• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Switzerland updates administrative arrangement with the European Defence Agency

Swiss Government

Press release
Published on 29 October 2025

Berne, 29.10.2025 -- At its meeting on 29 October 2025, the Federal Council approved an updated agreement between Switzerland and the European Defence Agency (EDA). The agreement has yet to be adopted by the Council of the EU. In response to the changes in the security policy environment in Europe, the Federal Council is seeking to align the agreement concluded with the EDA in 2012 more strategically with Switzerland's defence capabilities.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) was established in 2004. It supports the member states of the European Union in defence cooperation. It pools the needs of the EU member states and coordinates programmes and projects relating to research, capability development and training. The EDA also has the option of cooperating with third countries, based on non-binding bilateral agreements (administrative arrangements). These arrangements define the framework for cooperation and are a prerequisite for participating in EDA programmes and projects.

Switzerland was one of the first third countries to sign an administrative arrangement with the EDA, on 16 March 2012. Since then, Switzerland has been involved in numerous EDA activities and projects, particularly in relation to research and technology development. This enables Switzerland to recognise developments in armaments policy at an early stage, exchange research findings and participate in training and exercises. However, the 2012 arrangement no longer covers all the areas of cooperation that are now open to third countries.

In view of the deteriorating security situation in Europe, a more strategic approach to cooperation and an update of the arrangement is required. The Federal Council approved the revised arrangement at its meeting on 29 October 2025, but it must also be adopted by the Council of the EU.

Expansion of defence cooperation with European countries

By reorientating the armaments policy, the Federal Council is aiming to ensure that the Armed Forces are properly equipped at all times, reinforcing their defence capabilities. This requires an expansion of defence cooperation with European countries. The updated arrangement with the EDA facilitates this expansion by broadening the scope of cooperation and clarifying the processes for participation in projects and programmes relating, for example, to defence procurement, research, development and innovation, quality assurance and maintenance, information and data exchange, education, training and capability development, and industrial cooperation. This not only allows Switzerland to continue its strategic cooperation on research, technology and innovation, but also to participate in projects and programmes on capability development and joint procurement. This strengthens both Switzerland's interoperability and its ability to act.

Switzerland's participation in EDA activities will continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that it complies with its legal obligations, such as Switzerland's neutrality. The arrangement is not legally binding and can be cancelled by giving three months' written notice.