The Federal Council wants to maintain “flexible” neutrality

A stricter definition of neutrality? This is not necessary, said the Federal Council, which refers to “flexible use which has proven itself”.

Swiss neutrality should not be defined more strictly. The Federal Council rejects the initiative on neutrality, without proposing a counter-proposal. He sent his message to this effect to Parliament on Wednesday.

The “Safeguarding Swiss Neutrality” initiative requires that Switzerland not join any military or defense alliance. Collaboration with such organizations must be limited in the event that the Confederation is attacked.

About this initiative:

The text, launched by Pro Suisse and members of the UDC, also demands that Switzerland not participate in foreign wars and not take economic or diplomatic sanctions against a belligerent state, subject to its obligations to the UN. Bern must finally make use of its neutral status within the framework of good offices.

A flexible use of neutrality has proven its worth, believes the government in a press release. Abandoning this approach would limit the Federal Council’s room for maneuver to react to foreign policy challenges.

Integral part of “Swiss identity”

The Federal Council is convinced of the importance of neutrality for Switzerland. As part of Swiss identity, it is an important instrument of Switzerland’s foreign policy, security policy and economic policy, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told the media in Bern.

On many points, the initiative does not bring any change, noted the federal councilor, citing the ban on joining military or defense alliances, or the encouragement of good offices. But on others, the text results in a “clear change of course”. Neutrality would become a rigid concept enshrined in the Federal Constitution, which would not allow any latitude. It would no longer be an instrument but would become a goal in itself.

The minister did not consider it necessary to propose a counter-project. According to him, Swiss neutrality is still recognized internationally, even in the context of the war in Ukraine and discussions around the re-export of weapons.

First confrontation with an initiative for Cassis

The people will probably vote on the text, unless the committee withdraws its initiative after the debates in Parliament. This will be the first time that Ignazio Cassis will face a popular vote. He said he was “serene” and looked forward to leading this debate with the population.

If the initiative were to be accepted, Bern would no longer be able to resume sanctions targeting belligerent states which are decreed outside the framework of the UN. However, sanctions are today an important lever for reacting to violations of international law, according to the government. These measures aim to maintain a peaceful and equitable international order.

Furthermore, the possibility of participating in cooperation projects in the field of security and defense policy would be severely limited. This would weaken Switzerland’s defense capacity.

What is this initiative?

The initiators criticize the resumption of EU sanctions against Russia, calling it a “reckless sacrifice of credible neutrality”. They denounce a lack of direction and chaos in this area. They also oppose the “fallacious” rapprochement with NATO.

Action for an independent and neutral Switzerland (Asin), ancestor of Pro Suisse, had already launched an initiative on neutrality in 2011. The text notably wanted to limit the army’s missions abroad to aid in the event of of disaster. However, the organization failed to collect enough signatures.

(sda/ats)

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