Swiss citizens will vote on two federal popular initiatives on 27 September 2026, according to the Federal Council.
The ballot will address the country’s constitutional approach to neutrality and proposals to strengthen domestic food production, encourage more plant-based diets, and protect drinking water.
The first proposal, titled “Safeguard Swiss neutrality,” is known as the Neutrality Initiative. It seeks to define and protect Switzerland’s neutrality through the country’s constitutional framework.
The initiative calls for a stricter approach to neutrality and seeks to enshrine in the Constitution the provision that Switzerland’s neutrality is perpetual and armed.
The proposal states that “Switzerland should not join any military or defence alliance, nor should it cooperate with any such alliance – unless it is under military attack or an attack is imminent. Furthermore, it must not take part in military conflicts between third countries, nor impose sanctions on belligerent states. Exceptions would include United Nations (UN) sanctions and measures designed to prevent the circumvention of sanctions. Lastly, Switzerland should use its neutrality to its advantage in its role as a mediator.”
The initiative comes as Switzerland continues to debate how its traditional policy of neutrality should apply amid international conflicts, sanctions and growing security concerns. The official government explanations for the vote are available in German, French, Italian and Romansh.
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Swiss Voters To Decide On Food Security Initiative Too
Voters will also decide on the initiative “For food security -through increased sustainable domestic production, more plant-based food and clean drinking water.”
The proposal combines several objectives: increasing sustainable food production within Switzerland, promoting plant-based food and safeguarding access to clean drinking water.
The food initiative wants Switzerland to produce significantly more of its own food. The aim is to make Switzerland less dependent on other countries.
“In future, at least 70% of the food consumed in Switzerland should be produced domestically,” the proposal said.
The vote is expected to fuel discussion about the future of Swiss agriculture, environmental protection and the country’s dependence on imported food. Its supporters argue that stronger domestic production and changes in consumption can improve resilience, while opponents may question the potential effects on farmers, consumers and food prices.
Swiss Voters To Decide On Neutrality: Official Information Available
The Federal Council has published official explanations of both proposals. The documents are available through the government’s information pages in Switzerland’s four national languages.
Further information about voting rights, elections, popular initiatives and petitions is available through the Swiss government’s ch.ch portal. The September 27 ballot will give voters the opportunity to decide directly on two issues that touch on Switzerland’s international role and its domestic food system.
