Security policy strategy 2026
The State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS) is responsible for the Security Policy Strategy of Switzerland 2026, which it has developed in collaboration with other federal and cantonal authorities. This strategy represents the foundation of Switzerland’s security policy.
The Security Policy Strategy of Switzerland 2026 describes how Switzerland’s security policy environment has drastically deteriorated and to what extent it has become more dangerous, especially since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Rivalries between major powers are increasing and new interest communities among states are forming. Economic dependencies and advantages are being leveraged for power-political aims. Hybrid warfare―ranging from disinformation, cyber attacks, espionage and sabotage to military force―and threats to domestic security have increased in Europe and can also affect Switzerland.
The strategy therefore identifies Switzerland’s characteristics and vulnerabilities. The rules based international order, including key values and interests of Switzerland such as the rule of law, the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law are under pressure globally. There is also growing pressure on Switzerland to take a stronger political stance. As Switzerland is surrounded by EU and NATO member states, their stability and security policy commitments also contribute to Switzerland's security. In return, these states expect Swiss contributions to European security.
Comprehensive security
To respond to the diverse range of threats and protect Switzerland, the Federal Council pursues within its strategy the approach of comprehensive security. This holistic approach encompasses civilian and military means as well as actors from federal and cantonal authorities, and integrates all aspects of foreign, domestic and economic policy relevant to security policy.
As most threats do not stop at national borders, comprehensive security also entails international cooperation. This enables Switzerland to protect itself better, strengthen its defence capabilities, and contribute to European security.
Three strategic directions– ten objectives – forty-six measures
In its security policy strategy, the Federal Council has identified three strategic directions with ten objectives. To achieve these objectives, it has defined forty-six measures.
The three strategic directions
Strengthen resilience: Vulnerabilities and critical dependencies must be reduced to minimise Switzerland’s attack surface and potential damages. This also aims to decrease the likelihood of threats and dangers actually occuring.
Improve capabilities for resistance and protection: The protection of the population against risks as well as domestic security must be improved. Switzerland must be better able to deter and repel potential and actual attacks and protect itself more effectively against their effects.
Strenghten defence capabilities: Switzerland must be able to defend itself as autonomously as possible against an armed attack. In the event of an attack, defence should be possible and prepared in cooperation with other countries.
Prioritisation and implementation
Switzerland must prepare for an unstable and volatile environment, in Europe and around the world. While it is difficult to assess the likelihood of specific scenarios, a direct, armed attack on Switzerland is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, Switzerland could still be subject to an attack involving long-range weapons such as drones and ballistic missiles. The strategy therefore prioritises measures to counter the most likely threats such as combatting hybrid threats, defending against long-range attacks, and tackling organised crime in the area of domestic security.
For each objective of the Security Policy Strategy of Switzerland 2026, the lead federal department and the participating units are defined. The cantons, the private sector, academia, associations and the public are involved in the implementation wherever appropriate and necessary.
In view of the current threat environment, the Federal Council tasked the relevant departments with implementing the proposed measures and establishing appropriate monitoring arrangements at the start of the consultation process. The State Secretariat for Security Policy is coordinating the implementation work. To this end, a steering committee has been established to bring together the relevant federal units and the pertinent cantonal conferences. A report on the status of implementation will be submitted to the Federal Council by the end of 2028.