Switzerland invoked its neutrality and temporarily blocked arms supplies to the US
This is according to Bloomberg. The
Swiss government has announced a temporary freeze on exports linked to any new US orders for weapons and ammunition. In a statement released on Friday, the authorities explicitly stated that “the export of military equipment to the US cannot currently be authorised”, given the country’s involvement in an “international armed conflict” in the Middle East.
Bern separately emphasised that, following the escalation of the conflict on 28 February, no new licences for the export of military equipment to the US had been issued.
The strict interpretation of Swiss neutrality has already affected the use of the country’s airspace. Last weekend, the authorities stated that US military flights, the number of which exceeds the usual level, would be refused if their purpose was not clearly understood or if they were linked to the war against Iran.
Last year, the US was the second-largest importer of Swiss arms. According to the Swiss government, around 10% of all exports were destined for the US. Sales amounted to 94.2 million Swiss francs, or 119 million dollars. These were mainly aircraft, ammunition and small arms.
At the same time, Switzerland is not yet suspending licences that have already been issued. The government noted that these are not currently related to the war and may therefore continue to be used. However, an inter-ministerial expert group will regularly review developments regarding the export of such goods to the US and determine whether additional measures are required in accordance with neutrality regulations.
Separately, Bern announced that this same expert group will now also regularly review exports of dual-use goods, certain military goods falling under the Goods Control Act, as well as uncontrolled goods that are nonetheless covered by sanctions against Iran. The authorities added that a restrictive approach is already in place regarding Israel.
The position of neutrality has long posed problems for Swiss arms manufacturers. Previously, the government had blocked allies from transferring Swiss-made equipment to Ukraine. Against the backdrop of Europe’s rearmament following Russia’s invasion, this meant a loss of orders for local companies. Fearing exclusion from European supply chains, some Swiss manufacturers relocated production to other countries to circumvent these restrictions.
In response, in December, parliament relaxed the basic law and planned to allow exports to a specific group of 25 predominantly Western states, including the US, even if they are involved in the conflict. However, these changes have not yet come into force. Under the rules of Swiss direct democracy, the law could still be put to a referendum if a sufficient number of signatures are collected by mid-April.
As a reminder, Switzerland took first place in the ranking of the best countries in Europe to live and work in.
