Switzerland to hold referendum on stricter neutrality blocking sanctions against Russia

On Sunday 27 September, voters in Switzerland will decide at a referendum whether to enshrine a stricter definition of the country's centuries-old neutrality in the constitution. A "yes" vote would effectively make it impossible for Switzerland to impose sanctions against Russia unless approved by the UN Security Council, where Moscow holds a veto.

Source: European Pravda, citing Politico

Details: A "yes" vote would also rule out military cooperation between the country and an alliance such as NATO, except in cases where Switzerland itself comes under attack or faces an imminent threat.

"It's not a vote against neutrality – neutrality is very supported – it's about what neutrality means," noted Fabio Wasserfallen, Professor of European Politics at the University of Bern.

However, the referendum will raise the question of how neutral a country can remain regarding security issues, economic sanctions or cooperation with military alliances such as NATO.

Quote from Wasserfallen: "Currently, the government has a bit of room to manoeuvre and uses it. The question of that referendum is whether people think that's good or whether there should be stricter boundaries towards neutrality."

Details: This flexibility came under pressure following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since February 2022, the Swiss government has largely matched EU sanctions against Moscow, triggering a backlash among proponents of a stricter interpretation of neutrality.

Polls conducted this month showed that nearly two-thirds of voters in Switzerland oppose the initiative for a stricter definition of neutral status.

However, as the publication notes, even if the referendum fails this weekend, Swiss voters will have to address another neutrality-related issue. In November, they will be asked to evaluate whether Switzerland's arms export rules still serve their purpose or whether the country should be allowed to export weapons to a designated group of 25 mostly Western countries, even if they are involved in a military conflict.

If approved, this change would strengthen Switzerland's ties with Western countries and could boost export revenues for its defence industry.

Background:

• In Switzerland, two polls showed that voters are likely to reject the referendum proposals for a stricter definition of neutrality that would prevent the country from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO.
• Earlier, the Swiss government adopted the 2026 Security Policy Strategy, which includes measures already being implemented to strengthen the country's defence. In particular, it highlights the need to enhance defensive capabilities so that Switzerland can withstand an armed attack, which also encompasses cooperation with partner states.

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