Switzerland plans to increase its defence budget to 1% of GDP by 2032, with spending set to double to CHF 4 billion by 2028. However, this move has failed to impress some

German politicians, who argue that Switzerland’s commitment remains insufficient.

Roderich Kiesewetter, a security expert and politician from Germany’s CDU party, dismissed Switzerland’s 1% target as “a joke,” advocating instead for a defence budget of 3-5% of GDP. “Switzerland must decide where it stands. Neutrality is not an option when it comes to defending our freedom,” he told the SonntagsZeitung.

Falko Drossmann, a defence specialist from Germany’s SPD party, echoed this sentiment, arguing that Switzerland has long relied on NATO’s military strength to maintain its neutrality. “But the world has changed. Everyone must take greater responsibility for their own security,” he said.

The call for increased military spending is not limited to external voices. Within Switzerland, some politicians also support a stronger financial commitment to defence. “Switzerland cannot remain a free rider. It must contribute to Europe’s security,” said Social Democrat senator Franziska Roth.

The push for higher defence budgets follows growing concerns across Europe, as countries like Britain, Germany, France, and Poland respond to U.S. warnings about potentially reducing security guarantees for the continent.

Despite these criticisms and calls for action, the Swiss government has yet to make a clear statement on its stance in the evolving European defence debate. Photo by Pfc. Han-byeol Kim, Wikimedia commons.