Switzerland rethinks neutrality amid rising geopolitical tensions

Switzerland is reassessing its long-standing stance on neutrality in light of evolving security dynamics. 

Switzerland has traditionally shunned involvement in conflicts, but its focus on economic interests is now clashing with new security concerns. The recent threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin has led Switzerland to reconsider its long-standing stance on neutrality, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In a groundbreaking report, experts have urged the Swiss government to explore a "common defence capability" with the EU and NATO. This call for action highlights growing pressure on Switzerland to reassess its neutrality, which has been a cornerstone of its policy since 1515. The report underscores the need to address how Switzerland's neutrality impacts its arms sales and defense capabilities, particularly given its position between two major military alliances.

This shift in policy is part of a broader European response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has already prompted countries like Sweden and Finland to abandon their neutral stances and join NATO. The report, prepared by a team of diplomats, senior officials, and security experts including Wolfgang Ischinger, was presented to Swiss Defense and Security Minister Viola Amherd. These findings will guide Switzerland's security strategy for 2025 and reflect the evolving landscape of European security. Allowing arms exports Switzerland’s arms exports dropped by 27 per cent last year, falling below 700 million Swiss francs (746 million euros) compared to 2022. This decline is attributed to stringent arms export regulations and the one-off impact of Qatar halting air defense system purchases related to the 2022 World Cup. 

Switzerland's ban on selling weapons to warring nations has affected its relationships with countries looking to equip Ukraine with arms that may contain Swiss components. The report advocates for lifting this re-export ban. Switzerland has restricted the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine from several European nations. It took significant pressure for Switzerland to agree to send surplus Leopard tanks to Germany, intended to replace those sent to Ukraine.

 Additionally, Switzerland’s refusal to allow Swiss-made ammunition to be included in Germany's stocks for Ukraine’s Gepard anti-aircraft systems led German armsmaker Rheinmetall to increase ammunition production domestically. The report also calls for enhancing Switzerland’s arms industry by improving offset policies and gaining access to EU and NATO armament programmes. “Explosive” proposals The report sparked controversy even before its release, with opposition parties accusing Defense Minister Viola Amherd of appointing predominantly NATO and EU supporters to the expert committee. It is expected to face resistance in the Swiss parliament, particularly from pacifist left-wing parties and nationalist far-right factions. Amherd is already facing criticism for Switzerland’s increasingly close relationship with NATO.

Jean-Marc Rickli, head of global and emerging risks at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, remarked that the report underscores Switzerland’s alignment with Western values. However, he noted that calls for increased military cooperation with NATO and the EU are likely to provoke significant domestic debate, making the report potentially "explosive." While the experts do not advocate for Switzerland to abandon its neutrality and join NATO, they recommend strengthening ties with the alliance and the EU through joint training, ballistic missile defense, and various exercises. 

The report also proposes increasing military spending to 1 per cent of GDP by 2030, up from the current 0.76 per cent—a level lower than all NATO members except Iceland, which lacks a military. Although the likelihood of a traditional invasion is low, the report highlights that Switzerland is already vulnerable to hybrid warfare, including disinformation, espionage, and cyberattacks. The experts suggest adopting a "global defense" approach, which involves preparing the entire society—not just the military—for potential conflicts. Cozy with EU, NATO In recent months, the Swiss federal council has shown a readiness to strengthen ties with both NATO and the EU regarding security and defense matters. 

A Swiss delegation recently visited Luxembourg to engage with NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), aiming to explore potential collaborations and synergies with the agency. Earlier this month, the federal council also endorsed participation in two EU Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects: one focused on enhancing military mobility to ease border crossings, and another on cyber defense.

According to Rickli, Switzerland is looking to demonstrate its commitment in case it requires military support from EU countries or NATO. He noted that there is a reputational concern, as Switzerland risks being viewed as a "free rider" if it does not actively collaborate with European states. To receive assistance from its European partners, Switzerland needs to contribute in return.