Swiss voters to decide on tightening neutrality and ending NATO cooperation

A national referendum scheduled for September 27 will let Swiss voters choose whether to codify a more restrictive form of neutrality that would prevent the country from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO in peacetime. The initiative, championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party and praised by Russia’s foreign ministry, claims existing policies compromise impartiality. The federal government and all parties except the SVP argue the proposal would damage security ties, limit joint training with NATO, and hinder diplomatic flexibility.

Legal experts say current neutrality, defined by the 1907 Hague Convention, already functions effectively. Recent polling indicates roughly 62% of respondents oppose the amendment, though the campaign for change has outspent its rivals. The outcome could reshape Switzerland’s long-standing neutral stance established since one outlet century.