Federal Council adopts Americas Strategy 2026–29
Bern, 27.05.2026 — In a time of far-reaching geopolitical developments, the Federal Council is raising Switzerland's foreign policy profile in the Americas. At its meeting on 27 May 2026, it adopted the Americas Strategy 2026–29, which sets clear geographical and thematic priorities for the coming years. The strategy will strengthen Switzerland's capacity to act in an increasingly competitive international environment.
The international order has changed significantly since the 2022–25 strategy period: power, security and economic interests are becoming increasingly interwoven. Multilateral cooperation remains important, but is growing more selective, interest-driven and resource-conscious. International organisations are adjusting to this, while states are increasingly redirecting their economic relations, supply chains and technological dependencies on the basis of geopolitical and security policy considerations. These developments are also shaping the Americas, a region of considerable political, economic and environmental significance for Switzerland.
Switzerland's interests and geographical priorities
Against this backdrop, the Americas Strategy 2026–29 sets new priorities, departing from previous categorisations and maintaining a consistent focus on Switzerland's interests. The Americas' key political and economic actors are a central focus, along with effective multilateralism and the clearly defined thematic priorities of peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, the environment, and democracy and governance. Stable framework conditions, open markets, innovation capacity and reliable partners remain key prerequisites for Switzerland's security and prosperity. The new strategy builds on the experience gained from the Americas Strategy 2022–25, which showed that Switzerland enjoys credibility, room for manoeuvre and resilient partnerships in the region.
Geographically, the focus is still on the Americas' major political and economic players, in particular its G20 countries: the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. These countries are of particular importance to Switzerland due to their geopolitical weight and the close relations it enjoys with them in business, science and innovation. Among other things, the strategy aims to ensure that Swiss economic actors have good access to G20 markets. To this end, Switzerland is seeking to conclude agreements with the US, Canada and Mexico and is supporting the rapid entry into force and implementation of the MERCOSUR agreement. It also wishes to further expand well-established collaborations in the areas of research and innovation, the environment, security and human rights.
Specific objectives and measures for the entire Federal Administration
Like the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27, the Americas Strategy 2026–29 sets thematic and geographical priorities, while also taking into account the Americas' considerable political, economic and societal diversity. It analyses the key global and regional trends and uses these to define specific objectives and measures for safeguarding Switzerland's interests in the region. In doing so, it is strengthening cooperation with large and small states there without losing sight of Switzerland's interests.
The strategy was drafted with the involvement of all departments and the Federal Chancellery. It underscores the Federal Council's commitment to pursuing an active, coherent and independent foreign policy and to further developing relations with the countries of the Americas in a targeted manner.