Leading Swiss politician calls for closer EU defense cooperation

Switzerland stands at a critical geopolitical precipice, and the Social Democratic Party (SP) is demanding a decisive leap toward Europe. In a bold move that challenges traditional Swiss reticence, SP co-president Cédric Wermuth is calling for an immediate intensification of security cooperation with the European Union. Wermuth asserts that military planning must now be coordinated "first and foremost" with Brussels, signaling a dramatic departure from isolationist tendencies.

While the SP remains staunchly opposed to NATO membership, Wermuth argues that the European Union represents Switzerland's only "reliable" partner in an increasingly volatile world. He specifically points to the emerging security coalition led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the essential vehicle for Swiss interests. This is not merely a suggestion; it is a demand for Switzerland to integrate into a "civil security system" that protects the continent. By aligning with this "coalition of the willing," Wermuth contends that Switzerland can finally contribute meaningfully to the defense of a "democratic and social Europe" rather than standing on the sidelines.

The driving force behind this urgent strategic pivot is a complete collapse of trust in Washington. Wermuth did not mince words when describing the current American administration, explicitly condemning the "betrayal by Trump’s neo-fascist government." This scorching characterization highlights a profound shift in Swiss political calculus: the United States can no longer be counted on to guarantee European security.

The implications of this statement are staggering. Wermuth warns that if America withdraws from NATO—a scenario increasingly viewed as plausible—Switzerland's safety will depend entirely on the strength of its European neighbors. This fear of abandonment is pushing even neutral Switzerland to seek concrete alliances. The SP co-president argues that the "Trump shock" necessitates a pragmatic realignment, where Switzerland supports the Paris-London axis to guarantee peace in Ukraine and stability across the continent. In this new reality, reliance on trans-Atlantic protection is not just naive; it is a strategic liability.

Financial timidity is no longer an option. Wermuth has slammed the current proposal of CHF 5 billion over ten years for Ukraine and security as "ridiculous" in the face of the massive reconstruction and defense needs. He argues that Switzerland, a nation of immense wealth, is failing to pull its weight. While a strictly proportionate contribution would soar to a staggering CHF 20-25 billion, Wermuth is pushing for a realistic immediate target of CHF 10-12 billion.

This is a call for Switzerland to put its money where its mouth is. "We must finally make our contribution," Wermuth told the NZZ, suggesting that Switzerland could directly co-finance European defense forces. The logic is transactional and stark: Switzerland benefits from the European security umbrella, and it must pay its fair share to keep that umbrella open. With reconstruction costs for Ukraine estimated at over €500 billion, the current Swiss offer is a drop in the ocean, and Wermuth is demanding a financial commitment that reflects the gravity of the crisis.

Where will these billions come from? Wermuth points directly to the coffers of the aggressors. He proposes seizing the vast sums of Russian wealth currently sitting frozen in Swiss vaults. Specifically, he identifies CHF 7 billion in Russian central bank assets and an additional CHF 5 billion belonging to sanctioned oligarchs. Utilizing these funds is not a matter of financial capability, but rather, as Wermuth asserts, "a question of political will."

This proposal strikes at the heart of Switzerland's banking secrecy legacy and legal conservatism. By advocating for the use of these frozen billions to fund European defense and Ukrainian reconstruction, the SP is challenging the government to prioritize moral responsibility over banking orthodoxy. If executed, this move would unlock over CHF 12 billion instantly, covering the proposed increased contribution without burdening the Swiss taxpayer. For Wermuth, the path is clear: make the architects of the chaos pay for the security they destroyed.