Executive Summary

The Swiss Federal Council adopted the Americas Strategy 2026–2029 on 27 May 2026. The new strategy defines geographic and thematic priorities for Swiss foreign policy on the American double continent. The geographic focus is on the major political and economic actors, particularly the G20 states USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Thematic priorities are peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, environment, democracy and governance, as well as effective multilateralism. The strategy replaces the Americas Strategy 2022–2025 and takes into account changed geopolitical conditions.

Persons

  • Federal Council (collective institution)

Topics

  • Foreign policy
  • Geopolitics
  • International relations
  • Trade policy
  • Multilateralism

Clarus Lead

The new strategy responds to a fundamentally changed international order: power, security and economic interests are increasingly intertwined, while multilateral cooperation becomes more selective and interest-driven. Switzerland is thus responding to the trend of states reassessing their supply chains and technological dependencies in geopolitical terms. For Swiss economic actors, this means concrete objectives such as the conclusion of trade agreements with the G20 states of North America and support for the MERCOSUR agreement – a strategic move to secure market access in a competitive environment.

Detailed Summary

The Americas Strategy 2026–2029 builds on the findings of its predecessor strategy, which demonstrated that Switzerland has credibility and solid partnerships in America. The new strategy departs from earlier categorizations and consistently aligns with Swiss interests. In doing so, it takes into account the political, economic and social heterogeneity of the continent – a difference from the earlier approach, which was less differentiated.

Specifically, Switzerland focuses on five G20 states as geographic anchor points: USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. This focus is justified by their geopolitical weight and close economic, scientific and innovation relationships with Switzerland. The strategy provides for Swiss companies to gain better market access in these countries. This includes planned trade agreements with the North American G20 states as well as active support for the rapid entry into force of the MERCOSUR agreement, which is intended to open South American markets. In parallel, existing cooperation in research, innovation, environmental protection, security and human rights is to be expanded.

The strategy was developed with the participation of all departments and the Federal Chancellery and underscores the Federal Council's commitment to an active, coherent and independent foreign policy. It is aligned with the overarching Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–2027.

Key Messages

  • The Federal Council responds to changed geopolitical conditions with a newly focused Americas Strategy.
  • Geographic priority: The five G20 states USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.
  • Trade policy objective: Secure market access through trade agreements and support for the MERCOSUR agreement.
  • Thematic pillars: Peace/security, prosperity, environment, democracy and multilateralism.

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: On what data is the assumption based that Switzerland has sufficient credibility in the five G20 states to secure market access? What indicators were measured?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent are economic interests of Swiss corporations weighted against development policy or humanitarian objectives in prioritizing the five G20 states?

  3. Causality: Is the assumption verified that trade agreements with the USA, Canada and Mexico automatically lead to better market opportunities for Swiss actors, or can third countries leverage similar advantages?

  4. Feasibility: How are resources distributed between the five geographic priorities and smaller states in the region without fragmenting capacity for action?

  5. Alternatives: Why was the focus on G20 states chosen instead of regional differentiation (North America vs. South America vs. Caribbean)?

  6. Side Effects: Could the strong focus on large states weaken Switzerland's diplomatic capacity for action in smaller countries?

Source List

Primary Source: Swiss Federal Council – Americas Strategy 2026–2029 – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/9hbAed0euI5Wu8gZoNIsh

Verification Status: ✓ 27.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 27.05.2026