Switzerland and EU Deepen Cooperation on Foreign and Security Policy

Zurich, Switzerland – On March 5, 2026, Switzerland and the European Union took a significant step towards closer collaboration in foreign and security policy, signing a joint declaration and a framework participation agreement in Zurich. The agreements, reached during a meeting between Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Defense Minister Martin Pfister, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, aim to strengthen strategic dialogue and streamline Switzerland’s involvement in EU peacekeeping missions.

Strengthened Political Dialogue

The joint declaration establishes a framework for regular political dialogue at the ministerial level between Switzerland and the EU. This dialogue will focus on analyzing global developments, identifying shared interests, and deepening cooperation on critical European security issues . According to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, this represents an “additional strategic dimension” to the existing Swiss-EU discussions on foreign and security policy .

Simplified Participation in EU Peacekeeping Missions

A key component of the agreements is a framework participation agreement (FPA) that simplifies the process for Switzerland to contribute to EU civilian and military missions. While Switzerland will retain the right to decide on participation in each mission on a case-by-case basis, the FPA creates a clearer legal and administrative framework for potential contributions . This is consistent with Switzerland’s legal foundations for civil peace support and the mandates of its armed forces.

Neutrality and Cooperation

Notably, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized that the agreements are compatible with Switzerland’s longstanding policy of neutrality . This point was highlighted as significant, as it underscores the possibility of maintaining Switzerland’s neutral stance while still actively engaging in European security cooperation.

Broader Implications

These agreements are separate from the “Bilaterals III” package between Switzerland and the EU . Kaja Kallas stated that this week has seen “more progress in relation to Bern than in many previous years” . The agreements also pave the way for increased cooperation in the armaments sector, encompassing research and procurement, an area Defense Minister Martin Pfister has advocated for .

The move signals a growing alignment between Switzerland and the EU on security matters, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape.