Security and defence cooperation between Switzerland and the EU
Switzerland and the EU have maintained constructive security and defence cooperation for over 20 years. A secure Europe is in the interests of both Switzerland and the EU.
This cooperation between Switzerland and the EU in the field of foreign and security policy includes regular dialogue on topics such as security and defence, human rights, multilateralism, peace policy/mediation and development cooperation. There are also regular exchanges focused on geographical areas, for example Africa and Asia. In addition, Switzerland adopts EU sanctions against third countries independently on a case-by-case basis and participates in various instruments of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Taking into account its neutrality obligations, Switzerland participates in areas such as civil and military peacebuilding, in cooperations within the framework of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and, from 2025, has been taking part in selected Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects.
This cooperation between Switzerland and the EU in the field of foreign and security policy includes regular dialogue on topics such as security and defence, human rights, multilateralism, peace policy/mediation and development cooperation. There are also regular exchanges focused on geographical areas, for example Africa and Asia. In addition, Switzerland adopts EU sanctions against third countries independently on a case-by-case basis and participates in various instruments of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Taking into account its neutrality obligations, Switzerland participates in areas such as civil and military peacebuilding, in cooperations within the framework of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and, from 2025, has been taking part in selected Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects.
Documents
Links
Joint declaration on strengthened cooperation on foreign and security policy
For more on this see
Peacebuilding
Switzerland participates in civilian and military peacekeeping missions abroad.
Framework for Cooperation with the European Defence Agency EDA
Switzerland and the European Defence Agency signed a Framework for Cooperation in 2012. The agreement is in Switzerland's defence, security and armaments-policy interests.
Contact
State Secretariat STS-FDFA
Federal Palace East
3003 Bern