Almost three-quarters of Swiss support the idea of closer co-operation with NATO, while more than half are still opposed to joining the alliance, according to the results of a survey commissioned by the 20 Minuten portal and the Tamedia media group, TASS reports
For example, 71 percent of respondents were in favour of closer co-operation with NATO, while 26 percent were against. Meanwhile, 56 percent rejected the idea of joining NATO, 37 percent supported it and 7 percent found it difficult to answer.
About 77 percent of those polled supported closer security co-operation with the European Union, while 21 percent of respondents opposed.
About 35,000 people took part in the survey, held from March 31st to April 1st, with the margin of error standing at 1.7 percent.
Despite its neutral status, Switzerland has participated in NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme since 1996, aimed at developing bilateral military co-operation and exchanging information and experience. In July 2024, the Swiss government announced that the alliance would open an office in Geneva to develop relations with international and non-governmental organisations based in the city. In the foreign policy strategy for 2024-2027 adopted on January 31st, 2024, the federal authorities confirmed their commitment to strengthening ties with NATO, including participation in military drills and improving the interoperability of the army.
