European defense project: GsoA warns against Swiss participation in Sky Shield

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Neutral Austria also wants to participate in the project. But there this goes against the grain, especially from the right-wing FPÖ.

In Switzerland, the SVP is not against the plans for the time being. SVP State Councilor Werner Salzmann (60) says that Switzerland should actually be able to protect itself against missile attacks from great heights: “I have been asking for that for a long time,” emphasizes the chairman of the Security Policy Committee.

At the same time, in addition to the question of costs and benefits, there is also the question of neutrality, which must be maintained at all costs. He can therefore only make a final judgment once all the details are on the table, according to Salzmann.

Green security politician Marionna Schlatter (42) welcomes the cooperation: “It is a fact that Switzerland cannot defend itself alone.” But you have to ask yourself which collaborations make sense. “However, joining the European missile defense umbrella will certainly present us with certain challenges in terms of neutrality law.”

“Over the Heads of the People”

The association “Pro Switzerland”, which advocates an independent security policy in Switzerland, and its political opponent, the group for a Switzerland without an army (GSoA), are outraged by Amherd’s latest plans. Both see Switzerland’s neutrality threatened by participation in “Sky Shield”. “Pro Switzerland is appalled at how the Bundesrat is once again acting behind the sovereign’s back,” the association criticizes. “Apparently Ms. Amherd wants to accelerate her hidden agenda to join NATO in installments and bypass her through the proper political processes and electorate.”

The GSoA also fears rapprochement with NATO. However, this is delicate under the law of neutrality and offensive to democratic politics. “The fact that Viola Amherd is making another forward-looking neutrality decision over the heads of the people is unsustainable,” said GSoA Secretary Anja Gada. The highly sensitive exchange of data with other countries is extremely questionable.

VBS wants an exit clause

The Ministry of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) refutes that participation in Sky Shield is also possible for neutral states in many areas. In addition, Switzerland will make its reservations under the neutrality law in an additional statement.

An exit clause should also be included. For example, Switzerland could end cooperation at any time if a partner country goes to war.