The Swiss Federal Council has approved the 2026 Security Policy Strategy, drawn up against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the rise of hybrid threats and the deteriorating security situation in Europe. The document sets out 10 key objectives and 46 specific measures — ranging from countering cyber-attacks and disinformation to protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
- Switzerland has adopted its new Security Policy Strategy 2026.
- The document sets out 10 objectives and 46 specific measures.
- The main threats cited include Russia’s war against Ukraine, cyber-attacks, disinformation, espionage and sabotage.
- Switzerland plans to strengthen the protection of its population and critical infrastructure.
Switzerland has identified the main threats to its security
The Federal Council approved the new strategy on 18 September. The Government notes that the international situation has become significantly more unstable: rivalry between major powers has intensified, the number of armed conflicts is rising, and the international order is weakening.
Switzerland cites one of the key reasons for reviewing its security approaches as Russia's war against Ukraine. The official document states that it was following the full-scale Russian invasion that the security situation in Europe deteriorated sharply.
Particular attention has been paid to hybrid threats. These include cyber-attacks, disinformation and influence operations, espionage, sabotage, economic pressure and other actions that may be employed without a formal declaration of war.
10 objectives and 46 measures
The strategy is structured around three main areas: enhancing the state’s resilience, improving its capacity for self-defence and strengthening its defence capabilities. Within these areas, ten objectives and 46 specific measures have been identified.
Switzerland plans to reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities affecting the state, the economy and society. At the same time, civil protection, internal security and crisis preparedness are to be strengthened.
A significant proportion of the measures relate to protection of energy, transport and communications infrastructure, which could become a target for cyber-attacks or other forms of hybrid influence.
The government has identified the following as priorities: countering hybrid threats, attacks using long-range weapons, and organised crime. The Swiss authorities consider a direct armed attack on the country unlikely in the near future, but acknowledge the threat of strikes using long-range weapons — in particular drones and ballistic missiles.
Switzerland is set to strengthen its military capabilities
A separate section of the strategy is devoted to defence. The Federal Council states that Switzerland must be able to to protect oneself as independently as possible in the event of an armed attack.
At the same time, the country must lay the groundwork in advance for cooperation with other states, should such cooperation be required in the event of an actual attack. The government explicitly states that international cooperation enables Switzerland to strengthen its own defences and contribute to Europe’s security.
This approach continues the course that Bern began to pursue more actively after 2022. Swiss official documents state that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the acceleration of defence measures and the deepening of international cooperation.
What will become of Swiss neutrality?
A new strategy does not mean that Switzerland is renouncing its neutrality.
The Federal Council’s documents emphasise that the country must continue to defend itself as a neutral state. Switzerland’s interpretation of neutrality prohibits the country from entering into military alliances involving mutual defence obligations and from providing military support to parties to an armed conflict.
At the same time, Bern believes that neutrality is compatible with certain forms of international defence cooperation. If Switzerland itself were to fall victim to an armed attack, neutrality would not prevent it from cooperating with other states for the purposes of its own defence.
Thus, the new strategy is more likely to change a practical approach to ensuring safety, … than the country’s legal status. Switzerland maintains its neutrality, but at the same time is preparing for scenarios in which self-defence might not be sufficient.
Implementation has already begun
The Federal Council has announced that implementation of some of the measures began whilst consultations on the document were still ongoing. The State Secretariat for Security Policy will coordinate the implementation of the strategy.
Federal and cantonal authorities, the business sector, academic institutions, civil society organisations and other bodies will be involved in the work.
The Swiss Government is due to receive the first major report on the implementation of the strategy by the end of 2028.
