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Switzerland–EU

Sword of Damocles hanging over Swiss heads

The devil is in the detail of the treaty package with the EU

by Professor Dr Dr h.c. Carl Baudenbacher*

(24 July 2026) In the official documents on the EU–Switzerland treaty package, the “Explanatory Report” of June 2025 and the dispatch of March 2026, the Federal Council does not stint on praise for its more than seventy negotiators, who between March and December 2024 took part in more than 200 negotiating meetings and rounds across fourteen specialist areas, or tracks. It is said again and again that all negotiating objectives were met, indeed more than met. Since these texts were written by the federal administration, one may assume that the civil servants awarded themselves the applause. Anyone who experienced the defunct GDR will be reminded, to some extent, of the slogans of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) at party congresses.

Finland’s Irrational Choice

The results of «Elite Capture»

by Olli Tammilehto*

(24 July 2026) (CH-S) Numerous irrational strategic decisions in Europe are the result of decades of “Elite Capture” by the US – according to Finnish author Olli Tammilehto.

A striking example is Finland's 58-year-old President, Alexander Stubb. He previously served as Finland’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, as well as Vice-President of the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. Tammilehto’s article also turns the spotlight on members of the ruling elites in other countries.

Is Europe missing the boat to the future?

Will international relations soon be shaped without Europe?

by Ralph Bosshard*

(17 July 2026) A diplomatic offensive by the Eurasian countries is currently underway, aimed at implementing China’s “Global Governance Initiative” and Belarus’s “Charter for the Security of Eurasia”.

Once the summer holidays are over, things could really take off, and Europe might be relegated to the role of a bystander. Will Chinese and Belarusian diplomats be governing the pressing conflicts of our time?

Cavalcata Sarda – Sardinia’s most beautiful festival

… and what it has to do with walking upright

by Marita Brune-Koch*

(10 July 2026) (CH-S) The Cavalcata Sarda takes place every year in May in the Sardinian town of Sassari. The author of this article went there to see it.
Switzerland

“Sanctions against Jacques Baud”

Open letter to Mr Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, drafted by the “Geneva International Peace Research Institute” (GIPRI)

Mr Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation
Communications Service SG-DEFR
Federal Palace East
3003 Bern
info@gs-wbf.admin.ch

Geneva, 25 June 2026

Sanctions against Jacques Baud

Dear Mr President

My colleagues at the International Institute for Peace Research in Geneva (GIPRI) and I hereby expressly draw your attention to the case of retired Colonel Jacques Baud.

Colonel Jacques Baud is subject to direct (imposed by the EU) and indirect (imposed by UBS) sanctions which violate several principles and legal provisions to which Switzerland is committed: peace, justice, international law, human rights, the rule of law and neutrality.

Are we talking about the same topic – Iran?

Impressions from an informative event

by Thomas Scherr*

(10 July 2026) (CH-S) On 19 and 20 June, “Swiss Standpoint” welcomed the Iran expert Dr Patrick Ringgenberg** to its event venue to speak on the topic “Understanding Iran: Past and Present”.

During an evening lecture and a discussion, the following day, Patrick Ringgenberg succeeded in offering various perspectives on the complex situation in Iran. In doing so, he was able to draw on his profound knowledge and decades of experience in the country itself.