Davos 2026: Swiss Neutrality Between Trump Provocations and Great Power Politics

Summary

On the occasion of the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump insulted Switzerland and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, appropriated Greenland, and attacked multilateralism. The Swiss Federal Council remained notably restrained in its public response. Former Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey sharply criticizes this passivity and calls for a more coherent Swiss foreign policy based on international law and common international rules – not only for moral reasons, but also out of pragmatic self-interest.

People

• Donald Trump
• Micheline Calmy-Rey
• Karin Keller-Sutter
• Dominik Meier
• Ignazio Cassis
• Guy Parmelin
• Emmanuel Macron
• Colin Powell

Topics

• Swiss neutrality and foreign policy
• International law and international rules framework
• US great power politics under Trump
• Greenland conflict
• Peace Council as alternative to UN Security Council
• USA-Switzerland trade agreement
• EU relations and sovereignty
• Diversification of economic partnerships
• Gramontana fire disaster

Detailed Summary

Trump's Davos Appearance and the Swiss Response

Donald Trump used the World Economic Forum in Davos for provocative statements. He explicitly insulted Switzerland and directed particular criticism at Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter. Immediately after Trump's speech, Federal President Guy Parmelin met with the US President and two other Federal Councillors for a polite conversation – without addressing the insults.

Former Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey criticizes this restraint. She would have preferred a clearer statement, but acknowledges that the Federal Council's caution is understandable: the trade agreement with the USA is not yet finalized, and Trump could impulsively raise tariffs (currently 15 percent). However, Calmy-Rey emphasizes that provocations are "only words"; the core problem lies in Trump's systemic criticism of multilateralism.

The Peace Council as an Existential Threat

Trump presented the idea of a "Peace Council" – a body of and for the US President. He would function as President for life, have veto power, and act as "Sheriff of the World." Switzerland was invited to join.

Calmy-Rey warns starkly: if Switzerland joins this council, it would be a "puppet in the hands of Donald Trump". Swiss foreign policy could no longer be pursued independently – sovereignty and independence would be lost. She criticizes the Federal Council for not immediately identifying this fundamental incompatibility publicly, instead saying one would have to "examine" it. Other European countries had already clearly said "No."

The Federal Council argues cautiously: while the Foreign Minister did declare the Peace Council to be problematic, this came only after several days and after the meeting with Trump.

The Greenland Crisis and the Question of Consistent Foreign Policy

Trump demanded that Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark) be incorporated into the USA, and threatened tariffs against Germany and France. The Federal Council remained silent here for days as well.

Calmy-Rey sees this as a fundamental violation of international law and the principle of state sovereignty. She asks: If Switzerland condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and declares that this violates sovereignty, why does it remain silent on US aggression toward Greenland?

Her answer: a lack of confidence in countervailing forces. The European Union showed unity, and Trump backed down. This would have worked without a Swiss statement. However, Calmy-Rey argues that Switzerland should not remain silent only for instrumental reasons. Instead, it must coherently defend its values and interests – as in 2003 during the Iraq War, when Switzerland took a position against US military action without a UN mandate. Colin Powell, then US Secretary of State, responded: "If I were Switzerland, I would have made the same decision."

Reinterpreting Neutrality

Calmy-Rey argues that modern Swiss neutrality does not mean passivity, but rather "the neutrality of a judge": making decisions in favor of the law. Switzerland should make clear that it stands by international rules – not because it is morally superior, but because legal certainty also protects its own interests.

The Federal Council, according to Calmy-Rey, appears to be guided by fear of angering the USA. This "line of our foreign policy" is pragmatic, but not neutral. Yet recent decades show: when Switzerland has coherently stood up for its values, it has even opened economic doors.

Sovereignty Under Pressure: USA and EU

The Federal Council currently must manage several balancing acts:

1. USA negotiations: The trade agreement is not yet finalized. A clear "No" to the Peace Council could provoke tariffs.
2. EU negotiations: Switzerland is negotiating a new treaty package that provides for dynamic adoption of EU law – a loss of sovereignty.

Calmy-Rey notes: Switzerland is ceding sovereignty to both – in order to have peace. However, she argues that this does not have to be an either/or. Switzerland could diversify rather than rely too heavily on one partner. It has about 40 free trade agreements; this strategy should be continued.

On the other hand, Calmy-Rey acknowledges that the EU, despite its weaknesses – it could not prevent the Ukraine War – has proven itself again on the Greenland issue. And: in uncertain times, Switzerland needs a stable EU partner.

Historical Parallels and Personal Engagement

Calmy-Rey also reflects on her own tenure as Foreign Minister. In 2008, she traveled to Iran to negotiate a gas agreement and protect American citizens. She wore a headscarf – a decision that was heavily criticized. She says: pragmatism and high principles are not a contradiction. One can pursue economic interests while simultaneously standing consistently for the rule of law.

The Gramontana Fire Disaster

At the conclusion, the fire disaster on New Year's Eve in Gramontana (Valais) is addressed, in which several people died. Calmy-Rey is from the region and was in a family chalet over New Year's.

She emphasizes that the victims – particularly children who wanted to celebrate happily – must not be forgotten. She criticizes that the investigation by the cantonal prosecutor's office progressed too slowly (detention in custody against the bar operator was only imposed late, then revoked again).

At the same time, there is consideration of not simply reopening the former bar "La Constellation," but instead erecting a memorial there. Calmy-Rey is engaged as a citizen to accompany this process. She hopes that local authorities will do their work better and that Switzerland's reputation is not further damaged.

Core Messages

• The Federal Council was too restrained at Davos 2026 toward Donald Trump. Clear statements on the Peace Council and the Greenland annexation would not have been out of place.

• Trump's "Peace Council" is unacceptable for Switzerland, as it endangers its sovereignty and independence. A swift rejection would have been necessary.

• Swiss neutrality does not mean passivity, but rather coherent defense of international law and international rules – in its own interest.

• The lack of coherence in Swiss foreign policy is problematic: it condemns Russia in Ukraine but remains silent on USA aggression toward Greenland.

• Pragmatism and adherence to principle need not contradict each other. States that consistently stand up for the law gain trust and room for negotiation.

• Switzerland should reduce its dependence on individual great powers and diversify its free trade agreement strategy.

• A stable relationship with the EU is important, even if this means some loss of sovereignty. The price is currently acceptable.

• The Gramontana fire disaster requires thorough clarification. A memorial instead of reopening the bar would do justice to the victims.

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