International cooperation
International cooperation is a key element of Swiss security policy. Switzerland cooperates with states and international organisations. SEPOS coordinates this cooperation from within the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS, involving other departments in the process.
In terms of bilateral cooperation – for example in military training, airspace protection or disaster relief – Switzerland’s neighbouring countries are its most important partners. Due to their geographical proximity and long-standing cooperation, these relationships are particularly close. However, Switzerland also cooperates with further countries.
At the multilateral level, Switzerland maintains regular dialogues with NATO and the EU on security policy developments and cooperation with their members. It takes part in international exercises, training programmes and peace-support missions, notably in KFOR in Kosovo and EUFOR/ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina. SEPOS is the central steering and coordination unit within the DDPS for these matters, as well as for security policy-related affaires of the UN and the OSCE, the chairpersonship which Switzerland is assuming in 2026.
SEPOS provides input regarding planning, implementation and follow-up to the head of department’s bilateral and multilateral international contacts. For their part, the State Secretary and his deputy maintain international contacts and attend international conferences.