Donald Trump shock pushes neutral Swiss to seek closer defence ties

Just two months ago, the new Swiss Defense Minister was considered a small opportunity to ensure the position of the Federal Government.

But Army Colonel and Cantonian Minister Martin Pfetts, who protect more defensive cooperation NATO And the EU’s neighbors will take over the compulsory competition for more conservative competitor in the earlier-day conservative competition this week.

Cooperation and joint educational exercises with NATO Switzerland Not a member, “it was absolutely necessary,” said Pfister last month, adding that before he does not push his country to become a member, the Defense Alliance remained remained. The security of EuropeA number

His appointment emphasizes how much neutral Switzerland feels like US President Donald Trump threatens to demolish US guarantees, which have long lasted the continent and the safety of the Alpyan nation.

At a news conference after the vote on Thursday, PFISTER said that NATO “changed, we don’t know in which direction.” Cooperation with European countries and cooperation were of great importance “If security is important to us,” he added.

Any movement in Switzerland’s neutrality will require referendum and constitutional changes, a process that may take years.

But the discussions have started to take place at several levels at several levels of several levels that can lead to a sharp movement of a country, the identity of which is deeply intertwined with neutrality.

“I have never seen a scenario depicting the situation where we are in the Geneva Security Policy Center, the Head of Global and Developing Risks.

“There have been ups and downs in Transatlantic relations, but the United States shows the possible waterfall from Europe, as well as sliding with Russia. He sent a number of Shockwaves through Europe, including Switzerland. ”

Mathias Zoler, Secretary General of the Secretary General of the SWISMEM Aeronautics, Security and Lobby Group, is holding a similar view.

“There is a sense of urgency that has not happened there,” said Zoler. “Finally, both sides are parliament, as well as the government. See something to do and change. ”

The public mood has moved to more security cooperation with European neighbors, according to the study of ETH ZURIK Military Academy and Security Studies.

The study found that 53% of respondents are in favor of closer ties with NATO, while about 43% of the average anniversary of this issue hung. Only 30% wanted to join the Alliance, but it was still higher than a 10-year-old average.

Zoller, who heard before his appointment, said that the new defense minister “understands that we need to cooperate with our neighbors.”

After holding a position on April 1, one of the early PFISTER tasks will be to develop the first national security strategy that could occur until summer.

Discussions on the security strategy will “take place with a growing feeling of urgency, which is a good thing,” said Daniel Mukli, who is partially financed by the Ministry of Defense.

“The official draft security strategy will be the first, and it will define our goals. It should imagine where the government wants to take the country. “

Taking into account the changes in the export regulations. The Bern is forbids the export of weapons, if the country is involved in any war, home or abroad, including Ukraine.

The rules have been a source of dissatisfaction in Europe, especially for countries, such as Germany, which has not allowed to re-register Swiss weapons in Ukraine.

It can change under PFISTER.

“In March, Pfoft confirmed that he will fight for the weakening of the impasement of the Swiss war material and the export of systems,” said the Swiss Army Association.

At the beginning of this month, Hollenstein invited Pfister and his opponent’s candidate, the head of the Swiss Farmer Lobby, listening to the audible military and defense industry.

While Switzerland is in favor of forever armed neutrality, Hollenstein said:

In fact, building the growing army’s budget and building the Swiss weapons industry were other expectations of the military industry, said Hollenstein.

Switzerland aims to achieve 1% of its GDP, which was spent by 2030, 0.7% last year. It is much less than other targets of European nations. In June, 2% or 3.5 percent of the summit at the summit will be raised by 3% or 3.5 percent.

The expansion of the interoperability of the armed forces should also be possible, said Hollenstein, noting the Swiss lands next month, as well as a neutral country. It will be Switzerland’s first exercise on external land since 2003.

But he faded for all the obvious momentum of Switzerland EuropeanOthers have warned that any change in strategy may take years.

There are also strong forces who would like to see neutrality. After Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Switzerland adopted sanctions similar to the EU, Great Britain and the United States. But activists and right politicians have tried to force the end of economic restrictions to be more accurate the long-term neutrality of the country with the Constitution.

The Swiss official said. And here there is always an agreement to find and we are a long way out. “

“I wouldn’t keep my breath for great changes this year or even next year.”