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 has given way to a confrontational logic with the war in Ukraine. In this, as in other security policy challenges, Switzerland is committed to international security and the strengthening of international law and multilateral institutions.
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.
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.