Swiss senators back overhaul of weapons exports rules
One of the two parliamentary chambers has approved a plan to allow buyers of Swiss weapons to re-export them to third countries – like Ukraine – under certain conditions.
The initiative passed by the Senate on Wednesday would allow certain countries to re-export Swiss-made weapons after a period of five years following purchase.
Strict conditions would still have to be met: for one, the countries doing the re-exporting would have to share “similar values” to Switzerland and have similar export controls in place; while the country receiving the weapons, if involved in a conflict, would have to be making use of its right to self-defence under international law – as confirmed by a two-thirds majority vote at the UN General Assembly.
Current rules forbid the buyers of Swiss arms to re-export them without receiving an authorisation by Bern.
Based on these rules, and its tradition of neutrality, Switzerland has turned down requests over the past year from Germany, Denmark and Spain to re-export weapons to Kyiv.
The resulting pressure, as well as debates about defining Switzerland’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war, have led to a flurry of ideas in parliament on re-jigging weapons exports rules – including the one passed today in the Senate.
However, Swiss arms are still a long way from Kyiv: the idea will now go for debate to the other parliamentary chamber, the House of Representatives, while any final decision by lawmakers would also be subject to a potential popular referendum.
More
More
The controversial lucrative business of Swiss arms deals
This content was published on
With the threat of a people’s initiative, the Swiss parliament is seeking to tighten the screws on weapon exporters.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
This content was published on
The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
This content was published on
Swiss citizens will vote on occupational pension schemes and a biodiversity initiative on September 22, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
Ukraine peace talks: 50 countries have confirmed participation
This content was published on
To date, 50 countries out 160 invited delegations have confirmed they will attend the Ukraine peace conference, held in central Switzerland in mid-June, according to Swiss public radio, RTS.
Federer-backed On boosts forecast after sneaker demand rises
This content was published on
Swiss footwear company On Holding AG posted strong first-quarter revenue, boosted by demand for its running shoes and new line of training apparel.
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch CHF4 million at Swiss auction
This content was published on
Watches belonging to Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher sold for around CHF4 million ($4.41 million) at auction house Christie's in Geneva on Tuesday.
Macron will attend Swiss summit on Ukraine, says Zelensky
This content was published on
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
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.