Switzerland Today
Dear Swiss Abroad,
Today’s news is dominated by diplomatic and defence developments: A third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US has taken place in Geneva. However, following a three-hour pause in negotiations, we will report on the outcome in tomorrow’s briefing – so stay tuned.
The Swiss government wants to enshrine a formal law imposing equal sanctions on Russia and Ukraine, citing Switzerland’s neutrality law. More bad news is also emerging for the defence ministry, which faces further difficulties and delays to a project aimed at modernising its telecommunications system.
Sunny regards from Bern,
The Swiss government has imposed sanctions on Russia – and similar restrictions on Ukraine – arguing that neutrality law requires equal treatment. The federal government says it has no alternative.
The European Union has adopted sanctions against Russia aimed at limiting goods that could support its war against Ukraine. Switzerland’s War Materiel Act already prohibits the export of war materiel to war zones. However, Bern applies the same definition of war-related goods to Ukraine.
The Swiss federal government argues that neutrality law obliges Switzerland to treat parties to an international armed conflict equally with regard to the export and transit of war-related goods by private actors. After four years of governing using emergency ordinances, the government now wants to anchor these measures concerning Ukraine in formal legislation and submit them to Parliament.
Political reactions reflect the broader divide. The Swiss People’s Party supports the move. “Sanctions must apply to both sides,” said parliamentarian Mauro Tuena. Franziska Roth of the Social Democratic Party, by contrast, is calling for the restrictions on Ukraine to be lifted.
A recent survey by the Sotomo research institute shows that 56% of respondents are prepared to support Ukraine not only with humanitarian aid but also with military assistance.
The Defence Ministry is facing renewed criticism as two major projects involving Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems continue to encounter delays and technical problems.
Parliament approved the purchase of six Hermes reconnaissance drones in 2015. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2020, they are now expected by the end of 2027. The ministry cites the project’s complexity and “high degree of innovation”, shortcomings in implementation by the main supplier, legal hurdles and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A second Elbit contract – the CHF377-million Mobile Communication Replacement under the Army Telecommunications (TK A) programme – is also experiencing difficulties. The project aims to modernise the army’s ageing telecommunications system, described by the ministry as essential for operations in a digitised battlefield.
In an internal assessment at the end of 2024, the project was rated “unsatisfactory”. Completion, originally planned for 2032, is now expected to be delayed by three years.
The Swiss Federal Audit Office has warned that “reliable statements are urgently needed” to assess knock-on effects for other projects. Further testing completed at the end of 2025 reportedly showed improvements, with testing continuing until mid-March.
World Economic Forum president Børge Brende has announced his resignation after the organisation launched an independent investigation into his past contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende said he was stepping down after “careful consideration”. “I am convinced that the Forum can now continue its important work without distraction,” wrote the former Norwegian diplomat. He had exchanged more than 100 text messages and emails with Epstein and met him on three occasions.
According to the organisation, an independent evaluation carried out by an external adviser has now been completed. Its conclusions indicate that there are no concerns beyond those already disclosed by Brende himself. The Forum thanked Brende for his leadership during what it described as a crucial reform phase and for overseeing the annual meeting in Davos.
In a separate statement, the organisation said that Alois Zwinggi will take over as interim president and chief executive officer.
Switzerland’s population continues to grow, but access to physical banking services is shrinking.
A study by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) shows that the number of bank branches has fallen sharply since 1990 – from 5,427 to 27 branches per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024. In 1990, there were 82 branches per 100,000 people. By 2027, the figure is expected to drop to 24.
The decline is attributed to the rise of e-banking and consolidation following the UBS–Credit Suisse merger. In 2024, UBS closed one in six branches. Raiffeisen banks reduced their network by 6.1%, while cantonal banks cut 5.6%. A further 111 closures are expected by 2027.
“We expect the decline to continue, but without accelerating,” Andreas Dietrich, one of the study’s authors, told Blick.
ATMs are also disappearing, Blick writes. Switzerland currently has 5,957 ATM machines, according to the Swiss National Bank. Last year, 211 were removed. Security concerns are a factor: In 2025, there were 24 reported ATM explosions.
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