Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans to attend the Munich Security Conference

The 62nd Munich Security Conference will bring together high-level representatives. It comes at a time when fundamental questions are being asked about Europe’s security architecture. With the international order eroding and relations between powers increasingly tense, the conference provides a platform to promote a common understanding of the threats and how to respond to them. It also serves to defend values such as peace and the rule of law.

Programme for Federal Councillor Martin Pfister

Federal Councillor Pfister, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), will be attending the Munich Security Conference for the first time. His aim will be to get to know his counterparts, particularly those from other European countries, and to strengthen Switzerland's position as a credible partner for security in Europe. During roundtable discussions and bilateral talks, the head of the DDPS will base his discussions on the Federal Council's new security and armament policy strategies. He will set out Switzerland's efforts to ensure its own defence and the preparations it is making to defend itself in cooperation with its partners, if necessary. He will also advocate for Swiss companies to have the opportunity to collaborate with partners in Europe and consolidate their technological presence in the European defence market. Martin Pfister will be accompanied by Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy (SEPOS).

Ahead of MSC 26, Florian Schütz, director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and Thomas Rothacher, deputy director general of Armament (armasuisse), will attend the Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC). They will discuss the latest developments, best practices and opportunities for expanding international cooperation in this area. They will work to strengthen Switzerland's role on the international stage and intensify dialogue on global challenges and solutions in the areas of cybersecurity and innovation.

Programme for Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be attending the Munich Security Conference in his capacity as Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. He will hold various meetings there to discuss current challenges facing the OSCE area, particularly about the future of the European security architecture. These discussions will also address the reforms needed to ensure that the organisation can continue to play its role to the full. In this context, Mr Cassis will also discuss the possible contribution that the OSCE could make in the event of a political settlement or ceasefire regarding Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Programme for Federal Councillor Beat Jans

Federal Councillor Beat Jans, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), will also be attending the Munich Security Conference for the first time. He will meet with counterparts from various countries and officials from international security organisations during bilateral meetings and roundtables. Discussions are set to cover issues of internal security and justice. The FDJP plays a central role in addressing international challenges, particularly in the fight against organised crime. In this regard, in December the Federal Council approved the first National Strategy to Combat Organised Crime in Switzerland, which aims to combat the growing threat posed by criminal networks effectively and across the board.

The trip will also offer an opportunity to discuss the challenges of violent extremism, terrorism and cybercrime. The growing convergence of these threats at international level makes it essential to strengthen international cooperation and exchanges on existing instruments and best practices. Mr Jans will also address the importance of human rights, democracy and the rule of law as key factors for security. Federal Councillor Beat Jans will be accompanied by Eva Wildi-Cortés, director of the Federal Office of Police (fedpol), and Cantonal Councillor Karin Kayser-Frutschi, the president of the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Justice and Police (CCDJP).