A new expert report suggests deeper collaboration with NATO and the European Union.
After five centuries of neutrality, a new report suggests that Switzerland strengthen its cooperation with the European Union and NATO, sparking discussions about a possible revision of its policy.
According to Politico, Switzerland, known for its neutrality and avoidance of military entanglements, is now facing pressures to revise its defense stance. A recent report from experts proposes closer cooperation 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 being questioned due to the Russian attack on Ukraine and the growing concern about the implications of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance on European security. The recently published report suggests that Switzerland consider creating a “common defense capability” in cooperation with the EU and NATO.
The pressure to reassess Switzerland’s neutrality policy is increasing both domestically and internationally. The report suggests revising this policy, emphasizing that neutrality is not just about arms sales, but also about the country’s ability to defend itself in a region surrounded by organizations in which it does not participate.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has changed the landscape of European security. Sweden and Finland’s decisions to abandon their neutrality and join NATO have increased the pressure on Switzerland to reconsider its position.
The report, compiled by diplomats, senior officials, and the former chief 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 weapons re-export ban. Switzerland prohibits the sale of weapons to countries at war, which has affected its relations with countries wanting to send arms to Ukraine. The report suggests lifting this ban to better support the needs of European countries.
Eurozone: Inflation at a three-year low – “Signal” for interest rate cuts?
Eurozone: Inflation at a three-year low – “Signal” for interest rate cuts?
30/08/2024
The report also proposes strengthening the Swiss defense industry through participation in EU and NATO equipment programs.
These proposals have already sparked backlash, as critics of the Minister of Defense accuse her of choosing experts who support NATO and EU membership. The report is expected to face resistance in the Swiss parliament, particularly 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 underscores that Switzerland supports Western values. However, the proposals for increased military cooperation with NATO and the EU are expected to provoke intense debates.
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 trainings and bilateral exercises.
The report also suggests increasing military spending to 1% of GDP by 2030. Currently, Switzerland allocates 0.76% of its GDP to defense, a lower percentage than NATO members.
The likelihood of an invasion of Switzerland is small, but the country is already a target of hybrid wars, including disinformation and cyberattacks, according to the report. Experts recommend preparing society as a whole for potential conflict.
The Swiss Federal Council shows a willingness for closer cooperation with NATO and the EU on security matters. Recently, a Swiss delegation visited Luxembourg to assess potential collaborations with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
Moreover, Switzerland has approved its participation in two programs of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) of the EU, concerning military mobility and cyber defense.
Jean-Marc Rickli emphasized that Switzerland wants to demonstrate that it contributes to European defense efforts, as if it wishes for military assistance from the EU or NATO, it must offer something in return.