Switzerland's security environment has deteriorated considerably
Switzerland has become more insecure. This is stated by the Federal Council in its annual report on the threat situation. According to the report, the situation has deteriorated considerably over the past twelve months - both in Europe and directly in Switzerland.
At its meeting on May 6, 2026, the Federal Council approved the annual threat assessment report in accordance with Article 70 of the Intelligence Service Act (ISA). Switzerland has become more insecure.
Russia threatens Europe with hybrid means
The war against Ukraine continues - even four years after it began, there is no end in sight. Russia's strategic goals and intentions go beyond Ukraine. It is targeting European states with sabotage, propaganda and disinformation.
Switzerland is also directly affected: through cyber attacks, banned intelligence services, proliferation efforts and targeted influence campaigns. To make matters worse, the American commitment to European security is increasingly uncertain. European countries are responding to this by arming themselves and reducing military dependencies. Switzerland is also facing the same challenges.
Middle East: wildfire with global consequences
At the end of February 2026, the USA and Israel attacked Iran. Since then, the conflict has escalated into a regional conflagration. The killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei marks a historic turning point for the Islamic Republic. Iran's ability to project power in the region has been massively weakened.
The consequences are far-reaching: the war is destabilizing the region, influencing competition between the major powers and jeopardizing energy security - including for Switzerland.
Diverse threats to internal security
Geopolitical tensions have a direct impact on Switzerland's internal security.
Terrorism: The jihadist movement remains the biggest terrorist threat. The online radicalization of young people is particularly worrying. The risk has increased since supporters of the «Islamic State» were able to flee from Syrian camps.
Extremism: Violent extremism - from both the left and the right - continues. Social media is accelerating radicalization, increasingly also among minors. Left-wing extremists see sabotage of critical infrastructure as a legitimate means. In the case of right-wing extremists, the greatest danger comes from individuals acting outside of organized structures.
Espionage: The threat of espionage is very high. State institutions, international organizations, companies and universities are targeted by foreign intelligence services.
Proliferation: Russia is circumventing sanctions with increasingly sophisticated methods - and procuring Swiss goods and technologies in the process. At the same time, Switzerland's innovation capacities are attracting the interest of other countries in the global technology competition.
Critical infrastructures: Electricity, water and communication infrastructures are threatened by physical and cyber attacks. Switzerland could become a target in the context of hybrid warfare - in order to hit states or alliances that depend on it.
Federal Council wants to substantially strengthen security
Expectations of Switzerland are growing. In view of the erosion of security in Europe, it is expected to make a greater contribution to the stability of the continent.
The Federal Council has reacted: It wants to strengthen the army and security-related federal offices in a targeted manner. This is to be financed by a temporary increase in VAT - so that the population is better protected against hybrid attacks and attacks from a distance. It opened the consultation process for this on March 6, 2026.
Source: ndb.admin.ch
