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Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27
Markus Pritzker
31 Jan 2024
8 min
On January 31, 2024, the Swiss Federal Council unveiled its Foreign Policy Strategy for 2024–27, a comprehensive plan developed in consultation with the National Council and Council of States' foreign affairs committees and the cantons. This strategic document aims to navigate Switzerland through the complexities of the current global environment by setting clear foreign policy objectives for the next few years. The strategy emphasizes democracy and environmental sustainability as new focal areas, underscoring the importance of Europe's stability and prosperity.
In a world marked by increasing economic and political volatility, with crises spanning from Ukraine to the Sahel, Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to being a responsible European nation, dedicated to peace, adherence to international law, multilateral cooperation, and fostering innovation and competitiveness. These core principles guide the newly adopted strategy, ensuring Swiss foreign policy remains coherent and purpose-driven.
The strategy prioritizes a stable and thriving Europe, highlighting Switzerland's role in supporting peace in Ukraine and seeking enhanced relations with the European Union. It also addresses the economic significance of North America and the G20, the rising influence of the Asia-Pacific region, and evolving dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa, advocating for a targeted and efficient approach to multilateralism.
The Federal Council has laid out four thematic pillars: promoting democracy in the face of growing authoritarianism, prioritizing environmental concerns to support sustainable development, maintaining peace and security as foundations for prosperity, and bolstering competitiveness to spur sustainable economic growth and position Switzerland as a prime business location.
To implement these priorities, Switzerland will rely on its established tools, including its diplomatic network, international collaborations, the use of its good offices, and its policy of neutrality.
The strategy, initially proposed on September 29, 2023, and subsequently opened for consultation, received positive feedback, indicating strong support for its goals and a commitment to collaborative efforts among all parties involved in its execution.
In a world marked by increasing economic and political volatility, with crises spanning from Ukraine to the Sahel, Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to being a responsible European nation, dedicated to peace, adherence to international law, multilateral cooperation, and fostering innovation and competitiveness. These core principles guide the newly adopted strategy, ensuring Swiss foreign policy remains coherent and purpose-driven.
The strategy prioritizes a stable and thriving Europe, highlighting Switzerland's role in supporting peace in Ukraine and seeking enhanced relations with the European Union. It also addresses the economic significance of North America and the G20, the rising influence of the Asia-Pacific region, and evolving dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa, advocating for a targeted and efficient approach to multilateralism.
The Federal Council has laid out four thematic pillars: promoting democracy in the face of growing authoritarianism, prioritizing environmental concerns to support sustainable development, maintaining peace and security as foundations for prosperity, and bolstering competitiveness to spur sustainable economic growth and position Switzerland as a prime business location.
To implement these priorities, Switzerland will rely on its established tools, including its diplomatic network, international collaborations, the use of its good offices, and its policy of neutrality.
The strategy, initially proposed on September 29, 2023, and subsequently opened for consultation, received positive feedback, indicating strong support for its goals and a commitment to collaborative efforts among all parties involved in its execution.