Switzerland is preparing for a national referendum that could see the country end its cooperation with NATO, following a Moscow-backed campaign advocating for a more restrictive interpretation of Swiss neutrality. The vote, scheduled for next month, will ask citizens whether to approve a measure that would prohibit Switzerland from imposing economic sanctions or engaging with the Western military alliance.
Campaigners have utilized posters featuring doves of peace with slogans urging voters to reject war and distance the nation from Western military ties. This initiative has garnered support from the Kremlin, while raising concerns among Swiss officials and European neighbors about potential isolation.
Recent opinion polls suggest that a majority of Swiss voters will reject the proposal, with one survey indicating 62% against and 36% in favor. However, pollster Fabio Wasserfallen noted that the campaign supporting the change has outspent its opponents, potentially narrowing the gap.
Switzerland's policy of neutrality, internationally recognized since 1815 and enshrined in its constitution since 1848, has historically kept the nation out of major global conflicts, including both World Wars. However, this long-standing neutrality is now being challenged. Veteran politician Christoph Blocher, a supporter of the Swiss People's Party (SVP) backing the campaign, argued that Switzerland's imposition of sanctions on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine has compromised its neutral status.
"Switzerland has not had a war for 200 years because it has remained permanently armed and neutral," Blocher told Reuters. He further stated that Russia now perceives Switzerland as a party to the conflict due to these sanctions and expressed concern about a potential third world war, emphasizing the importance of credible neutrality.
Russia's foreign ministry has publicly criticized Switzerland's alignment with EU sanctions. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on social media that "flexible neutrality" in this context amounts to no neutrality at all.
The proposed constitutional change would stipulate that Switzerland cannot join or cooperate with any military or defense alliance unless directly attacked, and would require UN approval for participating in sanctions. This would effectively end Switzerland's current cooperation with NATO.
The Swiss government, along with most major political parties except the SVP, opposes the referendum. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated that the proposal would undermine national security and hinder military training with NATO allies. "We'd only be able to issue verbal condemnations but take no concrete action, that would certainly cause a major problem with our neighbours," Cassis explained at a press conference.
Government legal experts maintain that Switzerland's current neutrality policy is effective and well-understood globally. Franz Perrez, head of international law at the foreign ministry, said, "Implementing these measures would not make Switzerland more neutral."
Political scientist Laurent Goetschel from Basel University suggested that the campaign's messaging might appeal to voters who do not fully grasp the practical application of Swiss neutrality. He added, "Neutrality is not a dogma. It makes sense for Switzerland to be neutral, but the way it handles it should be up to the discretion of the government and not fixed in the constitution."
The referendum is scheduled for September 27. The debate highlights a fundamental discussion within Switzerland about the nature and application of its neutrality in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.