Summary: A core argument of the supporters: the initiative protects Switzerland from a creeping abandonment of neutrality through executive decisions and preserves foreign policy independence. Following Finland's and Sweden's NATO accession, Switzerland would be one of the last strictly neutral states.
Supporters argue that NATO cooperation has been intensified without sufficient democratic legitimation [1]:
The sanctions decision of 28 February 2022 was a Federal Council decision without a popular vote. The initiative would constitutionally restrict such decisions [2]. Note: Position paper of the initiative committee
Following NATO accession by Finland (2023) and Sweden (2024), Switzerland is the only European state that is neither a NATO nor EU member and remains strictly neutral [3].
Opponents warn that the initiative would inappropriately restrict the Federal Council's freedom of action in a rapidly changing security situation (see Disadvantages: Freedom of Action).
[1] DDPS (2025). ITPP 2025-2028. [Open Access]
[2] neutralitaet-ja.ch (2024). Argumentarium. Note: Position paper of the initiative committee
[3] swissinfo.ch (2025). What does the Neutrality Initiative want? [Open Access]
Last updated: March 2026