Politics · Switzerland · 13 hrs ago
Swiss cabinet expands arms-export list before referendum
Switzerland’s cabinet expanded a key list for arms exports from 25 countries to 36 in May 2026.
The list now covers all EU and EFTA countries except Liechtenstein, and affects which states could receive Swiss weapons even during armed conflicts under a proposed law.
In December 2025, Economy Minister Guy Parmelin had told parliament the cabinet would not change the list in the near future.
Critics say the change undermines Parmelin’s assurance and gives the cabinet too much power over arms exports.
The government says a referendum had changed the circumstances and that the update made clear which countries could benefit from the law.
The proposed law would also let the cabinet waive some export restrictions and decide when buyers must promise not to pass weapons on to another country.
Swiss voters will decide on the law on November 29.
Switzerland’s cabinet expanded a list of countries eligible for arms-export concessions from 25 to 36, ahead of a referendum on easing export rules.
The list now includes all EU and EFTA countries except Liechtenstein.
Opponents say the change contradicts a promise by Economics Minister Guy Parmelin not to alter the list in the near term.
The cabinet said circumstances changed after the referendum was filed and that the update would clarify which countries could benefit from the proposed law.
The referendum on the reform is scheduled for November 29.
- Who
- The Swiss cabinet expanded the list. Opponents of the proposed reform include Social Democratic security-policy politician Fabian Molina.
- What
- The cabinet expanded the list of countries covered by arms-export control concessions from 25 to 36.
- When
- The cabinet decided on May 27 to expand the list, effective July 2026. The referendum is scheduled for November 29.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- The cabinet said circumstances changed after the referendum was filed and the update would clarify which countries could benefit from the proposed law.
Opponents of the arms-export law revision
Swiss cabinet
Promise on changing the list
Opponents of the arms-export law revision
Opponents say Parmelin had assured parliament the cabinet would not change the list in the near term.
Swiss cabinet
The cabinet says circumstances changed after the referendum was filed.
Purpose of the list change
Opponents of the arms-export law revision
Opponents warn the cabinet could change the list at will and call its new powers a blank cheque.
Swiss cabinet
The cabinet says the update makes clear which countries would benefit from the law changes.
Social Democratic lawmaker Nadine Masshardt asked Parmelin whether the ordinance and its annex could be changed after the new law took effect, and he said the cabinet would not change the ordinance in the near future.
The cabinet decided to expand Annex 2 from 25 to 36 countries, effective July 2026.
Swiss voters are scheduled to decide on the proposed easing of arms-export rules.
- Previous list size
- 25 countries
- Expanded list size
- 36 countries
- Newly included
- Iceland and 10 EU countries
- Coverage
- All EU and EFTA countries except Liechtenstein
- Referendum date
- November 29, 2026
What people are saying
According to the current state of affairs, I will not submit such a motion, and the Federal Council will not change the ordinance in the near future. I can assure you of that.
The president must face the accusation of having told parliament and the public untruths.
The Federal Council concluded that circumstances had changed because the referendum had been filed.