Promoting stability in Eastern Europe and beyond — through international cooperation and humanitarian aid — is among four priorities expected to shape Switzerland’s foreign policy for 2012-2015.
Switzerland’s Federal Council approved March 2 a report on the four strategic axes of the country’s 2012-2015 foreign policy. The report is now headed to the Swiss parliament for approval.
In addition to stability, the proposed foreign policy prioritizes further development of Switzerland’s relationship with neighbor countries, strengthening of the country’s ties with the European Union and its member states, and the pursuit of strategic partnerships with emerging countries.
The four priorities, according to the Federal Council, are based on Swiss fundamental principles that include rule of law, universality, neutrality, solidarity and responsibility.
The Federal Council has also recently put forth a multibillion-dollar proposal to modernize the country’s development cooperation. This bill, which is now awaiting Parliament approval, has a stronger focus on fragile and conflict contexts.
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About the author
Ivy Mungcal
As senior staff writer, Ivy Mungcal contributes to several Devex publications. Her focus is on breaking news, and in particular on global aid reform and trends in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Before joining Devex in 2009, Ivy produced specialized content for U.S. and U.K.-based business websites.
