Switzerland to join European air defence Sky Shield system
The Sky Shield air defence system was launched by Germany, and now includes some 17 countries.
Keystone / Clemens Bilan
Swiss Defence Minister Viola Amherd plans to sign a memorandum of understanding to participate in the European air defence system Sky Shield, sparking questions about how this aligns with Switzerland’s neutrality stance.
According to Swiss public television, SRFExternal link, Amherd is set to sign the declaration of intent to participate in the air defence system on Friday during a meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Austrian counterpart Klaudia Tanner. The two are traveling to Bern for a regular meeting between the three countries focused on the security situation in Europe and the effects of the war in Ukraine as well as trilateral cooperation.
The Sky Shield initiative, which was launched by Germany and now includes 17 countries, including Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom, aims to create a kind of protective shield over Europe. It’s modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome.
Participation in the air defence initiative could pose a challenge to Switzerland’s neutrality policy because it includes the exchange of information and cooperation in the operation of defence systems, explains SRF reporter Dominik Meier. Last November, the head of the Swiss Air Force said there were open questions about how such cooperation aligned with neutrality law.
The Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) told SRF that there are no plans to combine the air defence systems of individual countries. Rather, the focus is on better coordination of the procurement and maintenance of air defence at a European level, which would reduce costs. Joint training in air defence is also under discussion, indicated the DDPS.
The Swiss defence ministry told SRF that Switzerland and Austria, which is also neutral and signaled intent to join Sky Shield earlier this week, will outline reservations under neutrality law in a supplementary declaration.
Amherd had already expressed interest in increased cooperation between Switzerland and the defence alliance during talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels in March.
The Sky Shield initiative consists of 17 European NATO countries, except France, and aims to close gaps in Europe’s protective umbrella. In February, Denmark and NATO candidate Sweden also joined the project.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
This content was published on
PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
This content was published on
The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
This content was published on
The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
This content was published on
Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
This content was published on
Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
This content was published on
Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
This content was published on
A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
This content was published on
Switzerland’s share of the international arms trade is small. But the idea of a neutral nation profiting from war has long been controversial.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.