State visit Parmelin received by Austrian Federal President in Vienna
As is tradition, President Guy Parmelin's first trip abroad took him to the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. He was received there on Thursday by his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen.
15.01.2026, 16:28
SDA
What Switzerland and Austria have in common is more than just a neighborly relationship, but rather a "partnership that has grown over centuries, which is constantly evolving and responding to the challenges of our time," Van der Bellen told the media on Thursday. Especially now, Europe, including non-member states such as Switzerland, must move closer together - and act together. "Right now, stability is good".
Security is also a topic of the joint action plan, Parmelin said at the media conference. During his visit to Vienna, the President of the Swiss Confederation expressed his interest in defense policy cooperation with the EU. In times of peace, neutrality policy is easy - it becomes more difficult when there are conflicts.
Neutrality "much more difficult" in times of conflict
Even if there is a virulent debate about neutrality in Switzerland, he is convinced that it has advantages in the medium term. According to Parmelin, participation in the NATO Partnership for Peace and joint exercises with NATO states are compatible with this. The Federal Council will also hold exploratory talks with the EU on the conclusion of a "security and defense partnership".
Both presidents kept a low profile when it came to Greenland. Parmelin dismissed the question of Swiss participation in EU sanctions against the USA as "fictional politics". At the same time, however, he pointed out that Bern had so far participated in almost all EU measures against Russia following its attack on Ukraine. In addition to Greenland, other foreign policy developments were discussed, including the recent protests in Iran.
Other important topics included the economic relationship between Switzerland and Austria, cooperation on migration, transport and the environment, as well as in the areas of education, research and innovation. Parmelin also briefed the Austrian President on the current status of the agreements between Switzerland and the EU.
During his visit to Vienna, Parmelin also held talks with Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr and Science Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner.
