This week, the National Council adopted a motion calling on Switzerland to reduce its dependence on the United States for security matters, while strengthening cooperation with the EU and other European countries.
The motion’s instigator, deputy Priska Seiler Graf from the Social Democratic Party, pointed to the “unpredictability of the American president,” as the reason behind the move.
She and other supporters also mentioned the delivery delays to Switzerland of US F-35 fighter jets and the Patriot ground-based air defence system.
“We will not receive them in a timely manner, or perhaps not at all,” she said. “In this context, strengthening cooperation with the EU and European partners is vital for our security. The goal is to create synergies in defence policy.”
“Who are our real friends? she asked. “With whom should we cooperate? Only one answer is clear: the EU.”
As for the Defence Minister Martin Pfister, he conceded that “transatlantic relations are currently more uncertain and more difficult.”
Not everyone in the parliament is on board with this proposal, however,
The Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the Centre Party, and some members of the Liberal Radical Party, spoke against it.
According to SVP deputy Thomas Hurter, Switzerland should maintain close ties with the the United States, as it “is a leader in weapons technology. Without them, Switzerland would have to turn to Russia or China. This would send the wrong message abroad.”
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Farther from Trump, closer to Brussels
This move at the legislative level – which must still be approved by the Council of States – reflects what many people in Switzerland, and not just its politicians, think.
According to a survey carried out in 2025 by Tamedia media group, over 80 percent of respondents in Switzerland don’t trust Donald Trump.
As to the reasons why, words such as “unpredictable”, “egocentric”, “hypocritical” and “impulsive” are the most common adjectives used to describe him..
Also, 76 percent of survey participants said they believe the US president will incite further global conflicts.
On the other hand, some 77 percent of respondents favour closer cooperation with the European Union to ensure the security of the country’s economy.
That’s an overall figure, but it goes up to between 84 and 90 percent among the most liberal respondents.
READ MORE: Why do Swiss want to get closer to the European Union right now?
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MPs’ calls for closer relations with the European Union align with Switzerland’s objective.
Though the Defence Minister Pfister has said that the United States remains “an important partner,” the Federal Council has worked out a new batch of treaties with the European Union, and is urging the Parliament and Swiss voters to approve these agreements.
READ MORE: How will Switzerland benefit from new pact with the European Union?
