Published: 5th March 2026, 21:43
Foreign Policy: EU and Switzerland Strengthen Cooperation
Switzerland is strengthening its cooperation in foreign policy with the EU, stating that its neutrality is compatible with increased partnership.
The European Union (EU) and Switzerland are strengthening their cooperation in foreign policy and defense with the signing of a joint declaration in Zurich on Thursday to enhance dialogue amid increased geopolitical tensions.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, met with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to sign a declaration committing to an annual dialogue on foreign policy issues between their senior representatives.
They also signed a technical agreement aiming to facilitate Switzerland’s participation in “civil and military peace missions,” noted Mr. Cassis during a press conference in Zurich, emphasizing the impact of conflicts beyond regional boundaries.
“The tensions in the Middle East directly affect Europe, our security, energy supply, trade routes, and economic stability,” he affirmed, highlighting the strategic importance of a “stable” relationship with the EU, Switzerland’s “closest partner.”
University of Zurich, a Symbolic Venue
This joint declaration follows a series of agreements signed in Brussels on Monday to enhance cooperation between the EU and Switzerland, including on free movement of people, trade, and transport.
“In one week, we achieved more progress in our partnership than we had seen in many years,” stated Ms. Kallas, emphasizing that “neutrality is not a barrier to greater cooperation.”
The signing ceremony took place at the University of Zurich, a symbolic location where Winston Churchill delivered a speech in 1946 calling for “a kind of United States of Europe” to ensure peace on the continent in the aftermath of World War II, laying the groundwork for what would later become the European Union.
(afp)
