05/22/2024 – Translated from Ukrainian via Google and OFP
This is not the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that the Swiss government has tried to find ways to circumvent the strict restrictions that the country’s principles of neutrality impose on arms exports. Previous similar attempts took place in the summer of 2023.
According to Bloomberg, last week the issue came up again for consideration by Swiss government authorities, who are seeking to increase exports of weapons and military goods of their own production, while maintaining a ban on their supply to Ukraine.
Switzerland plans to ease arms export rules
According to official information from the Swiss government, a proposal is being put forward to grant the country’s Federal Council “the right to lift restrictions on arms exports in exceptional circumstances and for a limited time, if this is in the interests of Swiss foreign policy or national security.”
Thus, it is planned that this amendment to the Swiss law on military materials will allow the Swiss government, in case of emergency, to authorize the export of weapons for military equipment to partner countries in a state of war.
In particular, it is noted that the purpose of the new proposals “is to ensure the protection of the fundamental interests of foreign and security policy in case of emergency and thus maintain the industrial potential within the country, adapted to the needs of the national defense of Switzerland.”
In fact, consultations have now begun on amending the above-mentioned law on military materials.
Direct arms supplies to Ukraine are not expected
On the other hand, it is reported that the Swiss government does not plan to apply an exception to allow arms supplies to Ukraine. Switzerland previously banned Germany, Spain and Denmark from sending Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. In addition, in June 2023, in Switzerland, the law on the re-export of weapons to Ukraine was not adopted, because the lower house of parliament – the National Council – rejected the Lex Ukraine bill, which would have allowed third countries to transfer Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.
It should be recalled that Switzerland has a ban on the sale of weapons to warring countries if they are not participating in hostilities under a UN mandate. Therefore, the Swiss Federal Council can only authorize the re-export of Swiss weapons in exceptional cases, for example if the UN Security Council condemns Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the same time, it is obvious that this will not happen, since the Russian Federation has the right of veto in the UN Security Council, and there have not yet been and will not be any attempts to deprive Russia of membership in the Security Council.
Restrictions on re-export cause losses for the Swiss military-industrial complex
It is worth noting that, despite its neutral status, Switzerland is a fairly powerful producer of weapons in the world, including small arms, anti-aircraft systems, armored combat vehicles, other high-tech equipment for the army, as well as a large line of ammunition for systems standing in service with NATO countries and not only.
European experts estimate there are more than 900 Swiss defense manufacturers and suppliers, who sell about $2.57 billion worth of equipment annually and support more than 14,000 jobs. Switzerland was the world’s 12th largest arms exporter in 2019, behind Italy, Israel and the Netherlands, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
However, about three-quarters of Swiss arms exports go to European countries, and the largest buyer is Germany, which bought weapons worth almost 170 million Swiss francs in 2023.
Ukraine will be able to receive weapons and ammunition, which will be replaced by Swiss ones, in the warehouses of European armies
Consequently, it can be stated that at the moment the Swiss military industry, due to restrictions, is losing a significant share of export revenues, in particular, in 2023, sales of military goods abroad fell by 27%, to $770 million. It is therefore not surprising that representatives of the Swiss military-industrial complex are lobbying for legislative changes in order to expand their capabilities and sales markets.
With the chances of NATO participating in the war in one form or another gradually increasing, the Swiss arms industry could receive huge volumes of orders. If restrictions on direct supplies to Ukraine remain in force (which there is little doubt), Switzerland could replace with its weapons the volumes that European countries could send to Ukraine.
Moreover, if re-export rules are relaxed, Ukraine will be able to receive a certain part of the weapons of Swiss origin that are in service or in storage of the armies of European countries. Consequently, any easing of export restrictions on the Swiss military-industrial complex in the future may have positive consequences for the defense capability of Ukraine.
Could, perhaps, maybe, perchance, conceivably, imaginably… All of this didn’t and doesn’t help Ukraine or its tortured population.
What’s not perhaps, could, or maybe is the fact that Switzerland has decided not to be on the right side of history, just like in WWII, when another fascist swine brought a terrible war to Europe. I boycott all swiss products.
When you’re through with all your boycotts it’s paper, crayon, water and dry bread for you. 🤣
I, for one, like the Amish lifestyle. In times like these, it must be very peaceful and nerve-saving. 🤠
Then, so be it, Mikey. I’ll be happy enough having done my part.
“the issue came up again for consideration by Swiss government authorities, who are seeking to increase exports of weapons and military goods of their own production”
See, it’s all about money! And the problem ain’t only that Switzerland is missing big contracts for Ukraine, but that all other former customers are now asking themselves, what are Swiss weapons good for, if you can’t get ammunition and spare parts in times of war. This totally outdated model of so called “neutrality” needs to get kicked to the garbage heap of history, for the Swiss arms industry to have a chance for survival. So far, that’s only a luxury problem of a very rich country, but if the loss of global reputarion continues, this can become an existential threat. Because that small and remote region in the mountains has no big natural resources and is relying on international trade for keeping up. So get your shit together, Bundesrat! 🤨
They call it neutrality, but what do you call it when a woman gets gang raped, and you just walk past and do nothing to help, claiming to be neutral? Isn’t there a law that makes it a duty to help?
Indeed, there is, the UN charter, which should be binding for Switzerland, too. I can only say the leaders there show a shocking lack of ethics and courage, Mr. Facts. 👿
Nothing new about the Swiss and their self perceived moral superiority from their “neutrality”. They have always benefited from playing on both sides of the fence during military conflicts. They are following their same economic model that allowed them to be “neutral” in WWII while reaping the benefits of their economic ties with the German war machine and Nazi’s. Pathetic and morally bankrupt then and now.