Strategic necessity. Could neutral Switzerland really deepen its ties with EU?
Illustrative photo: Switzerland promotes EU agreement (Getty Images)
The Swiss government has called stable relations with the European Union a "strategic necessity” and has begun urging the public to support a new agreement with Brussels ahead of a nationwide referendum, Bloomberg informs.
To emphasize the importance of the agreement, three of the seven members of the Swiss federal government simultaneously issued public statements highlighting the need for its ratification.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stressed that the document is crucial for the country’s future.
The agreement between Switzerland and the European Union was signed earlier this month by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The parties had reached an agreement back in 2024.
However, the document still needs to be approved in a referendum in Switzerland. The vote is not expected to take place before next year.
Justice Minister Beat Jans explained the necessity of the agreement due to the worsening geopolitical situation.
"In an uncertain world where 'might makes right' seems to be the only rule that applies, a stable relationship with our most important partners is all the more important," he emphasized.
The outlet noted that one of the most debated provisions of the document is that the country will have to partially implement European Union legislation.
Cooperation with the EU is increasingly seen in Switzerland as a key factor for both security and economic stability.
At the end of last year, the head of the Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli, acknowledged that Switzerland is not capable of defending itself against full-scale military aggression on its own. He also pointed out serious issues with the army’s equipment.
As a result, the country’s military leadership has urged the government to accelerate increases in defense spending amid rising threats in Europe, particularly from Russia.
