Headlines
Swiss and EU vow to deepen cooperation on security and defence
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Switzerland and the EU agreed on March 5, 2026 in Zurich to deepen cooperation on security and defence via an annual dialogue, broader intelligence sharing—from Ukraine to the Middle East—and enhanced Swiss access to EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings.
Switzerland and EU Announce Deeper Security and Defence Cooperation
Joint Declaration and Areas of Enhanced Collaboration
ZURICH, March 5 (Reuters) - Switzerland and the European Union on Thursday said they planned to deepen cooperation on security and defence, including exchange of information in areas ranging from Ukraine to the Middle East.
Details of the Joint Declaration
The two sides issued a joint declaration stating that aim following talks in Zurich between Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Annual Dialogue and Geographic Focus
A draft of the declaration said the two sides' top diplomats aimed to hold annual dialogue and step up exchanges on issues and places of joint interest including Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States.
Strengthening Foreign Policy and Security Ties
The two sides pledged to strengthen cooperation on foreign policy, security and defence, and Swiss representatives would be invited, as appropriate, to meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and relevant preparatory bodies, it said.
Additional Areas of Common Interest
Issues of common interest also encompassed human rights, peace mediation, multilateral affairs, restrictive measures, consular affairs, and crisis management abroad.
Cooperation in Third Countries and International Organisations
The declaration said the two planned to boost cooperation between EU delegations and offices and Swiss embassies and missions in third countries and to international organisations.
(Writing by Dave Graham, Editing by Linda Pasquini)
Key Takeaways
- •The joint declaration establishes annual high‑level security and defence dialogue between Switzerland and the EU covering global regions including Ukraine, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States.
- •Switzerland will be invited to participate, as appropriate, in meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and preparatory bodies, enhancing alignment and information exchange on human rights, crisis management, multilateral affairs, sanctions, and consular cooperation.
- •This development builds on recent expanded frameworks—such as Switzerland’s updated Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency (2025) and exploratory talks towards a security and defence partnership—reflecting Bern’s evolving, neutrality‑compatible approach to security cooperation.
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss and EU vow to deepen cooperation on security and defence
1What is the main focus of the new Swiss-EU cooperation agreement?
The main focus is to deepen cooperation on security, defence, and foreign policy, including annual dialogue and increased information exchanges.
2Which geographic regions will Swiss and EU cooperation cover?
Cooperation will focus on areas of joint interest such as Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States.
3How will Switzerland participate in EU meetings?
Swiss representatives will be invited to meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and relevant preparatory bodies, as appropriate.
4What additional areas are included in the Swiss-EU declaration?
The declaration covers human rights, peace mediation, multilateral affairs, restrictive measures, consular affairs, and crisis management abroad.
5Will Swiss and EU diplomatic missions work closer together?
Yes, there are plans to boost cooperation between EU delegations and Swiss embassies and missions in third countries and with international organizations.
