Swiss voters are voting on reaffirming neutrality and restricting sanctions against states involved in conflicts

Swiss voters are being called upon to decide by referendum whether the country’s neutrality should be reaffirmed and whether the government should be prevented from supporting sanctions against states involved in conflicts, except those approved by the UN.

The initiative is promoted by the Swiss People’s Party, the formation with the most seats in Parliament, which criticizes the government’s decision to join the European Union’s sanctions against Russia. The government in Bern describes Moscow’s actions as a war of aggression against Ukraine.

The proposal would also limit Switzerland’s cooperation with military alliances. The country is not a NATO member, but has cooperated with the Alliance for approximately three decades and participates in joint exercises. If adopted, cooperation would be permitted only if Switzerland faced a direct threat.

Supporters of the initiative say that closer ties with the EU and NATO undermine the country’s security and freedom of action. The federal government and Parliament oppose it, arguing that the current Constitution already provides sufficient flexibility to defend national interests.

Switzerland’s neutrality has been constitutionally enshrined since the 19th century, but its interpretation has been intensely debated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.