Summary
The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (VBS) is reorganizing its international security policy. Tasks of the International Relations Division of the Defence Group will be transferred to the State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS) by the end of 2026. This affects representation of interests abroad, the corps of defence attachés, public international law tasks, and the management of humanitarian mine clearance as well as regional military cooperation. The measure aims to leverage synergies and strengthen the steering role of SEPOS. Tasks with specific military reference remain in the Defence Group.
People
- Martin Pfister (Federal Councillor, Head VBS)
Topics
- Security policy
- Organizational reform
- International cooperation
- Swiss defense policy
Clarus Lead
The reorganization responds to the escalated security situation in Europe and aligns with the Federal Council's security policy strategy. The centralization of international security tasks in SEPOS enables more coherent foreign policy toward neighboring states and partners. This signals an intensification of security policy cooperation with the EU and NATO as well as a strategic reorientation under changed geopolitical conditions.
Detailed Summary
In autumn 2025, the VBS commissioned a review to optimize its international structures. The analysis identified significant overlaps between the International Relations Division of the Defence Group and SEPOS, which is responsible for security policy across departments and at federal level.
The transfer encompasses four core areas: First, representation of interests abroad through the corps of defence attachés, which will henceforth be centrally managed by SEPOS. Second, protocol and public international law tasks, including laws of armed conflict. Third, security policy management of humanitarian mine clearance. Fourth, regional military cooperation. These functions will be transferred along with their staff by the end of 2026.
Remaining tasks in the Defence Group are military representations at NATO, EU and OSCE Vienna, bilateral military relations, multilateral military cooperation, verification matters, and the Scientific Adviser to the Chief of the Armed Forces. This division enables the Armed Forces to focus more consistently on their core task of defence.
Key Messages
- The VBS bundles international security tasks in SEPOS to strengthen strategic management
- Four functional areas transfer from the Defence Group to SEPOS by end of 2026
- Military core tasks remain in the Defence Group and focus on defence functions
- The reorganization responds to escalated security situation and deepens cooperation with neighboring states
Critical Questions
Evidence: What specific synergy losses or redundancies were identified in the review, and how will the success of the reorganization be measured?
Conflicts of Interest: How will it be ensured that centralization in SEPOS does not lead to conflicts of interest between diplomatic and military foreign policy?
Causality: To what extent does the reorganization specifically address the "deteriorated security situation," and what alternatives were considered?
Feasibility: How will personnel transitions be managed by end of 2026, and what risks arise from the transition phase?
Management: How will coordination between SEPOS and the Defence Group be operationally ensured after the transfer?
Strategic Orientation: Does this reorganization signal a shift from defence focus to comprehensive security policy?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Switzerland-EU Package (Bilateral III) – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/fwc5aSfCBvHJPFBUgRj-3
Verification Status: ✓ 29.06.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 29.06.2026