Switzerland, a country renowned for its neutrality since 1815, is set to join the European Union’s Military Mobility project, often dubbed the “Military Schengen.” The Council of Europe confirmed the decision on Monday, marking a significant step in the alpine nation’s engagement with European defense initiatives.
The Military Mobility project, part of the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation in Defense (PESCO) program launched in 2017, aims to streamline the movement of military personnel and equipment across Europe. Switzerland’s inclusion, pending the completion of an administrative agreement, will make it the fifth non-EU member to join, alongside Canada, Norway, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Switzerland’s participation is expected to bring “substantial added value” to the initiative, the Council of Europe stated. The Netherlands, which coordinates PESCO, will now formally invite Switzerland to join.
The decision has sparked domestic debate in Switzerland, with the conservative Swiss People’s Party (SVP) calling for the resignation of Defense Minister Viola Amherd. The SVP has accused Amherd of steering Switzerland away from its long-standing neutrality, claiming that the country’s “sovereignty is in danger and has already been partially abandoned.”
Amherd, who has advocated closer ties with NATO, attended the alliance’s North Atlantic Council in 2023—a first for a Swiss defense minister. She has also pushed for lifting restrictions on the re-export of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, though the ban remains in place.
Switzerland’s cooperation with EU sanctions against Russia has further complicated its neutral stance. Moscow has responded by placing Switzerland on its list of “unfriendly nations,” arguing that the country can no longer be considered impartial.
Often likened to the EU’s Schengen Area, which allows for borderless travel across 29 European countries, the Military Schengen initiative simplifies logistical and bureaucratic hurdles for military operations. Switzerland’s inclusion will enhance the project’s geographic scope, allowing for better coordination in the movement of personnel and resources.
This development reflects broader shifts in European defense cooperation as security concerns, particularly following Russia’s actions in Ukraine, continue to reshape alliances and partnerships. While Switzerland’s neutral status remains a cornerstone of its identity, its participation in PESCO signals an evolving approach to defense and international collaboration.
