Switzerland must stand together with the EU - now more than ever

The current situation in global politics is extraordinary and unprecedented. The more than 25-hour speech by a Democratic senator in the US, in which the clear opposition to Trump and his laws became visible, shows this in all clarity. Due to the US President's misguided behaviour, his numerous announcements to impose protective tariffs, invade democratic countries and seek a third term in office, the USA is currently experiencing a massive loss of reputation. All of the USA's allies are increasingly turning away from co-operation with the USA and are increasingly trying to become independent and reach agreements without the USA. Canada is reaching a trade agreement with Australia, Portugal and other NATO member states are not buying American F-35 fighter jets, the EU is trying harder to reach a trade agreement with India, Brazil is trading more with China - with the yen instead of the dollar - and some countries are discussing their own nuclear weapons.

And Switzerland? It bakes its own bread and tries to get around the European punitive tariffs out of pure opportunism and ignorance, as it is not a member of the EU. This attempt to circumvent the punitive tariffs shows above all a lack of solidarity and an unwillingness to strengthen co-operation with the EU. This strategy has clearly not worked. While Trump has imposed punitive tariffs of 20 per cent on imports from the EU, these are 31 per cent for Switzerland (with the exception of the pharmaceutical sector). In the impending trade war with the US, Switzerland must coordinate more closely with the EU to avoid being isolated. However, this strategy does not yet appear to be reflected in the Federal Council's reactions to the American tariffs. Volt fears that Switzerland is going down the wrong path in terms of foreign policy and is calling for closer cooperation with the EU.

Defence

Europe is arming itself, and massively so. A total of 800 billion euros is to be spent to ensure that the EU is fully capable of independent defence by 2030. Switzerland is already cooperating with the EU within the framework of the ‘Partnership for Peace’, but this cooperation should be greatly expanded. Together with Austria and Liechtenstein, Switzerland is a small patch of land in the middle of NATO member states, and compatibility of weapons systems is essential. It is also foreseeable that there will be endeavours to create a European army, as demonstrated by the recent demands of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Switzerland should also get involved here and consider cooperating. In addition, Switzerland should finally show solidarity with Ukraine and authorise arms deliveries. With Ukraine, the entire European continent has been attacked by imperialist Russia - including Switzerland. Allowing arms deliveries would be the least Switzerland could do; we are not even talking about the consistent pursuit of oligarchs' money in Switzerland.

It is clear that all these endeavours clash with Swiss neutrality. However, they only clash with the current definition of neutrality as used by the isolationist, anti-European part of Swiss politics. However, Swiss neutrality can also be reinterpreted. For example, it is perfectly legitimate to join a defence alliance for one's own protection and to supply weapons to a democratic country if it is attacked. The long-neutral countries of Sweden and Finland have also reconsidered their foreign policy and joined NATO. Switzerland could also move in this direction - by cooperating more closely with the EU in matters of defence.

Economy

Trump's tariffs will also hit Switzerland hard. The era of globalised trade, at least with the USA, is over. Trying to negotiate short-term special conditions with the USA now is counterproductive. The focus should be on moving closer to the EU economically and finally finalising the negotiations on Bilaterals III. The agreement reached by the social partners on wage protection is an encouraging step.

In the short term, the adoption of Bilaterals III is an absolute must in order to stabilise relations with the EU and preserve Swiss prosperity in the midst of a looming trade war. In the medium term, however, Switzerland should make strong efforts to join the European Economic Area (EEA). At present, Switzerland is the only member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) that is not also a member of the EEA. An improvement here would be fundamental for the security of Swiss foreign trade and the general exchange with the EU. In the long term, however, the elephant in the room should be discussed: Switzerland's accession to the European Union. Even if this measure will not be popular in Switzerland, it should still be discussed. In such extraordinary times as these, old self-conceptions break down and new conventions are created. Switzerland is a valuable part of Europe and should recognise this in the impending formation of a bloc in order to avoid becoming isolated.

Conclusion

No matter how much Switzerland tries to bury its head in the sand, the new world order is already here: there is war in Europe - since the illegal occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the subsequent fighting in eastern Ukraine, Trump is questioning the principles of NATO and world trade and Switzerland is standing idly by. Meanwhile, Europe is reacting and, despite all its differences, is moving closer together and planning increased cooperation, particularly in the area of defence. This is precisely where Switzerland should start - and join in. Because Europe will gain weight globally, with or without Switzerland. However, we now have the opportunity to jump on the bandwagon, join in and help shape the Europe of the future.

Sources

https://www.srf.ch/news/international/rede-gegen-donald-trump-rekordrede-demokratischer-senator-spricht-ueber-25-stunden
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/world/trump-foreign-policy-trust.html
https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/vor-us-zollankuendigung-trumpf-gegen-trump-schweiz-betont-nicht-mitgliedschaft-in-der-eu
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https://commission.europa.eu/topics/defence/future-european-defence_en
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https://www.politico.eu/article/spai-pedro-sanchez-calls-creation-european-army-military-budget/
https://voltschweiz.org/neuigkeiten/ukraine-waffenweitergabe
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