At the beginning of each legislative period, the Federal Council presents a foreign policy strategy which provides the central guidelines for Switzerland's foreign policy for four years and sets out priorities and objectives. It serves as a compass in a volatile world.
The world in which we live is becoming less global, less influenced by the West and less democratic. It is increasingly fragmented and polarised. Volatility is becoming the norm. How is Switzerland positioning itself in this context? The Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 answers this question. It describes how Switzerland aims to safeguard its security, prosperity and independence as best as possible, faced with these challenges. In addition, it clarifies Switzerland's role and unique contribution in the international arena, underlining the added value its foreign policy offers. Drawn up as part of an interdepartmental process and submitted to the parliamentary foreign affairs committees and the cantons for consultation, this Federal Council report provides the compass for Swiss foreign policy in the coming years, offering a strategic response at this historical turning point.
In brief, the geographical and thematic priorities for the 2024–27 period are as follows.
A stable and prosperous Europe is the first priority.
Key aspects: stabilise and further develop its bilateral approach to the EU; strengthen Switzerland's partnerships with its neighbours; promote European security and show solidarity by contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction.
Fact sheet: Europe (PDF, 1 Page, 77.3 kB, English)
Aside from the strengthened European dimension, foreign policy will retain its global focus. The transition to a world that is less shaped by the West underlines the importance of constructive relations with every region of the world.
Key aspect: step up the safeguarding of interests with respect to non-European G20 countries.
Fact sheet: Other world regions (PDF, 1 Page, 154.8 kB, English)
Effective, focused multilateralism and a strong Swiss presence in the relevant forums are vital for safeguarding Switzerland's interests.
Key aspects: play a part in reforming the multilateral system; strengthen the competitiveness of International Geneva; contribute to the efficient implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Fact sheet: Multilateralism (PDF, 1 Page, 101.2 kB, English)
Switzerland's good offices and peace promotion need to adapt to the changed international framework conditions.
Key aspects: enhance security cooperation with the EU and NATO; arms control, migration and humanitarian aid; use new instruments, such as science diplomacy.
Fact sheet: Peace and security (PDF, 1 Page, 110.5 kB, English)
In today's more contested world, bolstering competitiveness is becoming a priority.
Key aspects: improve the framework conditions; boost the resilience of the economy and diversification of partners; strengthen the competitiveness of actors in education, research and innovation; contribute to sustainable development as well as to the global fight against poverty.
Fact sheet: Prosperity and competitiveness (PDF, 1 Page, 72.4 kB, English)
The ecological dimension of sustainability is a new priority for foreign policy.
Key aspects: mitigate climate change; promote biodiversity; combat pollution; update energy foreign policy.
Fact sheet: Environment (PDF, 1 Page, 85.0 kB, English)
In view of the rise of authoritarian trends and regimes, the focus is on promoting democracy and good governance.
Key aspects: sharpen Switzerland's profile in its foreign policy on democracy; promote international law, human rights and inclusive digital governance.
Fact sheet: Democracy and governance (PDF, 1 Page, 89.7 kB, English)
In order to realise these priorities, the Federal Council will use its usual instruments, such as the external network, international cooperation, good offices and neutrality.
Fact sheet: Instruments (PDF, 1 Page, 69.7 kB, English)
Objectives have been defined for each thematic and geographical priority. There are 28 in all, which are listed in the document below.
Overview objectives 2024–27 (PDF, 2 Pages, 65.3 kB, English)
In its annual Foreign Policy Report, the Federal Council gives an account of the extent to which the strategy has been implemented and the 28 objectives have been achieved.
The Federal Council adopts a series of geographical and thematic follow-up strategies to flesh out its strategy. For their part, the departments draw up implementation concepts, such as action plans and guidelines. Switzerland implements its foreign policy in a three-tier cascading strategy.
Last update 02.02.2024
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