Swiss voters set to reject tighter neutrality rules that would curb NATO cooperation

Reuters ^ | September 27, 2026

[MinorityRepublican]

Swiss voters on Sunday looked set to reject a proposal to adopt a more restrictive form of neutrality that ⁠would have blocked their country from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO.

More than two-thirds voted against a proposal for a strictly defined version of neutrality to be written into the Swiss constitution, according to the latest referendum projections by state broadcaster SRF.

While Swiss neutrality has been internationally ⁠recognised since the end of the Napoleonic wars in ​1815, ⁠how the government implements it is not spelled out.

The right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has said that Switzerland’s traditional position has been eroded after Bern imposed sanctions ⁠on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

The campaign has funded posters across the ​country ⁠urging people to vote “No war, yes ‌to neutrality”, featuring white peace doves ahead of the vote.

Still, opinion polls suggest voters will reject the proposal, with one of the latest surveys showing 68% against with 31% ‌in favour.

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TOPICS: European Union; Foreign Affairs
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[traderrob6]

Swiss know how to properly leech as well as anyone on this planet.

[ScaniaBoy]

In the end the figures were 70% to 30% rejecting the proposal (according to NZZ).

[pierrem15]

The Swiss economy is so thoroughly integrated with the EU that they would be incredibly foolish to push a "neutrality" that would leave them open to secondary sanctions from the EU.

They are also embarrassed by Switzerland's role as a "neutral" in WWII that effectively aided Nazi Germany and don't wish to be a haven for Russian oligarchs and Russian sanctions busting.

[whitney69]

Switzerland is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) because of its long-standing policy of military neutrality. That is their choice. But don’t expect NATO to come running when you get your thing in a sling.

wy69

[Angelino97]

Switzerland is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) because of its long-standing policy of military neutrality. That is their choice. But don’t expect NATO to come running when you get your thing in a sling.

Who said they do?

I don't see them receiving tens of billions in U.S. military aid, like Ukraine or Israel.

[ansel12]

Switzerland knows a lot about defending their country, they are prepared and the nation is structured as a well manned fortress, they also work with and align with NATO/US.