The Neutrality Initiative Poses Uncertainty and Risks

Replacing the current flexibility with a rigid regulatory framework would have far-reaching consequences. Rigid regulations would no longer allow Switzerland to optimally advance its interests in a complex international environment. For example, a strict limitation on cooperation with partner countries—such as in the exchange of expertise, education, research collaborations, or cyber defense—would have a direct impact on Switzerland’s security. Our country would risk becoming isolated internationally. The initiative was launched with the aim of enhancing the country’s security. In reality, however, it would have the opposite effect. It would make it impossible to respond to modern forms of threats that do not stop at the border. Extensive isolation from other countries and a ban on cooperation with defense alliances would severely weaken Switzerland.

Switzerland as a business hub thrives on openness and connectivity. An isolationist policy would push Switzerland to the sidelines and thereby jeopardize these strengths. Innovation would suffer as a result. Free access to markets and stable economic relations are crucial for prosperity and employment. Especially in times of crisis, rigid self-restraint would have a detrimental effect on Switzerland and Swiss companies. Under the terms of the initiative, Switzerland would no longer be able to support even broadly supported international sanctions; only UN sanctions could be adopted. A neutrality that does not allow for peaceful countermeasures—even in the face of the most serious violations of international law—in cooperation with our close allies, breaks with our values and our tradition of upholding international law. The country’s reputation would suffer, and Switzerland and our companies could thus come under pressure from the international community—and consequently from our most important trading partners—as violators of sanctions. In the worst-case scenario, Switzerland could even become a target of sanctions itself.

This initiative restricts our ability to act, undermines our security, and harms our industrial and financial sectors. Yet the core of the initiative is completely unnecessary. After all, neutrality is already enshrined in the Constitution. It is internationally recognized as perpetual and armed. Switzerland already refrains from participating in military conflicts involving third countries and does not belong to any military alliance. The so-called Neutrality Initiative thus calls for a break with Switzerland’s proven practice of neutrality without any objective necessity—with potentially negative consequences for Switzerland as a business location. The Federal Council and Parliament are therefore right to recommend rejecting the Neutrality Initiative.