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"Switzerland's Security 2025": Global confrontation has direct effects on Switzerland

Swiss Government

Press release
Published on 2 July 2025

Bern, 02.07.2025 -- The security situation around Switzerland is deteriorating year by year. A global confrontation is emerging, with the USA on one side and China and Russia on the other. This has direct implications for Switzerland: the threat of espionage is high and proliferation activities are increasing. The terrorist threat remains elevated. Particularly concerning is the growing online radicalization of youth. In its new situation report "Switzerland's Security 2025," the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) assesses the threat landscape facing the country.

The international order is undergoing major changes. The rivalry between the USA and China will significantly shape global security policy in the coming years. Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are cooperating more closely and seek to reshape the Western-dominated international order. The war between Russia and Ukraine is likely to continue into 2025. Simultaneously, the conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated: in June 2025, Israel launched military strikes against Iran's nuclear program. These concurrent crises increase global insecurity.

Espionage, sanctions evasion and proliferation: Switzerland as a strategic target

Global confrontation is increasing pressure on Switzerland. As a host of many international organizations and a center of innovation, the country is a key target for foreign intelligence services. The greatest espionage threats come from Russia and China, both maintaining a strong intelligence presence in Switzerland. They are interested in federal authorities, companies, international organizations, and research institutions.

The intensifying competition among major powers also makes Switzerland a preferred target for sanctions evasion attempts and proliferation. Russia, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly attempting to procure dual-use goods and technologies for their military and nuclear programs through Switzerland.

In close cooperation with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the FIS makes an important contribution in the area of detecting and preventing sanctions evasion attempts. The FIS and SECO also raise awareness among Swiss companies about the risks related to espionage, sanctions evasion, and proliferation.

Terrorism threat: Focus on prevention and early detection

The terrorist threat in Switzerland is elevated and is primarily posed by individuals inspired by jihadist ideology. A major challenge is the online radicalization of youth, which can happen quickly - making early detection critical. Jewish and Israeli interests - especially related persons and facilities - remain exposed.

The FIS works closely with schools, youth organizations, and police forces. The goal is to identify radicalization processes early and to intervene through prevention.

Critical infrastructure as a target

For operators of critical infrastructure in Switzerland, cyberattacks pose a significant threat. Targeted sabotage attacks - carried out either kinetically or through cyber means - by state actors could aim to harm other countries, alliances, or institutions reliant on these infrastructures, as part of hybrid conflict strategies.

Switzerland as a strategic target: technology as the key to power

"Switzerland must view its security situation within a global context," explains FIS Director Christian Dussey. "The global confrontation affects us directly. Our strategic radar is currently tracking 15 crisis hotspots simultaneously - we have never experienced such a density of threats. We are not mere observers - we are directly affected. On top of that comes the struggle for technological supremacy. Today, technology is a decisive key to power. As an innovation hub, Switzerland is also directly impacted - through espionage and other intelligence activities. The FIS and other security authorities in Switzerland are under great pressure from these challenges. These challenges can only be met through close cooperation with our national and international partners."