The announcement on Wednesday marks another step in the debate about Swiss armaments that surfaced after Russia invaded Ukraine.
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Deep freeze sets between Germany and Switzerland
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The rapport between Germany and Switzerland has worsened rapidly. The situation also represents a sharp prod from Brussels.
Several countries have asked Switzerland to allow them to send Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine – a request that has been firmly denied.
But this does not prevent Switzerland from selling war materiel to countries that have sent their own stocks to Ukraine.
A House of Representatives security committee had earlier advised that Switzerland has no need for 25 Type 87 Leopard 2 A4 WE tanks held in storage.
The Swiss army currently operates 134 of these tanks and has a reserve of 96 that have not been maintained. The defence ministry says it needs 71 of these reserve tanks, leaving 25 spare.
In February, the German authorities asked if Switzerland would sell any unwanted tanks back to German manufacturer Rheinmetall.
German ministers promised that these tanks would only be used by its own forces, or those of EU or NATO allies, and never be sent to Ukraine.
Should Switzerland’s parliament agree that 25 tanks are not needed, the government says it will consider issuing export licenses to allow for their sale.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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A Swiss parliamentary commission has approved two motions to ease re-export rules of war materiel to third countries, including Ukraine.
Italy-produced ‘Swiss’ weapons ‘active in Ukraine’
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Air defence systems made in Italy, but produced by a Swiss-based firm, are active in Ukraine, according to a newspaper report.
To cosy up to NATO, Switzerland may have to accept the bomb
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Switzerland wants to work more closely with NATO. But to do this, it must say 'no' to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
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