A new expert report suggests deeper cooperation with NATO and the European Union.
After five centuries of neutrality, a new report suggests that Switzerland enhance its cooperation with the European Union and NATO, sparking discussions about a potential revision of its policy.
According to Politico, Switzerland, known for its neutrality and avoidance of military engagements, is now facing pressures to reconsider its defense stance. A recent report by experts advocates for closer collaboration with the EU and NATO, a move that could bring significant changes to the country’s traditional policy.
Switzerland’s neutrality, maintained since 1515, is now called into question due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and increasing concerns about the implications of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s stance on European security. The report, recently published, suggests that Switzerland consider the establishment of a “joint defense capability” in cooperation with the EU and NATO.
Pressure to reevaluate Switzerland’s neutrality policy is mounting both domestically and internationally. The report suggests a revision of this policy, emphasizing that neutrality is not only about arms sales but also about the country’s ability to defend itself in a region surrounded by organizations it does not participate in.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has changed the landscape of European security. The decision by Sweden and Finland to abandon their neutrality and join NATO has increased pressure on Switzerland to reassess its position.
The report, compiled by diplomats, senior officials, and the former head of the Swiss army, was delivered to Switzerland’s Minister of Defense and Security, Viola Amherd, and is expected to influence the country’s security strategy for 2025.
A key point of the report concerns the lifting of the ban on arms re-exports. Switzerland prohibits the sale of weapons to countries at war, which has affected its relations with nations wanting to send arms to Ukraine. The report recommends lifting this ban to better support the needs of European countries.
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The report also suggests strengthening the Swiss defense industry by participating in EU and NATO armament programs.
These proposals have already sparked reactions, as critics of the Defense Minister accuse her of selecting experts who support NATO and EU integration. The report is expected to face resistance in the Swiss parliament, especially from leftist and right-wing nationalist parties.
Jean-Marc Rickli, head of global and emerging risks at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, stated that the report highlights that Switzerland supports Western values. However, the proposals for increased military cooperation with NATO and the EU are expected to provoke intense discussions.
Despite the report, Switzerland does not propose a complete abandonment of its neutrality and joining NATO, but calls for deeper ties with the military alliance and the EU through joint training and bilateral exercises.
The report also recommends increasing military spending to 1% of GDP by 2030. Currently, Switzerland spends 0.76% of its GDP on defense, a figure lower than NATO members.
The likelihood of an invasion of Switzerland is low, but the country is already a target of hybrid warfare, including disinformation and cyberattacks, according to the report. Experts recommend preparing the entire society for potential conflict.
The Swiss Federal Council shows a willingness for closer cooperation with NATO and the EU on security issues. Recently, a Swiss delegation visited Luxembourg to assess potential collaborations with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
Additionally, Switzerland has approved its participation in two programs of the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) related to military mobility and cyber defense.
Jean-Marc Rickli emphasized that Switzerland wants to demonstrate that it contributes to European defense efforts, as if it desires military assistance from the EU or NATO, it must offer something in return.