Western Balkans: Swiss military peace support
Switzerland has been actively involved in military peace support in the Western Balkans since the 1990s. It has gradually taken on more responsibility and is now respected, both locally and internationally, as a security producer. Despite the improved security situation, geopolitics and poor governance make political solutions difficult to achieve. A continued presence remains in Switzerland’s interests.
The engagement in peace support operations during and after the Yugoslav Wars marked the start of a new era in Swiss security policy. For the first time ever, Berne deployed substantial armed contingents abroad – in Europe, its own strategic neighborhood, a two hour flight away. Although initially subject to great political scrutiny, the involvement in the Western Balkans ultimately proved capable of winning majority support at home. Today, Switzerland is an important partner of NATO and the EU in the military stabilization of South-East Europe.