英语听力精选进阶版 7291（在线收听）

瑞士准备对来自欧盟成员国的移民和劳工进行入境限制。新的规定不仅对移民人数进行定额限制，而且同时会收紧欧盟成员国公民可持的长期工作签证数量。瑞士虽不是欧盟成员国，但此举引来了众多欧盟官员的强烈不满。

Switzerland’s high salaries, low unemployment, and stable currency are a magnet to Eurozone countries. Since the Swiss agreed to free movement of people, immigration from EU members has risen sharply, especially from Spain and Portugal, where unemployment is at crisis levels.

In Switzerland, there is tension. The right wing People’s Party claims Swiss jobseekers are losing out; the Green Party says immigration is putting too much pressure on housing and public transport. Now the Swiss government has called a halt: being outside the EU means Switzerland has some flexibility, and from next month permanent work permits for EU citizens will be strictly limited.

Brussels has reacted angrily: EU officials have always told Switzerland it cannot cherry pick only those parts of European policy it likes best. Now, it’s possible other deals the Swiss really need with Europe, on trade perhaps, could be in danger. Meanwhile, sceptical members of the European Union, like Britain, where many would like a less rigid relationship with the EU, will be watching Switzerland’s move with interest.

Quiz 听力测验

True or False? Switzerland's economic situation and job market are attractive to European workers.

True.

True or False? Many Swiss people are moving to Spain and Portugal to look for work.

False. Many Spanish and Portuguese are moving to Switzerland to look for work.

Which phrase means to select only the things you like?

To cherry pick.

Why might Britain be watching developments in Switzerland?

Because many in Britain want a more flexible relationship with the EU which is more similar to Switzerland's.

Glossary 词汇表

stable 稳定的

magnet 非常有吸引力

Eurozone countries 欧元区国家

immigration 移民

at crisis levels 处于危机水平

called a halt 叫停

work permits 工作许可

cherry pick 指选出自己喜欢的

sceptical (US: skeptical) 持怀疑态度的

rigid 刻板的，不灵活的