(25 October 2023) (sv) The “WHO International Health Regulations” (IHR) are currently being revised with the exclusion of the Swiss Parliament and the public and are to be adopted by the “World Health Assembly” in May 2024. A Swiss negotiating delegation is also involved.
(4 October 2023) (Lauterbrunnen, 22 September 2023.) The non-partisan “Pro Schweiz” states that in the past it was Switzerland’s claim, duty and noble task, on the basis of its credible neutrality and as a depositary state of the International Humanitarian Law of war, to ensure that human dignity and the rights of those suffering were respected by all (!) warring parties. The aim was always to ensure that all warring parties were treated equally.
by Pascal Lottaz,* Japan
(22 August 2023) Although Switzerland’s Federal Council rejected its Foreign Minister’s idea for “cooperative neutrality”, the recently approved new security doctrine reverses parts of the country’s traditional neutrality concept. Preparations for collective defence with NATO and the EU are underway.
by Christian Campiche,* Lausanne
(15 August 2023) And here we go again! It was thought that Switzerland had reconciled with the USA after the dormant assets’ affair. However, this is not the case. But is that so surprising?
by Jean-Paul Vuilleumier, editor of “Swiss Standpunkt”
(28 July 2023) Perpetual armed neutrality is one of the most important principles of Swiss foreign policy. The idea of neutrality is well anchored in our country, its people, and its history. To abolish it directly and openly is therefore not feasible. For several decades, however, efforts have been made to weaken and disintegrate the original concept of neutrality.
by Christoph Blocher
(6 July 2023) (Edit.) In 1992, it was Christoph Blocher, a doctor of law, former Federal Councillor and former entrepreneur, who, together with the “Action for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland” initiated by him, succeeded in preventing Switzerland from joining the “European Economic Area” (EEA). He saw this as a precursor to joining the “European Community” (EC).