Neutral Switzerland eases restrictions on exports of military equipment to 25 countries

The Swiss parliament voted to ease restrictions on arms exports to support the domestic military industry without jeopardizing the country's traditional neutrality. Exports were allowed to 25 countries involved in armed conflict, but not to Ukraine, reports Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen.

According to the proposal approved on December 4, Swiss arms companies will be able to supply military equipment to these 25 countries in the future. Weapons transfers are also not excluded, but the Federal Council must be granted a veto.

The rules on the re-export of military equipment will also be eased. The upper house of parliament supported the amendments to the law on military materials by 31 votes to 12 after they were approved by the lower house on December 2.

The easing of arms export rules was adopted after industry and politicians expressed concern about the damage to the Swiss arms sector, which was losing foreign orders due to the restrictions.

This decision will strengthen Switzerland's defense capabilities, said Brigitte Heberli-Koller, a spokeswoman for the committee and a senator for the Council of Cantons. However, Social Democratic Party MP Daniel Josich said that the new rules allegedly mean that Switzerland is no longer neutral.

We are talking about the following countries:

1. Argentina
2. Australia
3. Belgium
4. Denmark
5. Germany
6. Finland
7. France
8. Greece
9. United Kingdom
10. Ireland
11. Italy
12. Japan
13. Canada
14. Luxembourg
15. New Zealand
16. Netherlands
17. Norway
18. Austria
19. Poland
20. Portugal
21. Sweden
22. Spain
23. Czech Republic
24. Hungary
25. USA

• In September, it became known that Switzerland plans to engage private companies to rebuild Ukraine
• In December, Blick reported, citing an internal report, that in the event of an attack, Switzerland would be able to defend is very limited, as its defense is allegedly weak.