Comprehensive approach to security: Federal Council adopts the 2026 Security Policy Strategy

The international security situation has become increasingly unstable and volatile. Rivalries between major powers have intensified, and armed conflicts are increasingly shaping the global environment. The international order is becoming progressively weaker. There is still no end in sight to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and influence activities are on the rise. Critical infrastructure is made more vulnerable by its high level of interconnectivity. It is also vital to safeguard domestic security and mitigate risks posed by natural hazards and pandemics.

Comprehensive approach and prioritisation

In order to address the full range of risks, the Security Policy Strategy adopts a comprehensive approach taking into account both civilian and military resources. The Federal Council has set out three strategic priorities:

• Strengthening resilience: Vulnerabilities and critical dependencies must be reduced, and the resilience of the state, the economy and society is to be boosted.
• Improving capabilities for resistance and protection so that civilians, institutions and critical infrastructure are better protected against threats and dangers, and attacks can be repelled more effectively.
• Strengthening defence capabilities so that Switzerland can effectively counter an armed attack and ensure that the necessary capabilities, as well as cooperation with partner states, are set up in good time.

These priorities are set out in 10 objectives and 46 measures. The strategy prioritises measures to counter the most likely threats: hybrid and remote attacks, and organised crime within Switzerland.

Achieving the strategy’s objectives requires close cooperation between the federal government, the cantons, the communes and other partners from business, academia and civil society. The strategy sets out the roles of the various stakeholders and establishes a common framework for implementation.

Consultation confirms strategic direction

The consultation on the Security Policy Strategy took place from December 2025 to the end of March 2026 and attracted widespread interest. During the consultation process, the cantons, political parties, associations and other organisations generally responded positively to the strategy, in particular the analysis of the security situation, the comprehensive security approach and the choice of strategic priorities, objectives and measures. The measures will now be implemented in a more concrete and binding manner based on the feedback received during the consultation.

Implementation to begin immediately

In view of the current threat situation, the Federal Council had instructed the relevant departments to implement the proposed measures right from the start of the consultation process, and to plan a monitoring system for this purpose. The State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS), part of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), is coordinating the implementation work. A steering committee was set up for this purpose, comprising representatives from the federal authorities and cantonal conferences involved. The Federal Council will receive an implementation progress report by the end of 2028.

• SEPOS: The Security Policy Strategy 2026