Switzerland rejects proposal to strictly limit national neutrality

Swiss voters have decisively rejected a proposal to strictly redefine the nation's neutrality. In a referendum held on Sunday, 70.1% of voters opposed an initiative that would have prohibited the Confederation from imposing economic sanctions, cooperating with NATO, or joining military alliances, except in cases of direct military attack or imminent threat.

The initiative was championed by the nationalist Swiss People's Party (UDC) and some representatives of the far left. Proponents argued that traditional neutrality was already compromised by Switzerland's imposition of sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. They suggested that a stricter definition of neutrality would better position Bern as a facilitator for peace negotiations.

By rejecting the measure, voters have maintained the current constitutional framework, which leaves the definition of neutrality to the discretion of the Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. The outcome is seen as a reaffirmation of the government's current foreign policy, supporting international security cooperation and continued solidarity with Ukraine through economic measures.