ZURICH, Feb 12 (Reuters) – The Swiss government on Wednesday proposed relaxing restrictions on arms exports to try to bolster its domestic industry and security policy, a sensitive move for the neutral country which has blocked the re-export of its weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
The cabinet said it sent a proposal to parliament to allow it to deviate from current restrictions “in extraordinary circumstances”, seeking leeway to adapt its arms export policy in accordance with changing geopolitical circumstances.
Despite its long-held neutrality, Switzerland has traditionally been one of the world’s biggest arms suppliers, selling ammunition and armoured vehicles abroad.
However, arms exports fell by more than a quarter in 2023, with critics blaming blocks on Spain, Denmark and Germany re-exporting Swiss-made guns and ammunition to Ukraine.
“This would make it possible to safeguard Switzerland’s foreign or security policy interests,” the cabinet proposal said.
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Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/neutral-swiss-propose-relaxing-arms-exports-restrictions-2025-02-12/
