Swiss voters rejected on Sunday a proposal to enshrine stricter neutrality in the constitution, with 70.2% voting against it, according to final results. The measure would have largely barred economic sanctions and cooperation with NATO.
Pro Schweiz brought forward the initiative after Switzerland largely adopted EU sanctions against Russia in 2022 following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It would have barred cooperation with defence alliances unless an attack on Switzerland was underway or imminent, and limited sanctions to those approved by the UN, where Russia has a veto. It would also have allowed business as usual with countries at war.
Pro Schweiz framed the initiative as a way to protect peace, while opponents said strict neutrality could damage Switzerland’s reputation and limit cooperation with partner countries. Economiesuisse director Monika Rühl said Switzerland should not be seen as circumventing sanctions; international law professor Helen Keller described sanctions as an important tool against serious violations of international law.
