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The SVP already warns of a «natoisation» of Switzerland. It sounds similar on the far right and the far left: due to the planned entry into the European air defense system Sky Shield, the associations Pro Switzerland and Group Switzerland without an army (GSoA) are complaining about a further rapprochement with the Western defense alliance. Our neutrality is threatened with the death blow.
Switzerland is even gradually approaching NATO. Sky Shield wants to stretch a kind of protective shield over Europe to close holes in the air defenses. Exactly what Switzerland’s participation will look like in the future is still in the stars. The signing of the letter of intent on Friday was only the starting signal for talks.
Meanwhile, it has long been clear that Switzerland needs to move closer to NATO. Alarmed by the war in Ukraine, the Federal Council set this target last year. The war has shown how important international cooperation is, said Defense Minister Viola Amherd (61). But all within the framework of neutrality. And: NATO membership remains excluded.
An approach in five chapters.
1
“Partnership for Peace”
Switzerland’s solo military effort has a long history. It has been involved in the “Partnership for Peace” program since 1996. The concept enables tailor-made partnerships between NATO and non-members. For example, there is military cooperation between Switzerland and NATO in the form of night flying training over northern England and the exchange of information and experiences.
But there are no legal obligations – and especially no obligation to provide assistance. For Switzerland, the focus is on peacebuilding, especially when it comes to participating in the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR).
2
Delay in Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
The National Council and the Council of States gave the Federal Council a clear mandate in 2018: it must sign the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as soon as possible. But five years later nothing has happened.
The matter is clear to parliamentarians: closer cooperation with NATO is not possible upon accession to the nuclear weapons ban. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (64) made that very clear. All nuclear powers had opposed the ban, including NATO, which describes itself as a “nuclear alliance”.
3
The new American fighter jet F-35
The purchase of the American F-35 fighter jet could also contribute to rapprochement with NATO. By networking their IT, these aircraft form a networked system across Western European airspace in case of emergency. After all, the F-35 is almost a European standard. Finland, Norway, Denmark and Great Britain also purchased it.
Amherd had promoted the F-35 as part of future teamwork between Switzerland and NATO: “There is strong cooperation with neighboring countries, especially in the airspace.” If you purchase the new fighter jets, you strengthen this cooperation. However, Switzerland can decide for itself which data it wants to exchange.
4
NATO-compatible air defense
With the decision in favor of the American “Patriot” air defense system, Switzerland has already taken a first step towards closer cooperation in the future in the defense of airspace. The alliance that uses “Patriot” as the cornerstone of its air and missile defense system already includes 17 countries. With the announced entry into the Sky Shield initiative, the Federal Council is now going a step further.
5
Plan more
And the expansion of cooperation must continue. In addition to cyber exercises, joint measures are also planned to defend against cyber attacks, including participation in major NATO defense maneuvers, which would be a first for Switzerland. The federal government has set itself the goal of concluding an individual partnership and cooperation agreement. But it is also clear to Amherd: “We have to make it clear on a case-by-case basis how far we can go.”
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
