“In 2024, the political-security environment of Switzerland has deteriorated again.” This is the observation drawn up Wednesday by the Federal Council. The annual report on the assessment of the threat notes that the war in Ukraine continues to weaken European security, while the growing rivalry between the United States and China strengthens global strategic tensions. In the Middle East, as in the Middle East, the situation remains unstable. In this context, our country is “still relatively sure”, according to Bern, but it is increasingly exposed to geopolitical issues. International expectations towards Switzerland increase, as is the need to strengthen its security posture.
In view of these global conflicts, espionage is gaining importance. The country is indeed used as a field of operations by foreign intelligence services, which carry out propaganda activities, influence or illegal collection of equipment.
The report highlights several threats to Switzerland. Some have not changed. Starting with the terrorist threat, which “remains high”. It is notably linked to the jihadist movement. “Minors and young adults who have radicalized online continue to occupy the security authorities,” explains the Federal Council. The threat from far -right and far left circles violent is also deemed high.
The report also raises the risks of cyber attacks against critical infrastructure. “Since the capacities of cybercriminals are increasing and their attack vectors are strengthening, cyberrencies grow,” adds Bern.
In matters of proliferation of weapons, Bern also reports that the application of sanctions with regard to Russia constitutes a major challenge for export control, that is to say for the prevention of bypass via third states.
