Once upon a time, there was a small, neutral country, nestled between mountains and myths, known for its watches, chocolate, and cheese. Once proud of its neutrality, Switzerland has in recent years rearranged its political chessboard – and in the process, overlooked holes that have now become embarrassingly visible.
The Bürgenstock, once a site of peaceful panoramas and discreet diplomacy, has become a stage for a diplomatic circus, where Switzerland has finally sold out its once-prized neutrality.
Between selfies with Selenskyi and a courteous nod towards Kamala Harris, it was clear: Switzerland has joined the ranks of the “Western value community” – with a champagne glass in hand and hypocrisy in the heart.
But one question remains: How did this happen? Was the neutrality sold to the Americans as a special offer? Or was it the new Swiss fashion, which orients itself more towards the white star banner than the white cross?
The reckoning is due.
The U-turn had its price. When Russia put Switzerland on the list of “unfriendly states” the last remnants of neutrality’s glow vanished.
At the same time, Kiev – not through concessions to peace, but through ever-new demands.
The Swiss response?
Billions in aid packages and sanctions, intended to make the Russian oligarchs’ villas on Lake Geneva miserable – but in reality, mainly weakening the country’s financial hub.
And now? Now, it’s said again: “Please, please, Russia” – not without the hypocritical whisper: “But we remain neutral, honestly!”
The Bürgenstock drama
The “Peace Summit” on the Bürgenstock was to be the great Swiss stage – with Switzerland as the neutral mediator. But instead, the performance turned into a cringe-worthy provincial play. No Russia, no agreement, no results – only holes as big as the ones in Emmental.
The Western supporters slipped away faster than the fondue candles went out, and even countries from the Global South showed little interest in Switzerland’s peace formula, which smelled more of PR show than serious diplomacy.
Back to the future?
Now, the offer to host Trump and Putin in Switzerland.
Switzerland is desperately trying to restore its tarnished role as a neutral mediator in international diplomacy, but the credibility is long gone. After the embarrassing Bürgenstock meeting, which was seen more as a symbolic lip service than a serious diplomatic success, the offer to host a summit between Trump and Putin sounds like a desperate attempt to save face.
Neither Washington nor Moscow seems to take Switzerland seriously as a relevant actor in peace negotiations. Instead, the country, which once boasted of being a haven of neutrality and dialogue, is increasingly becoming an international laughing stock.
The escalation of EU sanctions and the status as an “unfriendly state” from a Russian perspective have further undermined trust – an image that cannot be salvaged through polite press releases.
Of course, the return to neutrality is not possible. Switzerland has leaned too far out the window, and now the cold wind of reality is blowing in. The cheese has been eaten, and the holes remain.
Switzerland wanted to shine, but it has been bewitched. From the once exemplary model of neutrality, today only a shadow remains, which is tossed back and forth between the political powers – sometimes for applause, sometimes for self-preservation.
Perhaps one day in Bern, the old virtues should be reexamined. Or, as a cheese vendor would say, fewer holes, more substance.