Published on 4 August 2026

International cooperation on security matters

The security environment in the European and Euro-Atlantic area has changed fundamentally in recent years. The European security architecture based on cooperative approaches increasingly been characterised by deterrence and defence since the outbreak of the war against Ukraine. In this, as in other security policy challenges, Switzerland is committed to international security and the strengthening of international law and multilateral institutions.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chaired a debate of the UN Security Council on 3 May 2023, focusing on building trust. — © FDFA

The foundations of the modern European peace order and security architecture are based on finding solutions based on cooperation. The security architecture in Europe is characterised by a high institutional density (OSCE, NATO, EU). However, the security environment has changed fundamentally in recent years. An erosion set in that culminated in the Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. For Switzerland, security approaches based on cooperation and integration are the most efficient and sustainable way to address security policy challenges. Through the supplementary report to its security policy report, the Federal Council has reaffirmed its intention to focus Switzerland's security and defence policy even more consistently on international cooperation.

• United Nations (UN)

  Maintaining peace and security is one of the UN's main objectives and is primarily the responsibility of the Security Council, which has special powers for this purpose, such as the imposition of sanctions and the authorisation of military intervention. Switzerland was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2023–24 term.

  The UN also plays a decisive role in the areas of arms control, disarmament and cyber security. It provides the necessary framework for negotiations on these issues and the implementation of concrete measures in these areas. At the same time actively promotes the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It also combats illegal trade in small arms and light ammunition.

  • building sustainable peace,
  • protecting civilians,
  • enhancing effectiveness,
  • tackling climate change.

• Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

  The OSCE plays a central role in European security. It serves as an important platform for dialogue between all European and Central Asian states, as well as the US and Canada, in order to overcome differences and build trust. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created significant challenges for the OSCE in terms of taking effective action against military aggression.

  For Switzerland, the OSCE is an important vehicle for it to promote peace and security in Europe, in neighbouring regions and further afield, in accordance with its foreign policy priorities. It is actively involved in confidence and security-building measures and in developing measures to counter international threats such as terrorism and conflicts in cyberspace.

• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

  NATO is one of the main security organisations in Europe. Its strategic concept encompasses collective defence within the framework of the duty to provide assistance, crisis management and cooperative security.

  NATO founded the Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1994. This enables non-aligned countries to establish direct bilateral relations with NATO and its member states.

• Partnership for Peace (PfP)

  The PfP is a flexible instrument, as participation does not entail any politically or militarily binding obligations. Switzerland has been a member since 1996. In addition to political dialogue, the Swiss Armed Forces participate in peace support operations abroad which are conducted by NATO and the UN. For example, Switzerland has been contributing to the Kosovo Force (KFOR) with SWISSCOY since 1999 in order to support regional stability and security. Switzerland and NATO regularly agree on their bilateral cooperation within the framework of the PfP in a non-legally binding document (Individually Tailored Partnership Programme).

• European Union (EU)

  The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is one of the EU's main instruments for conflict resolution and for promoting defence and security dialogue between member states. It is essentially based on diplomacy and compliance with international law. As part of the CSDP, the EU has developed various instruments for crisis management at the civilian and military levels. Switzerland participates in various peace missions under the leadership of the EU. For example, Switzerland is contributing several staff officers and observation teams to the EUFOR Althea military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Diplomatic initiatives and security policy networking

For Switzerland, cooperative approaches to tackling security policy challenges are of great importance. Switzerland is dependent on a stable, regulated environment.

At the intergovernmental level, Switzerland holds regular security policy consultations with selected partner states. These promote both the exchange of information and the mutual understanding of positions on various security policy matters.

At the multilateral level, Switzerland organises various dialogue platforms on selected security policy topics in close cooperation with Swiss think tanks:

• Chambésy Roundtable on European Security
• Zermatt Roundtable on Security Issues in Northeast Asia
• Zurich Strategic Dialogue on International Security

These dialogue opportunities are characterised by their informal nature. This enables participants to have an open and direct exchange even on politically sensitive topics and thus promotes new ideas and impetus.

Cooperation with Swiss think tanks

• Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)

  The GCSP promotes security policy dialogue through education and training programmes for international civilian and military specialists and managers, with a focus on the globalised security environment. It organises international meetings, conferences and public events and supports peace processes at various levels.

• Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)

  The DCAF promotes effective and good security sector governance in this politically very sensitive area. The DCAF works with all actors in the security sector (e.g. armed forces, police, intelligence services and border protection) with the aim of preventing conflicts and promoting sustainable and peaceful development.

• Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

  The GICHD strengthens the capacities and expertise of national and international partners for the clearance of mines and explosive remnants of war and promotes accident prevention for conventional ammunition stockpiles.

• Center for Security Studies (CSS)

  The CSS at ETH Zurich is an important centre of expertise for Swiss and international security policy. It provides expertise as part of its research, teaching and consultancy activities. The CSS promotes understanding of today's challenges and thus supports the exploration of possible solutions for a more peaceful world.

Links

• Switzerland and the UN
• Switzerland and NATO: Partnership for Peace
• Switzerland and the OSCE
• Switzerland and the EU
• Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)
• Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
• Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
• Center for Security Studies (CSS)
• Switzerland's Security Policy: Report of the Federal Council (DE)
• Security Policy: Strengthened International Cooperation While Upholding Neutrality (de)