The Swiss parliament has again failed to put pressure on the government to ease restrictions on the sale of war materiel, including the re-export of weapons.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SWI/ug
Italiano
it
Il Parlamento insiste sullo status quo delle esportazioni di armi
The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a proposal to allow the re-export of Swiss war materiel to third countries under certain conditions.
They include a formal statement by the the United Nations General Assembly of a violation of international law by a warring party.
The main right-wing and centre-right parties as well as the Greens voted against the proposal.
Another stronger proposal to allow the sale of arms to third countries if the UN Security Council found a violation of international law won a slim majority in the house.
However, the decision still needs approval by the other parliamentary chamber, the Senate at a later stage and is unlikely to have a political impact according to experts.
The reason is that the five major powers, Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain, can veto any resolution by the Security Council.
Status quo
As a result the latest decision by the Swiss parliament merely consolidates the country’s current policy on arms exports.
At least four other proposals are pending in parliament amid a broad public debate in Switzerland over the past few months about the country’s traditional neutrality and the government’s position on arms exports.
On Monday, the Senate rejected a proposal to allow the re-export of Swiss war materiel from like-minded countries.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Zurich arbitration authority rules in favour of tenants of ‘Sugus Houses’
This content was published on
A conciliation authority says the terminations of 105 flat leases in the so-called "Sugus Houses" in the centre of Zurich were abusive. The tenants therefore do not have to move out - at least for the time being.
This content was published on
Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday.
This content was published on
Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
This content was published on
A bear killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden, last week. This was the first bear attack on local livestock in four years.
This content was published on
Experts believe that economic development in Switzerland will be weaker in 2026 than the forecasts made three months ago. They have also lowered their predictions for the current year.
This content was published on
Fewer people in Switzerland have a religious affiliation and the proportion who practice their religion regularly is steadily declining, a survey finds.
Study: trees have major cooling effect even in extreme heat
This content was published on
Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
EPFL launches digitised version of Battle of Murten panorama
This content was published on
To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a website that offers the public an immersive experience of the huge panorama painting of the historic battle.
77th Swiss Gymnastics Festival praised for ‘positive energy’
This content was published on
The 77th Federal Gymnastics Festival drew to a close on Sunday in Lausanne, after eleven days of popular celebration and sporting performances.
Swiss arms re-export ban puts Europe at risk, says French Ambassador
This content was published on
The ambassadors of France and the Netherlands have reiterated calls for Switzerland to ease restrictions on the export of tanks and ammunition.
Switzerland cannot remain neutral over war, says Ukrainian ambassador
This content was published on
Switzerland cannot remain neutral in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, says Ukraine’s ambassador to Switzerland.
Switzerland’s war materiel exports reach record level
This content was published on
Swiss companies exported tanks, weapons, and other war materiel worth CHF955 million ($1.02 billion) to 60 countries in 2022.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.