The majority wants to move closer to NATO

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The war in Ukraine caused a turning point in Europe. What was once considered safe has foundered. Also in Switzerland. While the Bundesrat and the majority of the parliament have continued to refuse even indirect arms deliveries with reference to the law of neutrality, the people’s belief in neutrality is beginning to crumble.

91 percent still support the principle of neutrality. Compared to last year, however, this corresponds to a minus of six percentage points. Fewer and fewer want to rely on neutrality alone. Today, only 55 percent of the population is convinced that they protect us from international conflict. A year earlier that was still 69 percent.

Protection of a military alliance desired

This is the conclusion of the study “Security 2023” of the Military Academy (Milak) and the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich. It also shows that over a third of those surveyed now want the protective effect of a military alliance in Europe.

The focus is on NATO. Today, a slim majority of 55 percent is in favor of a rapprochement with the Western Defense Alliance – ten percentage points more than in January 2021. However, joining NATO remains a minority of 31 percent.

A slim majority is clear: rapprochement with NATO and joint defense planning are compatible with neutrality. Consent depends on the political attitude of the respondents: while people from the left and center are in favor of rapprochement, the consent is significantly lower in the political right camp.

Stop relying on armed neutrality

Conversely, myth-laden armed neutrality among the population is losing importance. The study’s authors emphasize that military and national autonomy approval rates have “decreased significantly”; from 41 to 33 percent. Today, the Swiss population is “more open and willing to cooperate”.

Earlier findings that the over-65s attach more importance to national defense than young people have not been proven since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. “For example, the belief that Switzerland should rely only on its own national defense has fallen the most, especially among the elderly,” the authors conclude.

Younger more reserved than older

It also fits the picture that more and more citizens believe that Switzerland should take a clear stand in military conflicts – 27 percent instead of the previous 18 percent. This is well above the average of the past ten years. Younger respondents are more reserved than older respondents. The same applies to French-speaking Switzerland (approval: 17 percent) and Ticino (20 percent) compared to German-speaking Switzerland (30 percent).

However, the picture is clear when it comes to sanctions against Russia. Three quarters of those surveyed are still convinced they are right. They are also 70 percent compatible with neutrality. On the other hand, about a third assume that Switzerland can no longer offer its good offices due to the sanctions.

The Swiss army has also gained importance among the population. 78 percent think they are necessary, another three percentage points more than a year ago. The research also shows that the opinion that Switzerland spends too little on defense is now more widespread. And: the Swiss unequivocally support conscription and the militia principle. At the same time, they are satisfied with the performance of the army.

Source:Blick