The Swiss People's Party (SVP), a key political force and the largest group in the country's Federal Assembly, has criticized Bern's decision to join EU military programs. The right-wing party has stated that the measure will erode the nation's customary neutrality gravely.

The SVP stated on Wednesday it "firmly opposes" Switzerland's involvement in the EU's Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) military deal, arguing that by doing so, the Swiss Federal Council is "abandoning our country's neutrality and sovereignty" while "putting the security of the Swiss population at risk through gross negligence."

The SVP also accused Defense Minister Viola Amherd and her cabinet of employing a "salami tactic" in their "insidious rapprochement with both the EU and NATO."

Switzerland declared military neutrality in 1815 prohibiting the transfer of weapons to war zones from or via Swiss territory, as well as giving mercenary forces to countries engaged in armed conflicts.

In March, the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, a research institution, polled Swiss residents and found that 91% felt the country should remain neutral.

Despite the government's attempts to portray military cooperation with the EU as purely technical, participation in PESCO projects would ultimately necessitate Switzerland aligning its foreign and security policy aims with those of the bloc, the SVP argued.

The party also contended that Switzerland's interests do not always align with those of the EU, noting the bloc's expansionist inclinations, particularly in Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. As a result, the SVP insisted on putting PESCO participation to a vote in parliament.

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In a second announcement issued on Wednesday, the Swiss central government announced that Bern will join the "Military Mobility" and "Cyber Ranges Federation' programs under the PESCO banner.

"This strengthens Switzerland's national defense capabilities" while remaining "in conformity with Switzerland's neutrality obligations," the Federal Council declared.

According to the announcement, the Swiss army will collaborate with 25 EU states to facilitate the cross-border transport of military equipment across the continent as part of the "Military Mobility" initiative.

Moreover, the "Cyber Ranges" program provides access to a simulated cyber environment in which professionals may receive training in cyberattack response.

Despite not being a member of the EU or NATO, Switzerland has joined the West's sanctions on Russia, prompting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to label it as "openly hostile".

Swiss Upper House rejects $5.58bln aid plan for Ukraine

In June, Switzerland's Upper House of Parliament declined a proposal for a 5 billion Swiss franc ($5.58 billion) aid allocation for Ukraine, which was part of a larger financial package. The rejection reportedly stemmed from concerns that the plan violated borrowing constraints in the neutral country.

Lawmakers voted against the 15 billion franc package, with 28 opposing and 15 voting in favor. The package also encompassed 10.1 billion francs in supplementary funding for the country's armed forces.
 
The plan's failure had been widely expected in recent weeks, especially among right-leaning legislators who were particularly against it. Lawmakers contended that the package violated Switzerland's "debt brake" provision and rejected it two weeks before the Swiss government was set to host a high-level summit aimed at facilitating peace in Ukraine, without Russia's presence.

The package, which was endorsed by a separate parliamentary committee in April, was designed as an exceptional contribution to Switzerland's security and "peace in Europe," given the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Switzerland faces pressure from Western allies to increase assistance to Ukraine, while simultaneously contending with demands from right-wing nationalist lawmakers advocating for strict neutrality.