Swiss citizens on 27 September rejected a popular initiative that would have written stricter neutrality requirements into the Constitution. According to preliminary results and early projections, about 69–71 percent voted against the proposal and roughly 29–31 percent in favour.
The “Safeguard Swiss Neutrality” initiative sought to enshrine in the Constitution that Switzerland’s neutrality is “perpetual and armed.” The country would have been barred from joining military or defence alliances or cooperating with them except in the event of an attack or an imminent threat. It would also have been forbidden from taking part in conflicts between third countries or imposing sanctions on warring states, with exceptions only for United Nations measures and steps to prevent sanctions circumvention.
The government and parliament recommended rejection. They argued that rigid wording would narrow foreign-policy room for manoeuvre and prevent a flexible interpretation of neutrality. With the initiative defeated, Bern retains the ability to join sanctions, including EU restrictions on Russia introduced after the full-scale fighting in Ukraine began in 2022.
The campaign was backed by circles linked to the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the group Pro Schweiz. They argued that aligning with anti-Russian sanctions had eroded Switzerland’s traditional neutrality, internationally recognised since 1815 and written into the Constitution since 1848. Opponents replied that neutrality is not dogma and must leave the authorities space to respond to international crises.
The result means the practice of “flexible neutrality” continues. Switzerland can still cooperate with NATO in peacetime and support sanctions regimes not approved by the UN Security Council. Official results will be published after the full count.
