Defense Swiss relaxation on arms exports changes little for Germany
According to the German ambassador in Bern, Markus Potzel, the relaxation of arms exports decided by Parliament in the winter session will change little for Germany. Due to the Federal Council's planned right of veto, there is still a lack of planning security, he said.
27.01.2026, 05:43
SDA
In an interview with the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" newspaper on Tuesday, Potzel said that it is currently unclear how the Federal Council would exercise its right of veto, adding: "Berlin therefore still has no guarantee that it can really freely dispose of the weapons purchased from Switzerland."
According to Potzel, a state needs to be able to plan for war material, especially in dangerous times. "It is even more important that we continue to be supplied when we need it most," said the German ambassador. Being able to freely dispose of the purchased war material is crucial for Germany.
If Germany were to provide military support to other member states in a NATO alliance case, it would no longer be allowed to be supplied with weapons by Switzerland for reasons of neutrality. "This is why we are seeing more and more Swiss arms companies setting up production capacities in Germany and other friendly countries," said Potzel. In this way, the companies are circumventing the restrictions imposed by the law on war material and neutrality.
Relaxation is controversial in domestic politics
The conservative majority rushed to the aid of the Swiss arms industry in the winter session. It is currently forbidden to export Swiss war material to countries involved in internal or international conflicts. The new bill would allow Swiss arms companies to supply war material to 25 Western countries in future if they are involved in an armed conflict. The Federal Council is to be given a right of veto.
An alliance of the SP, Greens, EPP, anti-army activists and NGOs launched a referendum against the bill at the beginning of January. Among other things, it opposes the Federal Council's right of veto. "The Federal Council will be the sole gatekeeper - and the door is wide open," said Bernese EPP National Councillor Marc Jost at the launch in front of the media.
