Foreign Policy Report 2025: Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to focused and effective multilateralism
Bern, 06.03.2026 — The Federal Council approved the 2025 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 6 March 2026. The report gives an account of the foreign policy activities of the past year and takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at the halfway point. The core question it seeks to address is how Switzerland can safeguard its interests in an increasingly polarised environment and play its part in advancing effective multilateralism.
Clarity and focus are key to the survival of multilateralism
The international order has become more fragile and less predictable. Geopolitical tensions, shifting power dynamics and domestic political scepticism about international cooperation are radically changing the multilateral framework. A functioning rules-based order is essential for an export-oriented, globalised country like Switzerland.
The Federal Council devotes the main section of its report to an analysis of the drivers behind these developments and draws conclusions for Switzerland, hence its decision to prioritise focused multilateralism. What matters most in this context is not the perpetual expansion of international norms but the systematic application and mutual observance of existing commitments. The effectiveness of international law depends on reliability, reciprocity and democratic legitimacy. Future action must be needs-driven and informed by the principle of subsidiarity.
International cooperation must deliver quantifiable outcomes, and the public must have a clear understanding of the purpose it serves. Alongside engagement with established organisations, Switzerland increasingly enters into flexible coalitions and thematic alliances to smooth the path to progress.
Mid-term review of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27
The Federal Council Report takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at the halfway point of the legislative period. The Federal Council is currently on course to achieve 16 of its 28 objectives. This underperformance compared to the previous year is primarily due to global geopolitical tensions and the financial framework.
In relation to Europe, a geographical priority of Switzerland's foreign policy strategy, the Federal Council is on track to meet its objectives with respect to the EU, neighbouring countries and Schengen. A major milestone was reached in 2025 with the approval of the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Switzerland–EU relations’ package (Bilaterals III) and subsequent launch of the consultation process. The Federal Council is expected to sign these agreements and submit its dispatch to Parliament in the first quarter of 2026.
The Federal Council has stepped up its multilateralism efforts and is making good progress on most of its objectives. However, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda remains fraught with difficulties. On the matter of peace and security, Switzerland has further strengthened its role in the areas of peace diplomacy and good offices. In contrast, geopolitical tensions are hampering progress on arms control and humanitarian needs continue to rise.
The Federal Council is also largely on course to meet its objectives on prosperity, competitiveness, democracy and governance. Switzerland remains an international leader in education, research and innovation and continues to build a more diversified economy. However, some of Switzerland's environmental objectives are in jeopardy and geopolitical fragmentation is slowing global progress.
International Geneva and strategic development
The report stresses the importance of International Geneva as a global hub for multilateralism. Switzerland is consolidating its role as a host state and remains committed to ensuring that international organisations work efficiently, fulfil their core mandates and eliminate institutional overlaps.
The Federal Council is also looking further ahead in the knowledge that issues like climate change, global health and new technologies will have a bearing on the longer-term stability and competitiveness of Switzerland. International Geneva continues to play a pivotal role in building bridges between scientific expertise and diplomacy and setting global standards.
Guided by clear principles
The Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to Objective 9 of its Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. Switzerland will continue to advocate multilateralism that is focused, grounded in the rules-based order, subsidiarity and coherence, and contributes to a safer world.
In these times of geopolitical upheaval and beyond, Switzerland views international cooperation not as an end in itself but as a strategic instrument for securing peace, stability and prosperity.
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