Recent Decisions in Swiss Politics
On May 28, 2026, a crucial decision emerged from the Foreign Policy Commission of the Swiss Council of States, which voted 8 to 5 in favor of determining that only the popular majority should count in the upcoming vote regarding the evolution of bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the European Union. This decision is pivotal, especially in light of the Federal Council's approval of the Bilateral III package last March. This package addresses not only institutional matters such as the adoption of EU law by Switzerland and dispute resolution mechanisms between the parties but also extends to new agreements, such as a proposed electricity accord. The critical issue during the referendum on Bilateral III is whether a simple majority or a double majority (both popular and cantonal) will be required. A double majority would significantly decrease the likelihood of the package being accepted at the polls.
Earlier in May, the Political Commission of the Council of States had also deliberated on whether a simple or double majority should be necessary for the Bilateral III vote, with a narrow decision favoring the double majority by a 7 to 6 margin. Looking ahead, Bilateral III is expected to be presented to the Council of States in September, followed by deliberation in the National Council. The final determination regarding the majority requirement is likely to be made during the so-called Conciliation Conference of the two chambers.
Government Measures on Environmental and Migration Issues
In related news, the Federal Council has proposed a temporary special law to assist farms facing excessively high levels of PFAS contamination, which are chemicals that do not break down easily and are often termed 'forever chemicals.' This initiative is a response to the health risks posed by these substances, which have been detected in various locations across Switzerland, including agricultural sites. As a result, many of the affected products have PFAS concentrations that exceed the limits established for eggs, meat, and fish since 2024, rendering them unsellable. The Federal Council aims to provide financial support to these farmers in 'hardship cases' and grant them additional time to realign their production methods. Furthermore, the government plans to tighten PFAS limits in drinking water, aligning them with European Union standards.
On the migration front, a new agreement was signed last Friday between the Swiss State Secretary for Migration and the Moroccan Director for Migration and Border Monitoring, which aims to facilitate the deportation of Moroccan nationals residing unlawfully in Switzerland. Morocco is regarded as a key partner in addressing migration challenges in North Africa. The agreement is designed to streamline the identification and repatriation processes for Moroccans in an irregular situation in Switzerland, especially given the significant increase in asylum applications from Morocco, which surged from 400 in 2020 to over 1,000 last year, with the federal government rejecting nearly all these requests. The agreement not only seeks to expedite deportation procedures but also to enhance economic collaboration between the two nations, focusing on creating educational initiatives and sharing expertise.
As the European Union's foreign ministers have imposed sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank, questions arise regarding Switzerland's stance. The International Court of Justice had previously established that Israel's occupation and settlement activities in the West Bank violate international law and undermine the Palestinian right to self-determination, obligating third states, including Switzerland, to actively contribute to the enforcement of international law. Despite the minimal consensus represented by the recent EU sanctions, the Swiss Federal Council has expressed reluctance to align with these measures, as stated by the Economic Department under SVP Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin. This position is particularly striking given Switzerland's role as the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the settlement of occupied territories.
On June 14, Swiss voters will not only decide on the 10-million initiative but also on a revised civil service law aimed at reducing the number of Swiss men entering civil service in favor of military service, a move attributed to the heightened military threat posed by Russia's actions in Ukraine. Interestingly, the campaign for the intensified civil service law has prominently featured army personnel engaged in civilian roles rather than military combat, leading to perceptions that these individuals are performing civil service rather than military duties.
As reported by republik.ch.
