Swiss President Supports Revising Arms Export Ban

Swiss President Viola Amherd has expressed support for revising the ban on re-exporting Swiss-made arms to Ukraine, citing the embargo as detrimental to both the defense industry and national security. She noted that countries like the Netherlands have refrained from purchasing Swiss arms due to these restrictions, which complicates the industry's viability. Despite Switzerland's long-standing neutrality and commitment to peace, Amherd emphasized the need for the country to invest more in defense and strengthen ties with NATO. This policy shift is under increasing pressure following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with calls for a reevaluation of Switzerland's arms policies gaining momentum. The president pointed out that Switzerland's arms sales, which were already declining in 2023, are affected by its neutral stance. Overall, Amherd advocates for a strategic approach to ensure the future of Switzerland's arms industry while maintaining its peacekeeping role globally.