Switzerland mulls ending centuries old neutrality amid growing animosities between Russia and Europe

[pellinore]

Amid the growing animosities between Russia and Europe, Switzerland is rethinking its centuries-long neutral stance over global conflicts. In a bombshell report published on Thursday, a group of experts urged the government to rethink its defence stance. While the country has maintained neutrality since 1515, the group encouraged the government to work on a “common defence capability” with the EU and NATO.

“Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, neutrality has once again become the subject of political debate, both at home and abroad. Pressure on Switzerland to clarify its position is growing,” read the report put forward by the country’s study commission.

The group noted that Switzerland’s neutrality has also negatively impacted the arms sales of the country. It also puts the European nation in a complicated spot to defend itself while being surrounded by two parties to which it doesn’t belong.

The recommendations came months after Russia’s growing aggression in Ukraine prompted Sweden and Finland to ditch their neutrality and join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The experts involved in the report included diplomats, senior officials, a former head of the Swiss army and Wolfgang Ischinger, the former director of the Munich Security Conference. Here’s a look at some of its recommendations.

Switzerland mulls ending centuries old neutrality amid growing animosites between Russia and Europe – Firstpost

Edited September 3 by pellinore