swiss living standards like higher wages are protected. But she pointed to a parliamentary resolution backed last month with strong cross-party support that urged the government to seek a stronger security role in Europe and to explore scope for more Swiss security cooperation with the EU. That showed most parties now believed Switzerland only had a secure future in partnership with the EU, Roth said. The country's biggest party, the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), remains a powerful holdout, vigorously opposing closer EU ties. But it was not pleased by the U.S. tariffs, with longtime SVP leader Christoph Blocher calling them "absurd." Daniel Woker, a former Swiss ambassador, said that with old certainties crumbling, getting closer to Europe was vital. "Trump is destroying the existing order. And he wants a completely different world order, not just on trade," he said. "This can only hurt Switzerland, which has unquestionably benefited greatly from the current world order."
