Maroc - ENG.UATV.UA - A La Une - 12/Nov 20:11

Swiss Parliament Committee Proposes Easing Restrictions on Arms Exports

The Security Policy Committee of the Swiss National Council (SiK-N) has proposed loosening Switzerland’s arms export laws — including the rules that restrict re-export of Swiss weapons by third countries.As reported by  UATV English, the decision was published on the Swiss Parliament’s official website. “The Security Policy Committee of the National Council has completed its review of amendments to the Military Equipment Act (Kriegsmaterialgesetz, KMG). It has proposed easing the provisions regulating both the export of arms from Switzerland and their re-export by recipient countries,” the press release stated. The proposal was approved by a majority vote of 16 to 9. Under the suggested changes, recipient countries would no longer be required to sign non-re-export declarations. The Federal Council would retain the right to request such guarantees only in exceptional cases, for reasons related to foreign policy, security, or neutrality. The obligation to prohibit re-export of components used in international production chains would also be lifted. According to the committee, Switzerland must strengthen its defense capacity and industrial base amid the worsening global security environment, to avoid isolation from international defense and technology networks. A final parliamentary vote on the proposed amendments is expected during the winter session. Earlier, Switzerland debated a separate legislative change that would grant the Federal Council greater flexibility to approve arms exports to select countries while maintaining international obligations. The proposal also aimed to allow allied nations to transfer Swiss-made weapons or ammunition to third countries, including Ukraine. German and Dutch arms manufacturers have threatened to boycott Swiss companies, as the existing ban prevents them from supplying Swiss-made equipment to Ukraine. NATO countries fear that in the event of a Russian attack on an Alliance member, arms deliveries from Switzerland could be blocked due to neutrality laws. In 2022, Switzerland’s export restrictions — prohibiting re-export of military materials containing over 50% Swiss-made components — prevented some of Germany’s partners from transferring certain weapons to Ukraine. In June 2023, the Swiss National Council rejected the so-called “Lex Ukraine” bill, which would have allowed third countries to send Swiss-made arms to Ukraine. The post Swiss Parliament Committee Proposes Easing Restrictions on Arms Exports appeared first on Freedom.