The Reformed Church Council Criticizes Relaxations on War Material Export Rules

The Reformed Church in Switzerland (EERS) has expressed concerns over recent legislative changes to the Federal War Materiel Act (LFMG), which were approved by Parliament in December 2025. These changes, set to be voted on in a referendum on 29 November 2026, allow for the export of arms to countries at war under specific conditions, provided they align with Switzerland’s neutrality and foreign policy interests.

The EERS Council, in a statement dated 5 October 2026, criticized three key aspects of the legislation. First, the authorization of arms exports to states at war, despite Switzerland’s neutral stance. Second, the Federal Council’s power to deviate from standard authorization criteria when Swiss interests are at stake. Third, the relaxation of the “non-re-export declaration,” which requires recipient countries to guarantee they will not resell Swiss arms to third parties.

The EERS Council emphasized that membership in a group of states is insufficient to evaluate the risks of arms deliveries. It called for “strictly limited conditions, public justification, and effective parliamentary oversight” in such decisions. The Council also highlighted the importance of maintaining control over the final destination of Swiss war material, noting that Switzerland’s responsibility does not end with the sale.

While acknowledging the evolving security landscape and the need for reliable supply of security-related goods, the EERS Council does not oppose arms exports in principle. It stated that in certain circumstances, such deliveries could help protect people from violence. However, it stressed that existing restrictions must be re-evaluated in light of this objective.

The Council underscored the significance of the concept of “just peace,” emphasizing that civil management of conflicts and prevention of violence are priorities. It warned that any relaxation of export restrictions must be justified by a clear assessment of additional risks and the implementation of appropriate safeguards. This stance reflects the EERS’s commitment to ethical and legal accountability in matters of war material.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)