Warns Against the Neutrality Initiative

A critical view of Swiss neutrality: Sweden's former Prime Minister Carl Bildt. (File photo)

A critical view of Swiss neutrality: Sweden’s former Prime Minister Carl Bildt. (File photo)

IMAGO/TT/Stefan Jerrevang

Carl Bildt, a political veteran, former Swedish prime minister, and internationally renowned diplomat, warns Switzerland against accepting the neutrality initiative. It would limit Switzerland’s ability to act—even though the country benefits from the security provided by NATO.

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Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt has called the Swiss “free riders” of NATO.There is hardly any room left in today’s Europe for neutral and non-aligned states, said Bildt, who once served as Sweden’s foreign minister.Bildt also expressed criticism of the SVP’s neutrality initiative, which will be put to a vote in September.According to Bildt, accepting the proposal would weaken Switzerland’s position.
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Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt has described the Swiss as “free riders” of NATO. Switzerland and Austria are surrounded by NATO member states and would be much more vulnerable without the alliance, Bildt said in “Tamedia” interview.

There is hardly any room left in today’s Europe for neutral and non-aligned states, said the former Swedish foreign minister. “The reasons that once led Switzerland to neutrality have disappeared.” It is very difficult to remain neutral in the heart of Europe.

Bildt also expressed criticism of the Neutrality Initiative, which Switzerland will vote on in September. “We shouldn’t tie our own hands for the future,” he said. If the initiative were approved, it would weaken Switzerland’s position, “because it would be less flexible and credible in responding to the next crisis.”

Bildt Ended Sweden’s Neutrality

Bildt also defended Switzerland’s adoption of the EU sanctions against Russia. If it had not joined in, it would be viewed as an outsider in Europe—along with Serbia.

Sweden had abandoned its decades-long policy of remaining outside military alliances following Russia’s attack on Ukraine and joined NATO in 2024. Bildt served as Sweden’s prime minister from 1991 to 1994 and later as foreign minister. Today, he is vice president of the think tank European Council on Foreign Relations.

Neutralitätsinitiative: Das sagen die Befürworter und GegnerNeutralitätsinitiative: Das sagen die Befürworter und Gegner