Ignazio Cassis and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas have signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation in foreign policy and security. Regular dialogue is planned.
“Today, no regional conflict remains regional,” declared the Federal Councillor in charge of foreign affairs in Zurich on Thursday evening. The conflict in the Middle East and its implications on Switzerland’s energy supply highlight the importance of maintaining stable relations with the EU.
The signed declaration on Thursday provides for an annual political dialogue at ministerial level between the EU and Switzerland. The first implementation was planned immediately after the signature.
In addition to the declaration on deepening cooperation in foreign policy and security, Switzerland and the EU have also signed a framework agreement on Switzerland’s future possible contributions to civilian and military missions.
The agreement should simplify the procedure for sending soldiers, but it does not impose any obligations on Switzerland. “If Swiss soldiers need to be deployed somewhere, Parliament will have the final say, as it has until now,” said Ignazio Cassis. These new agreements are not part of the package of agreements between Switzerland and the EU (Bilaterals III).
“Neutrality is not an obstacle to greater cooperation,” stated Kaja Kallas, noting the Swiss Parliament’s decision in December to relax restrictions on Swiss-manufactured arms was a step in the right direction.
As a neutral country, Switzerland imposes restrictions on arms exports to countries at war, which has been a point of contention with some EU countries like Germany. In early December, Parliament agreed to a request from the Federal Council to relax the rules and proposed a list of 25 countries, including the US, Canada, and 17 EU countries, that could benefit from exemptions.
Context: Switzerland and the EU have signed agreements to deepen cooperation in foreign policy and security, as well as on future Swiss contributions to civilian and military missions.
Fact Check: The new agreements between Switzerland and the EU are separate from the existing Bilaterals III agreement.
