The Swiss National Council seeks to prohibit the Swiss Armed Forces from joining NATO exercises, citing concerns over Swiss neutrality. The decision now awaits the Council of States’ vote.

The Swiss National Council aims to ban the Swiss Armed Forces from NATO exercises that train for the “Alliance case,” fearing it would compromise Swiss neutrality.

On Thursday, the upper chamber approved a motion by 118 votes to 69 with three abstentions. If the Council of States also approves, the Federal Council must amend the relevant laws.

The “Alliance case” refers to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, stating that an attack on one NATO country is an attack on all, warranting collective defense.

Parliamentary documents indicate the National Council’s Security Committee believes defending NATO’s borders isn’t Switzerland’s duty and would align the country too closely with NATO.

Too Rigid for the Federal Council

Swiss Confederation President and Defense Minister Viola Amherd noted that NATO exercises now frequently include Article 5 elements. Switzerland aims to avoid participating in exercises solely focused on NATO’s border defense.

Amherd argued that the deteriorating security situation requires stronger cooperation. The motion is too restrictive, limiting the Federal Council’s flexibility. The government prefers to evaluate each participation individually, balancing security and foreign policy interests.

The Federal Council, along with a minority of the advisory committee, opposes the proposal, advocating for potential future cooperation with NATO. Jacqueline de Quattro (FDP/VD) mentioned that neutral Austria also participates in such exercises.

© Keystone/SDA