The initiative «Preservation of Swiss Neutrality» was launched in 2022. It was developed by a bipartisan committee aiming to redirect Swiss foreign policy away from a pro-NATO stance towards an international and open-minded neutrality.
What the initiative is about
Switzerland’s neutrality is over 200 years old and its legal premises have been clearly defined since 1907 in the Hague Conventions. These provisions are a proper, timeless, and international legal basis for our foreign policy.
Switzerland does not participate in the wars of other states, complemented by strict legislation on war material exports. In the new multipolar world order, we need a neutrality that ensures security and aligns itself with world peace. Although neutrality is mentioned in our constitution, it is not defined there. This initiative addresses that gap and provides a clear direction for our foreign policy.
It signals to foreign nations what to expect from Switzerland.
If the voters say YES to the initiative, the Federal Constitution is supplemented with the following article:
Article 54a Swiss Neutrality
1)
Switzerland is neutral. Its neutrality is perpetual and armed.
2)
Switzerland does not join any military or defense alliance. An exception is made for cooperation with such alliances in the event of a direct military attack on Switzerland or in the case of actions preparing for such an attack.
3)
Switzerland does not participate in military conflicts between third states and does not take non-military coercive measures against belligerent states. Exceptions are Switzerland’s obligations to the United Nations (UN) and measures to prevent the circumvention of non-military coercive measures by other states.
4)
Switzerland uses its perpetual neutrality for the prevention and resolution of conflicts and is available as a mediator.
This constitutional text does not encompass the entirety of Swiss neutrality but serves as a guideline for an active understanding of neutrality oriented towards world peace.