The President of the Green Party, Lisa Mazzone, has called for a renewed discussion on Switzerland’s EU membership. In a recent SRF Saturday roundup, she emphasized that the geopolitical situation has deteriorated and Europe must protect its democracies. She described the EU as the only global political force without imperial ambitions.
“We should be aware of where we belong, what values we share and where we have a safe place” she stated.
Mazzone expressed sharp criticism of the Federal Council and its handling of the new Trump administration in the United States. Although the government has recently expressed support for democracy, human rights and international law, she believes it lacks a clear stance against Washington.
“One cannot cuddle up to the United States while it attacks European democracies head-on” Mazzone said.
The Green Party politician hopes that EU membership would bring more security for Switzerland. Neither a massive military buildup nor a closer tie to the US-dominated NATO would be a viable alternative, she believes.
Switzerland can, in its military neutrality, still make a security policy contribution and show European solidarity, she argued.
At the same time, Mazzone distanced herself from the military buildup plans of EU member states, stating that Europe is already militarily superior to Russia.
It remains unclear whether Mazzone’s proposal will harm the ongoing European debate. In December, Switzerland and the EU agreed on a new treaty, which is being rejected by the SVP. The FDP and Mitte Party also have reservations. A public debate on membership could further increase skepticism.
Mazzone, however, sees no connection between the two issues. The EU membership and the treaty are separate questions, which would be put to a vote separately. “After that, one can freely decide what comes next” she said.
It is also unclear whether Mazzone’s position will find broad support within her own party. Although the Greens had previously expressed a desire for closer ties with the EU in a resolution, a membership was not discussed. In earlier years, the party was more open to EU approximation, with reservations regarding neutrality and genetically modified organisms.