On November 29th, Swiss voters will vote to ease restrictions on arms exports. Supporters argue that the reform will protect the country’s arms industry and security, while opponents see it as a threat to Swiss neutrality and humanitarian tradition.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Swiss arms export regulations have been the subject of fierce debate. Bern’s refusal to allow several European countries to re-export Swiss military equipment has been met with misunderstanding by many Confederate partners, reports Arcinfo.

The Federal Council requested in 2024 greater flexibility for authorising certain exports. Parliament went further, adopting a broader review of the war materials Law in December 2025.

However, this review has prompted opposition to an alliance that includes the Social Democrat Party, the Green Party, the Evangel People’s Party, pacifist organisations and NGOs such as the Group for a Swiss without Army.

After the success of their referendum, citizens will decide on November 29th. Below are the five main voting issues.

1. What’s going on?

Federal war materials law prohibits exports to countries involved in armed conflicts or that commit serious and systematic human rights violations.

Since entering into force in 2022, the Federal Council can no longer make exemptions from these criteria.

The countries must sign a declaration of non-reportment. They cannot transfer Swiss military equipment to a third country without prior authorisation of the Federal Council.

This rule caused problems after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Countries such as Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark wanted to transfer military equipment and ammunition of Swiss origin to Kiev.

Since they were obliged by statements of non-reportation, they had to seek authorization from the Federal Council, which refused the requests.

2. Does neutrality forbid arms export?

Not entirely. The difference should be made between the obligations stemming from the neutrality and restrictions Switzerland has defined in its legislation.

The international right to neutrality, especially coded in The Hague Convention of 1907, prohibits a neutral state the supply of arms to warring parties. However, it does not force the state to ban the sale of weapons by its private companies, it broadcasts Telegrafi.

If a state limits such sales, it should implement the same restrictions on both sides.

Switzerland has followed a stricter approach to the Law on War Materials, basically preventing exports to any country involved in an armed conflict, including exports from private companies.

3. What would change reforms?

The reform aims to deal otherwise with some countries that are considered close partners of Switzerland and that have comparable regulations for arms exports.

Exports to these countries can be authorised even if they are involved in an armed conflict.

It is part of 19 European countries, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina.

4. What are the arguments of supporters of easing restrictions?

Project supporters believe the current policy is too restrictive compared to international standards. They argue that these regulations penalise the Swiss arms industry at a time when many European countries are investing heavily in their defence.

The strict rules for the report have led Germany, Holland and Denmark to ban orders in Switzerland.

Reform supporters also stress that a powerful defence industry is essential to the supply of the Swiss Army. They fear weakening the sector would reduce the country’s ability to ensure its security.

The amendment to the law is supported by the Federal Council and most of the Parliament. It is also supported by the Swiss People’s Party ( SVP/ UDC, Liberal Party ( FDP/ PLR and the Centre Party. Representatives of the arms industry are also in favour.

5. Why did opposers launch a referendum?

Opposers of law change fear that planned reliefs will increase the risk of Swiss weapons ending up in conflict zones.

They also criticise the fact that the reform does not provide support to Ukraine, which is being attacked by Russia in violation of international law. While the initial idea was to allow reexports to Ukraine, the country is not among the states that would benefit from new regulations.

Opposers argue that the project does not serve human rights, but the economic interests of the arms industry. They also object to the claim that the industry is facing a crisis that threatens its own existence.

The anti-reform alliance argues that easing restrictions would weaken Switzerland’s neutrality and humanitarian tradition. Its members also denounced a political overthrow, just a few years after indirect counterproposal to corrective initiative.

Referendum supporters also warn that the reform gives the Federal Council excessive freedom of action, enabling it to avoid current authorisation criteria more easily.

How’s the arms industry going?

Export figures have provided mixed signals in recent years. Following levels recorded in 2023 and 2024, Swiss exports of military equipment recovered in 2025, reaching nearly 950 million francs, a 43 – percent increase compared to the preceding year.

Germany remained the largest client of the Swiss defence industry./Telegraphy/