![\"\u2018Then](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787323094_920_722566460_highres.jpg\")
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\u2018Then I always explain that neutrality is not the same as indifference\u2019 <\/p>\n
Keystone \/ Martial Trezzini <\/p>\n
Switzerland\u2019s neutrality is not always easy to explain, especially abroad. Many Swiss expats have to grapple with preconceived notions.\n<\/p>\n
This content was published on <\/p>\n
August 21, 2026 – 16:00\n<\/p>\n
Swiss neutrality is a hallmark of Switzerland. Abroad, however, it is sometimes criticised. Swiss citizens living abroad are regularly asked about it and have to explain what neutrality means for Switzerland. Several Swiss Abroad have shared their experiences with Swissinfo.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m Switzerland\u201d is an idiom in the US. \u201cHere in the US, you often hear that when someone doesn\u2019t want to take a stance on an issue,\u201d says Ruth H\u00e4rri, a Swiss expat living in Florida. She too has found herself saying \u201cI\u2019m Switzerland\u201d quite often lately, especially when the topic turns to US politics. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to discuss such topics with certain friends and neighbours, as our opinions rarely match,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Peter Sch\u00e4rer, who lives in Frankfurt, is also familiar with this stereotype that sticks to the Swiss Abroad. When discussions in his circle become more heated, he often hears the refrain \u201cYou\u2019re Swiss, after all; you\u2019re neutral.\u201d<\/p>\n
Criticism from Germany to Chile<\/p>\n
In recent years, however, he has also been approached on several occasions in Germany with criticism of Swiss neutrality. The trigger was the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the issue of the transfer of Swiss weapons<\/a>. \u201cPeople here in Germany didn\u2019t understand this sticking to principles,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n Patrick Reolon, who has emigrated to Chile, also hears criticism of Swiss neutrality. \u201cHere, and in South America in general, Swiss neutrality is seen as economically opportunistic,\u201d he says. The stereotype is that Switzerland doesn\u2019t fall out with anyone and can do business with everyone. \u201cDepending on who you ask, this is seen as cowardly or clever,\u201d says the Swiss expatriate.<\/p>\n Peter \u0160pari, who is based in Croatia, has a different experience. \u201cHere, neutrality is seen as the cornerstone of Swiss prosperity, rather than as cowardice or a lack of solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n Correcting prejudices<\/p>\n Certain perceptions are also widespread in Spain. \u201cHere, neutrality is often misunderstood as indifference,\u201d says Sandra Carrasco, who lives in northern Spain. \u201cThat\u2019s the prejudice I come across most often.\u201d<\/p>\n However, the Swiss national does not let this view go unchallenged. \u201cI always explain that neutrality is not the same as indifference. Looking back at history in particular, I can say that it is all about stability and impartiality, and that Switzerland is certainly capable of imposing sanctionsExternal link<\/a>,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n For Carrasco, it is also clear that Switzerland\u2019s neutrality has brought many benefits. \u201cWhen it comes to peace negotiations and international diplomacy, Switzerland is still right at the forefront,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Sch\u00e4rer agrees. \u201cNeutrality has served Switzerland well,\u201d he says. However, he adds that economic interests are sometimes more important than defending one\u2019s own values. \u201cRussia\u2019s attack on Ukraine was ultimately also an attack on our values. Other traditionally neutral states such as Austria and Sweden took a stand. We did not,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n Is neutrality still appropriate?<\/p>\n For Sch\u00e4rer, it is therefore no surprise that Switzerland is currently debating its neutrality. \u201cIn times of peace, neutrality is always a good thing, and everyone thinks it\u2019s brilliant. But when things get really serious \u2013 even involving armed conflicts \u2013 it becomes more difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n Ivo D\u00fcrr lives in Austria, a country that also adheres to neutrality. He believes Switzerland handles neutrality well as a tool.<\/p>\n \u201cHere in Austria, too, neutrality is firmly rooted in the population,\u201d observes D\u00fcrr. The difference? The tradition of neutrality in Switzerland is significantly older than that of Austria. \u201cIn Austria, people don\u2019t discuss it much \u2013 perhaps they don\u2019t dare,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n It is therefore hard to imagine Austria actually holding a referendum on the form that its neutrality should take. <\/p>\n \u201cIn today\u2019s world, we have to redefine many things. In that respect, the neutrality initiative isn\u2019t all that far off the mark. It forces us to talk about it and consider: does it still fit the times, or do we need to adapt it?,\u201d he says in response to the debate in Switzerland.<\/p>\n Edited by Samuel Jaberg\/ac<\/p>\n More <\/p>\n How neutral should Switzerland actually be? <\/p>\n For some it isn\u2019t neutral enough, for others it\u2019s too much so. What do you think \u2013 how should Switzerland shape its neutrality today?\n <\/p>\n