MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Swiss Council of States, the upper house of the parliament, said on Wednesday that it had voted against a ban on the participation of its military in joint NATO drills.
Switzerland is neither an EU or a NATO member, but Bern has joined almost all European sanctions against Russia since February 24, 2022. In 2024, the Swiss military will take part in 20 exercises outside its territory and four drills on its territory, all of them with the participation of NATO countries.
In a recent development, Switzerland has chosen to maintain its neutrality as the Senate rejects a ban on participating in joint NATO drills. The Swiss Council of States voted against the ban, emphasizing the need for the country to be prepared to defend itself in case of an attack, potentially compromising its neutral status.
Despite not being a member of the EU or NATO, Switzerland has aligned itself with European sanctions against Russia and will partake in various military exercises with NATO countries in 2024. This decision highlights the delicate balance Switzerland maintains between its neutrality and the need for military readiness.
Overall, Switzerland’s strategic choices reflect its commitment to neutrality while recognizing the importance of security cooperation with international partners like NATO. The decision to reject the ban on joint drills underscores Switzerland’s pragmatic approach to national defense.
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