More Europe in Swiss security policy

At a breathtaking pace, US President Donald Trump surprises the world with new announcements. Snown certainties are shaking. The United States is no longer willing to defend European security in Ukraine. They stop the arms deliveries to the country attacked by Russia, retain community information and put massive pressure on President Wolodimir Selenski to close a dictation peace with Vladimir Putin.

In Europe, crisis peaks are chasing themselves. Countries like Germany and France want to continue to fault to upgrade. And the British Premier Keir Strander assures that Europe will carry the main burden to secure a possible peace.

And Bern? After the scandal in the white house in front of the camera between Selenski and Trump, official Switzerland was limited to a tweet of Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter: Our country campaigned for a fair and sustainable peace and condemned Russia's attack on a sovereign state.

Now the National Council fills the vacuum that the Federal Council leaves with its extensive speechlessness. On Thursday, the big chamber with 115 to 66 votes approved an explanation for an independent European security policy and an active role in Switzerland. Only the SVP was against neutrality policy considerations. The FDP registered some reservations, but finally agreed with practically closed.

The decision has no direct political effects. It is about symbolism: Parliament expresses its will that Switzerland, in the face of uncertain geopolitical times, a return of power policy and the crumbling transatlantic solidarity, sets a sign in favor of a strong Europe that is intended to ensure peace, security, democracy and human rights.

According to the declaration, the National Council calls on the Federal Council, for example, to examine other opportunities for security policy cooperation with the EU, for example in the context of the European defense agency, which supports the EU countries in the development of their military resources. The state government is also intended to strengthen Switzerland as part of the European security architecture and intensify cooperation in areas such as cyber security, disaster protection and peace promotion.

The initiative of the declaration is GSOA member

The Zurich SP National Councilor Fabian Molina is the initiator of the declaration. The fact that the GSOA member, who recently mocked the Swiss army as a « traditional costume association », has become a advocate of an increased European defense with helvetic support, called on the right side of the council.

Reto Nause (center, be) wanted to know whether the SP wanted to speak more money for the VBS checkout. FDP parliamentary group leader Damien Cottier reminded the left side of the council that she of all places that launched the explanation of strengthening Switzerland's security. And Walter Gartmann (SVP, SG) complained that the present explanation does not solve a single problem for the army. In addition to a short report in the media, she brings zero and nothing and certainly not serve Switzerland. Rather, “us all” is now needed to bring the almost broken army back into shape.

The Council Link argued very differently. SP-Co President Mattea Meyer replied the bourgeois, tanks in Switzerland were the wrong answer. « We have to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself that Ukraine can continue to fight for freedom. » Instead of upgrading in this country, Switzerland can let Ukraine prepare for the armaments of Ukraine – and help the country humanitarian and in other civil society areas.

Via Asterix for global responsibility

Meanwhile, Nicole Barandun (center, ZH) called on investing in the army and expanding cooperation with the European partners. The neutrality should not be a reason for foreclosure. « Because we are not the Gallic village, and neutrality is not the potion that protects us or makes us unassailable. »

Balthasar Glättli (Greens, ZH) beat Asterix's sheet to global responsibility: « There are moments in world history where you simply cannot keep up. » From left to right one is required to meet this responsibility. A step for this is an approval for Glättli. The majority of the great chamber did this favor.