AVIS28 – Inspiring Switzerland to be ready for the future

Foreign policy is becoming increasingly important to Switzerland's prosperity and security. Switzerland is a success story, but if its success is to continue until 2028 and beyond it will need to adapt to the changing international environment. This requires the courage to change. Switzerland needs to adopt a more focused, networked and agile foreign policy:

• Switzerland's foreign policy must emerge from a defined position more than has hitherto been the case.
• As an independent country, Switzerland needs to build upon relationships, both nationally and internationally, to enable it to promote its values and defend its interests. In shaping Swiss foreign policy, the Federal Council needs to adopt a 'whole of Switzerland' approach and step up cooperation with like-minded countries to achieve the stated objectives.
• Finally, Switzerland's foreign policy instruments must be geared to anticipating challenges and opportunities, enabling it to respond rapidly and with flexibility. Switzerland needs skills and resources in order to be heard in the volatile world of tomorrow and have a stake in shaping global events.

AVIS28 sets out a vision in six points that provide a frame for defining future foreign policy:

1. By 2028, Switzerland's foreign policy will deliver on strategic priorities based on clearly defined interests and its values. Foreign policy will articulate thematic and regional priorities. The Federal Council and the individual departments will be consistent in their dealings with the outside world, including major powers.

2. Foreign policy will be closely linked with domestic policy. Swiss foreign policy will have a broad domestic support base as it meets the expectations of the general public. The Federal Council will determine the direction of foreign policy in close consultation with Parliament and the cantons, based on a shared understanding of the responsibilities involved.

3. Greater focus on services for citizens and cooperating with Swiss businesses are recognised assets of Swiss foreign policy. Foreign policy and trade policy will operate as a homogeneous whole. Market access for Swiss companies is a key priority. The private sector is an effective partner in addressing sustainable development goals.

4. Switzerland will leverage its core strengths to build a more peaceful and stable world. Swiss development cooperation will focus on creating jobs locally, finding innovative solutions to reduce poverty and addressing migration challenges strategically. Harnessing new technology will ensure effective delivery of humanitarian aid. Peacebuilding will be backed by a clear strategy, strong political commitment, and attractive packages of good offices. Switzerland will be able to respond rapidly to requests for its good offices. It will adopt effective initiatives to bolster the rules-based international order and work, both offline and online, to foster respect for international law and human rights.

5. By 2028, new technologies will be an established topic of Swiss foreign policy. With its innovative multi-stakeholder ecosystems, International Geneva will be a leading location for governance in relation to the digital transformation. Swiss tech diplomacy will present a clear, contextual profile and contribute to international policy debates. Swiss-based (tech) companies and the scientific community will have become established partners in this process.

6. Having consolidated its bilateral approach, Switzerland will work with the EU, as a non-member state, in shaping Europe. The institutional issues will have been settled and a strategic and non-defensive narrative will inform internal debate on Europe. Being a European country both in cultural and geographical terms, Switzerland’s defence of its global interests will start with Europe. Switzerland will foster European regional cooperation. It will take an active role in shaping decisions, providing effective input into policy areas coordinated by the EU at European level.