EU Council Approves Switzerland's Entry into PESCO's Military Schengen Program

Jan 14, 2025, 09:01 AM

The European Union has officially approved Switzerland's invitation to join the 'Military Schengen' program, aimed at facilitating the rapid movement of troops across Europe without border delays. This decision was made by the EU Council, authorizing the Netherlands, as the project coordinator, to formally invite Switzerland to participate in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project. The initiative seeks to simplify and standardize national procedures for cross-border military transport, allowing for swift movement of military personnel and assets throughout the EU by road, rail, sea, or air. Switzerland's participation is seen as compatible with its principle of neutrality, as it does not involve any legal or factual commitment to collective defense.