Policy brief: Features of the Switzerland foreign policy in the XXI century (ID:553194)

Switzerland is doing its utmost to make its foreign policy consistent with the national interests of the state. Globalization, revolutionary achievements in science and technology, environmental protection and growing migration contribute to the gradual engagement of Switzerland in the processes of cooperation with other countries. The attitude of Swiss people towards foreign countries is very contradictory: while the country's economy is more oriented towards the international market, skepticism about political alliances is still preserved in political life. Despite the fact that Switzerland had been abstaining from membership in the UN for a long time, and is currently not satisfied with the result, it closely cooperates with other international organizations. In 1960, Switzerland became one of the founding countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in 1963 entered the Council of Europe, and in 1975 became a member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Besides, Switzerland is a member-state of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 1992 Switzerland joined the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, aimed at eradicating of poverty in poor countries, which is an important contribution to strengthening of economic and financial stability. After having been on hold for two years, the debate about the framework agreement with the EU, the Gordian knot of Swiss foreign policy, has been brought back to the table. By rejecting the right-wing Swiss People’s Party’s limitation initiative in September 2020, the Swiss people paved the way for the continuation of this bilateral treaty. For years, wage protection, state aid, the EU citizenship directive and the establishment of an arbitration authority have been the sticking points between the two parties and have stalled negotiations. The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which has been blocked within the EU, will have indirect consequences for Switzerland. During their last meeting in December 2020, the member states could not agree on controversial issues such as the distribution of asylum-seekers within the EU, which is heavily opposed by Poland and Hungary.