Bern (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Switzerland will start exploratory talks with the European Union on a non-binding partnership for arms procurement projects, the government announced on Wednesday. The move comes as the neutral Alpine nation seeks to strengthen its security ties with the European Union.
With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and uncertainty about US President Donald Trump’s support for NATO’s mutual defense clause, Europe is being forced to rearm, making it tougher for smaller countries like Switzerland to place orders.
Such partnerships are a prerequisite for non-EU countries to become involved with the bloc’s cooperation projects, said the government, adding that the move was compatible with neutrality and would help strengthen its defence capabilities.
“Switzerland has an interest in greater cooperation with the EU, particularly in relation to armaments,”
It stated, adding that the discussions should be launched as soon as possible.
How does Switzerland plan to strengthen defense ties?
Forming a partnership would enable Switzerland to negotiate more favorable terms for its industry’s involvement in EU defense procurement projects, according to the statement.
“To date, the EU has concluded such partnerships with a number of countries, and further partnerships are in the pipeline,”
added the government. Companies from countries that have a pact with the EU are eligible to apply for the bloc’s $150 billion arms fund if they meet additional conditions.
Switzerland’s government is looking to work more closely with other European countries on defense procurement, after top officials raised concerns about the country’s struggling arms industry.
As part of a new defense strategy announced on Friday, Switzerland plans to purchase at least 30% of its arms from European suppliers. According to the government’s statement, Swiss forces should also use the same or compatible weapon systems as their neighboring countries.
What does the Swiss-Ukraine cooperation agreement include?
On Wednesday, the Swiss government also approved a draft cooperation agreement with Ukraine to rebuild the country, which would create a legal framework for Swiss private companies to play a more significant role.
