Swiss army chief calls for increased cooperation with NATO
On Thursday the Swiss army chief, Thomas Süssli, presented the Army Message of 2023 at an armoury in Thun, canton Bern. Süssli said that beyond air force and special forces, ground troops should also take part in joint trainings with NATO troops.
Questions arose in regard to Swiss cooperation with NATO’s Article 5 exercises, the so-called assistance clause in which NATO member states pledge assistance if another member state is attacked. Süssli did not rule out participation in the Article 5 exercises, justifying possible participation by stating the importance of understanding the operational procedures and structures through joint trainings.
However, the Social Democratic Party and the Swiss People’s Party did not agree with Süssli’s comments, according to media reports.
“At some point NATO will say it’s time to stop cherry-picking,” said Mauro Tuena from the People’s Party. “Then, of course, it’s over with neutrality.”
In February the Swiss Federal Council passed a budget increase for the military to CHF21.7 billion ($23.5 billion) over a four-year period, and has already agreed to intensifying cooperation with NATO. However, the Swiss defence minister, Viola Amherd, has not addressed Switzerland’s participation in NATO’s Article 5 exercises.
More
More
Government plans boost for Swiss armed forces
This content was published on
The Swiss government has called on parliament to raise the budget for the armed forces in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has expressed scepticism about the Swiss army’s desire for more joint exercises. “Several allies have reservations because Switzerland has not allowed them to pass on ammunition to Ukraine,” he told Tamedia newspapers on Wednesday.
More
More
War in Ukraine: neutral Switzerland re-confirms its position on war material transfers
This content was published on
The government on Friday re-confirmed neutral Switzerland’s policy of not supplying arms to conflict zones.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss investigate sighting of Swiss-built tank in Ukraine
This content was published on
Pictures of one or two armoured vehicles apparently made by the Swiss manufacturer Mowag have appeared on the internet from the front in Ukraine.
Most Swiss support closer ties with NATO, survey reveals
This content was published on
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine last year, most Swiss say they want closer ties with NATO – but not membership, a study reveals.
This content was published on
The government has revealed its savings ideas for the 2024 budget, including a smaller than planned boost in military spending.
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.