EU warns Swiss neutrality referendum could jeopardise ties over Russia sanctions
The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee cautioned that Switzerland’s upcoming neutrality vote may strain relations with the EU by limiting Swiss participation in sanctions against Russia.
Swiss voters are set to decide on a constitutional amendment that would enforce a stricter interpretation of permanent neutrality, potentially preventing Switzerland from applying EU sanctions on countries at war, notably Russia. The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee issued a formal warning, saying the vote could disrupt Switzerland’s alignment with EU sanctions policy. The committee issued the warning while approving the Bilaterals III package, which seeks to modernise trade, transport, and security ties between Switzerland and the EU.
Swiss leaders, including the Federal Council and both parliamentary chambers, recommend rejecting the initiative, arguing that a rigid definition would limit crisis-response cooperation. A recent SRG SSR poll shows 54% of respondents likely to oppose the measure, though turnout remains uncertain. The outcome could reshape the legal basis of Swiss sanctions and affect its role as a neutral mediator between Russia and the West.
Why it matters
The vote could change Switzerland's ability to support EU sanctions, affecting European security cooperation with Russia.
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