Switzerland's security policy strategy: for comprehensive security

As a basis for Swiss security policy, a security policy report has generally been produced every 4 to 10 years. The last one dates from 2021 and was supplemented in September 2022 with an additional report on the consequences of Russia's attack on Ukraine. As the threat situation for Switzerland has continued to worsen in recent years, the Federal Council decided in June 2024 to develop a security policy strategy together with all stakeholders. Today, it opened the consultation process.

The security policy strategy is intended to serve as a framework for the authorities to implement security policy. It is an overarching strategy that addresses all areas relevant to security policy. Sub-strategies such as the armament policy strategy are derived from it. The security policy strategy is aimed at the federal government, cantons, and municipalities, as well as stakeholders from society, business, academia, and politics, so that they too can contribute to its implementation. It also serves as a guide for partners abroad.

Comprehensive security

In its security policy strategy, the Federal Council highlights how Switzerland's security environment has deteriorated dramatically and how threats have become more diverse. In this context, it identifies relevant characteristics and vulnerabilities of Switzerland. In order to counter the diverse threat situation and protect Switzerland, the Federal Council is pursuing a comprehensive security approach with its security policy strategy. This holistic approach to security policy encompasses civil and military resources as well as federal and cantonal actors, and takes into account all aspects of foreign, domestic, and economic policy that are relevant to security policy.

3 strategic directions, 10 goals, over 40 measures

Specifically, the Federal Council presents three main thrusts in its security policy strategy, which are pursued with a total of ten objectives. The strategy defines over 40 measures to this end.

1)   Strengthen resilience: Firstly, vulnerabilities and critical dependencies must be reduced as far as possible so that Switzerland is less susceptible to attack and damage is minimized. This should also reduce the likelihood of threats and dangers occurring in the first place. Six objectives and 18 measures have been formulated to implement this strategic direction.

2)   Improve protection and defense: Secondly, the protection of the population against risks and internal security must be improved. Switzerland must be better able to deter and defend against potential and actual attacks and protect itself more effectively against their effects. Two objectives and 15 measures have been formulated to implement this strategic direction.

3)   Increase defense capabilities: Thirdly, Switzerland should be able to defend itself as independently as possible against an armed attack. In the event of an armed attack, defense should be possible and prepared in cooperation with other countries. Two objectives and 12 measures have been formulated to implement this strategic direction.

Implementation without delay

The Federal Council also outlines implementation in its security policy strategy. In view of the threat situation, it has already instructed the relevant departments to begin implementation. It has also tasked the DDPS and the State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS) with coordinating the work in a holistic manner. To this end, a steering committee in the form of a permanent interdepartmental working group will be set up. The DDPS will report to the Federal Council on the status of implementation by the end of 2028.

The consultation period will last until March 31, 2026.

Source: sepos.admin.ch