Summary

Switzerland will be represented at the 62nd Munich Security Conference (February 13–15, 2026) by three Federal Councillors: Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis, and Beat Jans. They will use this high-level platform to discuss Europe's security architecture and position Switzerland as a reliable partner. The focus will be on new strategies for defense, cybersecurity, internal security, and combating organized crime.

Persons

Topics

  • European security architecture
  • Swiss security policy
  • Cybersecurity and international cooperation
  • Combating organized crime
  • Rule of law and democracy

Clarus Lead

Switzerland will present itself at the Munich Security Conference as an active shaper of European security policy. Martin Pfister will participate for the first time as Head of DDPS and will present the Federal Council's new Security Policy Strategy. At the same time, Ignazio Cassis will use his OSCE chairmanship to discuss the future of European security architecture and possible solutions to the Ukraine war. Beat Jans will focus on internal security, cybercrime, and the first national strategy against organized crime.

Detailed Summary

Federal Councillor Martin Pfister will use his first appearance at the conference for networking with European counterparts. His focus will be on conveying Swiss defense concepts: independent defense as well as cooperation models with partners. Additionally, he aims to support Swiss defense companies in building European business relationships. Florian Schütz and Thomas Rothacher will represent Switzerland in parallel at the cybersecurity conference and discuss international cooperation in this critical area.

As the incumbent OSCE Chair, Ignazio Cassis brings a diplomatic perspective. He intends to address necessary OSCE reforms and explore the organization's role in future peace solutions in the Ukraine conflict. This positions Switzerland as a neutral mediator on security issues.

Beat Jans addresses security issues beyond defense: combating organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and their increasing convergence. The strategy against organized crime adopted in December 2025 demonstrates cross-agency action. Jans will also emphasize the importance of human rights, democracy, and rule of law as security factors.

Key Messages

  • Triple Representation: All three departments (Defense, Foreign Affairs, Justice) signal Swiss security engagement at the highest level.
  • Strategic Reorientation: New security and defense policy strategies will be communicated internationally for the first time.
  • Holistic Security: Switzerland addresses classical defense, cybersecurity, internal security, and organized crime as interconnected threats.
  • Partnerships and Neutrality: Balance between independent defense, European cooperation, and diplomatic mediation (OSCE).

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What specific threat scenarios justify the new defense strategies, and how are these scenarios reviewed regularly?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: How is it ensured that Swiss defense companies can expand their European business relationships without compromising neutrality principles?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: To what extent is strengthened cooperation with European partners necessary, and what alternatives to independent defense have been considered?

  4. Feasibility/Risks: How will OSCE reforms be concretely implemented, and what risks arise if the OSCE fails to demonstrate its capacity for reform?

  5. Convergence Thesis: What data supports the claim of "increasing convergence" between terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime?

  6. Resources: Are the funds for implementing the strategy against organized crime adequately dimensioned?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Federal Council Press Release – "Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis, and Beat Jans participate in the Munich Security Conference 2026" – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/ztc4zjj7Ys96l8JXvUjDK

Verification Status: ✓ February 12, 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: February 12, 2026