The EU wants to strengthen cooperation on security matters with third countries. To this end, it has created the instrument known as a ‘security and defence partnership’ (SDP). The Federal Council has decided to signal to the EU.that Switzerland is interested in a partnership of this type. It has instructed the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), working with the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), to enter into exploratory talks with the EU.
On conclusion of the exploratory talks and based on the results, the Federal Council will determine how to proceed.
Cooperation on defence procurement
Security and defence partnerships aim to involve third countries in EU cooperation projects. They serve as a framework for the ongoing cooperation and possible further areas of future co-operation. For example, Switzerland and the EU will conduct foreign and security policy dialogues, and Switzerland will participate in EU peacebuilding missions and permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) projects.
Switzerland has an interest in greater cooperation with the EU, particularly in relation to armaments. Security and defence partnerships are a prerequisite for joint defence procurement projects and enable third countries to negotiate better conditions for the participation of their industry in such projects. Partnerships are thus gaining in practical importance due to their connection with the latest EU defence procurement projects: the financing plan for EU rearmament (ReArm Europe) enables third countries that have concluded an SDP to participate in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing instrument.
To date, the EU has concluded such partnerships with a number of countries, and further partnerships are in the pipeline.
International cooperation on security
The Federal Council has repeatedly expressed its desire to intensify international cooperation on security. Switzerland's bilateral cooperation with the EU in relation to security and defence is already established, is in Switzerland's interests and should now be given a basis for existing and future cooperation.
The Federal Council is of the opinion that due to the dynamic developments in international armaments cooperation, exploratory talks should be launched as soon as possible.
A security and defence partnership is a non-legally-binding declaration of intent and is compatible with neutrality. Switzerland would not be subject to any legal or financial obligations or dependencies..
Address for enquiries:
Head of Communication Communication SEPOS Ursina Bentele +41 58 464 08 46 kommunikation@sepos.admin.ch
