The Swiss government expert group has recommended reevaluating Switzerland’s neutrality in light of increased security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The proposal suggests greater military cooperation with NATO and the EU to address growing pressure both domestically and internationally.
The working group, led by Wolfgang Ischinger, proposes lifting the ban on re-exporting weapons and increasing defense spending to 1% of GDP by 2030. Currently, Switzerland spends 0.76% of GDP on defense, lower than most NATO members.
While the group does not advocate for Switzerland to abandon neutrality entirely, it calls for closer collaboration with NATO and the EU in areas such as joint training and missile defense. Jean-Marc Rickly from the Geneva Center for Security Policy emphasizes the reputational risks for Switzerland if it does not cooperate with European states.
These recommendations will shape Switzerland’s security strategy for 2025 as the country faces increased challenges to its longstanding neutrality policy.
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