“Neutrality Initiative” rejected: “No to war” means yes to Europe
Press release
Swiss voters have decisively rejected the “Neutrality Initiative,” which sought to lock the country into a restrictive definition of Swiss neutrality. Operation Libero, one of the initiative’s leading opponents, now calls on the Swiss Parliament to strengthen Switzerland’s ties with the EU and swiftly advance the next package of bilateral agreements.
Today’s vote sends a clear message: Swiss voters have rejected the temptation to isolate the country from its European partners and tie its own hands in the face of blatant violations of international law. It is a clear choice for a Switzerland prepared to shoulder its responsibilities: defending democracy and the international order rather than looking the other way.
The greatest peace project in history
Swiss voters saw through the contradictions of the initiative’s supporters, led by far-right billionaire Christoph Blocher, who plastered the country with “No to war” posters while portraying the EU as the enemy to be fought at every turn.
Anyone claiming to want to prevent war should start by looking at what Europe has achieved since 1945. The European Union is history’s largest and most successful project for peace and freedom. After centuries of conflict, Europe learned that lasting peace depends on co-operation. And the fact that no war has broken out between European states since then is neither self-evident nor a matter of chance: it is a historic achievement.
Yet it is precisely the advocates of “No to war” who have attacked this European peace order most fiercely. The neutrality initiative would have closed the door on European security co-operation and prevented Switzerland from adopting EU sanctions against aggressor states—even as Russia threatens peace in Europe.
Little wonder, then, that the Kremlin welcomed the initiative. It would have strengthened Switzerland’s political and financial ties with Vladimir Putin’s Russia, widening the scope for Swiss business with the Russian war economy.
Peace is built on strong partnerships
“There is no neutrality between those who defend our freedoms and those who seek to destroy them,” says Lisa Marchon, co-president of Opération Libero. “Neutrality must never become a blank cheque for autocrats and perpetrators of human-rights abuses. Peace does not come from looking the other way, but from strong partnerships, common rules and the courage to defend democracy.”
The Kremlin’s hybrid war against Europe—from cyber-attacks and sabotage to drone incursions—does not stop at Switzerland’s borders. Switzerland’s security therefore depends on preventing escalation and on co-operation: with the EU, with its European partners and with NATO. Even as a neutral state, Switzerland has considerable room for manoeuvre. It simply needs to use it.
Towards a stronger partnership with the EU
Today’s result is also a message to Parliament. Swiss voters have rejected isolation. The next step should be to strengthen the country’s ties with Europe.
“Parliament must draw the right conclusion from today’s result: the Swiss people want cooperation with Europe,” says Julius Felix, co-president of Opération Libero. “The next package of agreements with the EU is ready to move forward. Parliament should do so swiftly and allow the Swiss people to have their say.”
Switzerland is part of Europe. The EU is its largest trading partner and its closest political partner. At a time when autocrats are challenging the international order, Switzerland does not need less Europe. It needs more cooperation, more solidarity and more resolve. “No to war” means yes to Europe.
Operation Libero stands for an open, forward-looking, liberal and just society. The movement first made its name opposing populist initiatives; today, it also takes the initiative, actively campaigning for its vision of Switzerland and Europe.