Thu Sep 19 07:27:34 UTC 2024: ## Swiss Senate Rejects Ban on NATO Military Drills, Citing National Defense

**BERN, SWITZERLAND** – The Swiss Council of States, the upper house of parliament, has voted against a ban on the participation of its military in joint NATO drills. The motion, which originated from the National Council, was rejected by a vote of 29 to 12 after a lively debate.

The senators argued that Switzerland’s neutrality would become irrelevant in the event of an attack on the country, necessitating a well-prepared military capable of defending itself. While Switzerland is not a member of either the EU or NATO, it has joined almost all European sanctions against Russia since the start of the conflict in February 2022.

Despite its neutrality, the Swiss military is scheduled to participate in 20 exercises outside its territory and four on its territory in 2024, all of which involve NATO countries.

This decision highlights a growing debate within Switzerland regarding its long-held neutrality policy in the face of global challenges and the country’s commitment to security cooperation with its European neighbors.

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