Summary: The Federal Council and leading constitutional law scholars warn: "permanent" precludes any situational adaptation. 175 years of proven flexible neutrality practice would be constitutionally restricted.
Switzerland has repeatedly adapted its neutrality policy since 1815: League of Nations accession 1920, UN accession 2002, PfP since 1996, sanctions 2022. This adaptability is considered a strength [5].
[1] Tagesanzeiger (2024). Rhinow on neutrality. [Open Access]
[2] NZZ (2025). Cassis on flexible neutrality. [Open Access]
[3] SRF (2026). National Council debate. [Open Access]
[4] GLP (2024). Position Statement. Note: Position paper of the GLP
[5] FDFA (2024). Switzerland's Neutrality. [Open Access]
[6] neutralitaet-ja.ch (2024). Argumentarium. Note: Position paper of the initiative committee
Last updated: March 2026