Cassis Warns of Global Instability:
Switzerland must take greater account of the shifting global landscape, stated Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. Speaking after the government's approval of a new package of agreements with the European Union (EU) on December 20, Cassis emphasized that these measures would ensure stability in the country’s bilateral relations.
“We have grown accustomed to decades of prosperity and security, treating them almost as a divine right,” Cassis remarked, cautioning that Switzerland cannot afford to ignore the broader international context.
Geopolitical Shifts and Challenges:
In an interview with Tamedia newspapers, Cassis painted a stark picture of the current geopolitical environment. “The economic health of the European Union is deteriorating,” he said, noting the resurgence of nationalistic strategies such as “America first, Europe first, Switzerland first.”
He warned that major powers are increasingly asserting their dominance, often through force. “A new world order is emerging, but its shape remains uncertain,” he said.
While Switzerland is weathering the challenges relatively well, Cassis acknowledged signs of strain within the country. He pointed to heated debates over the federal budget and growing polarization as symptoms of these broader issues.
Strengthening Ties with the EU:
Given these challenges, Cassis underscored the importance of maintaining stable and predictable relations with Switzerland’s neighbors. He praised the government’s recent approval of agreements with the EU, stating they would provide much-needed stability.
“Switzerland is situated in the middle of a continent in crisis,” he said. “We are part of the European ‘community of destiny,’ surrounded by a ‘ring of fire’ – from wars in Ukraine and the Near and Middle East to unrest in the Caucasus and migratory pressures causing instability.”
Hope for Peace in Ukraine:
Despite the dire global picture, Cassis expressed cautious optimism about Ukraine. He suggested that a ceasefire might be possible in 2025, as conditions could align. However, he warned that even a truce would be only the beginning, with a long road to a potential peace agreement ahead.
As Switzerland navigates these turbulent times, Cassis’s remarks highlight the need for both vigilance and proactive diplomacy to secure its position in an increasingly unstable world. Photo by Chancellerie fédérale suisse / Annette Boutellier & Yoshiko Kusano, Wikimedia commons.