EU Incorporates Switzerland into ‘Military Schengen’
The alpine nation, maintaining its neutrality since 1815, is expected to “bring substantial added value” to the defense initiative of the bloc, according to Brussels. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Switzerland, known for its long-standing neutrality since 1815, has been recognized by Brussels for its potential contributions to the EU's defense initiatives, stating that its participation represents “substantial added value” to the bloc’s defense organization.
The Council of Europe has confirmed the approval of Switzerland's involvement in the EU’s Military Mobility project. This initiative, which began in 2017 under the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation in Defense program, aims to facilitate the movement of military personnel and equipment across Western Europe.
As the coordinator of this project, the Netherlands can now formally invite Switzerland to participate. The Council's statement indicated that Switzerland will achieve official member status upon finalizing an administrative agreement.
Having applied for PESCO in September of the previous year, Switzerland will join Canada, Norway, the United States, and the United Kingdom as the fifth non-EU state in this initiative, often referred to as “Military Schengen” due to its focus on streamlined military movement across borders similar to the Schengen Area.
Tensions have arisen in Switzerland regarding its defense alignment. Last week, the conservative Swiss People’s Party called for the resignation of Defense Minister Viola Amherd, claiming that the country is gradually moving towards NATO, stating that Switzerland’s “sovereignty is in danger and has already been partially abandoned.” Amherd, known for her support of closer ties with NATO, became the first Swiss defense minister to attend NATO’s North Atlantic Council in 2023.
In a notable shift, she advocated for lifting restrictions on the re-export of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, although the ban remains in effect. Additionally, Swiss authorities have backed EU sanctions against Moscow, prompting a response from Russia, which now considers Switzerland as no longer neutral and has placed it on its list of "unfriendly nations."
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The Council of Europe has confirmed the approval of Switzerland's involvement in the EU’s Military Mobility project. This initiative, which began in 2017 under the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation in Defense program, aims to facilitate the movement of military personnel and equipment across Western Europe.
As the coordinator of this project, the Netherlands can now formally invite Switzerland to participate. The Council's statement indicated that Switzerland will achieve official member status upon finalizing an administrative agreement.
Having applied for PESCO in September of the previous year, Switzerland will join Canada, Norway, the United States, and the United Kingdom as the fifth non-EU state in this initiative, often referred to as “Military Schengen” due to its focus on streamlined military movement across borders similar to the Schengen Area.
Tensions have arisen in Switzerland regarding its defense alignment. Last week, the conservative Swiss People’s Party called for the resignation of Defense Minister Viola Amherd, claiming that the country is gradually moving towards NATO, stating that Switzerland’s “sovereignty is in danger and has already been partially abandoned.” Amherd, known for her support of closer ties with NATO, became the first Swiss defense minister to attend NATO’s North Atlantic Council in 2023.
In a notable shift, she advocated for lifting restrictions on the re-export of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, although the ban remains in effect. Additionally, Swiss authorities have backed EU sanctions against Moscow, prompting a response from Russia, which now considers Switzerland as no longer neutral and has placed it on its list of "unfriendly nations."
Ian Smith for TROIB News
