Switzerland has been participating in the PfP programme since 1996. The PfP is a bilateral cooperation programme between NATO and its associated partners allowing partner states such as Switzerland to pursue individual cooperation objectives with NATO in the area of security and defence policy. This cooperation instrument enables Switzerland to cooperate with its neighbours according to its needs and interests, thus contributing to regional stability and security. Switzerland’s participation in the PfP programme is compatible with Swiss neutrality.

Cooperation between Switzerland and NATO for 2023 and 2024

All cooperation between Switzerland and NATO takes place under the PfP programme. The areas and priorities of this cooperation are defined by the Federal Council, most recently in March 2022. Based on this, Switzerland and NATO have drawn up a non-legally binding ITPP that is valid for two years.

The ITPP, covering the period 2023/24, has now been finalised. It defines the objectives of cooperation and formulates general goals such as the continuation of political dialogue and, more specifically, the development of cooperation in the fields of new technologies and innovation, resilience, the promotion of women, peace and security (WPS), disarmament and non-proliferation, and cyber defence. Many of these goals are aimed at enhancing interoperability, for example between air forces and communication systems. There are also plans to increase Switzerland’s participation in NATO centres of excellence and post staff officers to NATO facilities.

Russia’s military attack on Ukraine has shaken the framework of European security to its foundations. The ITPP thus affirms the Federal Council’s intention to strengthen international cooperation in the area of security policy while respecting Switzerland’s neutrality. This objective is in line with the Supplementary Report to the 2021 Security Policy Report, which was approved by the Federal Council on 7 September 2022.

Partnership for Peace: Switzerland and NATO set cooperation targets for 2023 and 2024