EU sanctions against Jacques Baud
An attack on freedom of expression and Swiss sovereignty
by the “Leonhard Circle”*
(16 January 2026) The Leonhard Circle strongly condemns the EU sanctions against Swiss citizen and renowned military analyst Jacques Baud. These measures, imposed on 15 December 2025, constitute a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of expression that characterises the rule of law and undermine Switzerland's neutrality and freedom. In this context, the apathy and inaction of the Swiss government, which according to the Federal Constitution is supposed to protect the rights and freedoms of the people, seem completely incomprehensible and inappropriate. The Federal Council has turned the Confederation's motto “All for one, one for all” into an empty phrase. The incident does, however, give a foretaste of what the Swiss people would have to expect on an even greater scale if the so-called framework agreement with the EU were to be ratified.
The EU accuses Mr Baud of spreading Russian narratives, even though the books and interviews of the former Swiss Army colonel and ex-NATO adviser are based on Western and Ukrainian sources and consistently provide accurate references. According to his own statements, he strives to take a neutral, impartial position. His analyses of the Ukraine crisis, based on decades of expertise in asymmetric warfare and intelligence work, represent an essential, albeit uncomfortable, perspective that challenges the EU's prevailing narrative on this issue.
The “community of values” presumes to “educate” a citizen of a neutral third country through such rigid measures. However, the sanctions are an extremely harsh punishment, tantamount to a social death sentence. Baud is being placed on a par with terrorists. His case is all the more absurd because professionally competent assessments are being defamed as disinformation and propaganda. The sanctions clearly constitute an act of intimidation and are intended to silence a critical, independent mind. Anyone who deviates from the politically dictated narrative is no longer refuted with arguments, but directly destroyed economically and in terms of reputation. These sanctions are not an instrument of peacekeeping, but of the targeted disintegration of undesirable discourse. This ignores the fact that liberal constitutional states only have police forces and armies so that their citizens can freely and undisturbedly express opinions that displease the authorities.
The sanctions are a purely political decision that was not preceded by any legal review. They are decided by the EU council responsible for the relevant topic. In the case of Jacques Baud, too, the sanction was imposed without a hearing and without legal proceedings. The “surprise effect” – Baud learned of the sanction from the media – is intentional, so that the person concerned cannot escape the sanction, which means a freeze on assets, bans on earning money and travelling, and, in some cases, also for family members. This is disproportionate, especially in a matter of freedom of expression and information, and violates fundamental and human rights. The only recourse for those affected is to lodge an appeal after the fact.
Mr Baud is by no means the first Western victim of Brussels' dictatorship of opinion, and he will not be the last. EU critics are being criminalised with increasing frequency. The fact that they are regularly denied a fair hearing constitutes a serious violation of Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The Leonhard Circle urges the Swiss authorities to take decisive action to have these sanctions lifted immediately and to protect the rights of their citizens. The EU must not extend its powers beyond its borders and must respect free debate, even on difficult geopolitical issues. Defending freedom of expression is more important than ever in these times.
| * The Leonhard Circle was founded in 2024 by committed citizens who are dedicated to preserving and strengthening democratic values. Its founding in Switzerland is the starting point for an international network. |
For questions:
Former Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, President
Hans-Georg Maassen, Vice-President
Mag. Marie-Christine Giuliani, Vice-President
Contact: info@leonhard-kreis.ch
Source: https://leonhard-kreis.ch/eu-sanktionen-jacques-baud/, 23 December 2025
(Translation “Swiss Standpoint”)