Regulation
A Double "No" Strengthens Stability, Openness, and Security of Supply
27.09.2026
AI-translated. Some sections may contain inaccuracies.
At a glance
- Swiss voters have rejected both the Neutrality Initiative and the Food Initiative.
- economiesuisse welcomes this clear signal in favor of an effective foreign and security policy. With the clear “no” to the Neutrality Initiative, openness and international networking remain key factors for success.
- Switzerland’s security requires a strong defense industry—and thus a “yes” vote on the War Material Act.
- Reliable framework conditions continue to apply in agricultural and food policy. By rejecting the Food Initiative, extensive government intervention was successfully prevented.
On September 27, 2026, Swiss voters decisively rejected two far-reaching popular initiatives. economiesuisse welcomes these clear decisions. With this double “no,” Switzerland has spoken out in favor of stability, openness, and pragmatic solutions. This sends an important signal for Switzerland as a business location, for our country’s ability to act on the international stage, and for a realistic supply policy.
No to the Neutrality Initiative: Room for Maneuver Is Preserved
The rejection of the neutrality initiative prevents neutrality from being rigidly enshrined in the Federal Constitution. economiesuisse welcomes this clear decision by the people. This ensures that Switzerland retains the necessary flexibility to safeguard its interests in a challenging international environment. For economiesuisse, one thing is clear: Switzerland’s time-tested policy of neutrality is most effective when it combines security, independence, and international cooperation. A narrow and rigid interpretation would have restricted Switzerland’s ability to act in foreign policy, hampered security cooperation, and created additional uncertainty and risks for businesses. For Switzerland’s export-oriented economy, reliable international relations, predictable framework conditions, and the opportunity to cooperate with partner countries are of central importance.
Now we need a "yes" vote on the War Materials Act
In light of the geopolitical and security situation, the vote on November 29, 2026, is equally crucial for our country. The modernization of the War Material Act takes into account the new realities of foreign and security policy. The export of military equipment to certain recipient countries, as well as its re-export, is to be facilitated. Products manufactured in Switzerland should no longer be subject to exclusion criteria for friendly recipient countries. A robust defense and dual-use goods industry is essential for retaining critical expertise within the country, strengthening our defense capabilities, and reducing dependencies in an uncertain geopolitical environment.
No to the Food Initiative: A Realistic Food Supply Policy Instead of Government Intervention
From the business community’s perspective, the rejection of the food initiative is also the right decision. The initiative would have required the government to intervene extensively in production, consumption, and value chains. Security of supply is not achieved through rigid regulations, but through efficient businesses, open markets, functioning supply chains, innovation, and favorable framework conditions. The challenges facing agriculture and the food industry must be addressed with practical, market-oriented, and technologically open solutions.
