Activities in the nuclear sector
Switzerland's mission is committed to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and Zangger Committee
In addition to its work within the IAEA and the CTBTO, Switzerland's mission is also active within the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
This is done through the national implementation of agreed guidelines for exports as well as the definition of lists of controlled nuclear goods and dual-use goods that can be used in the nuclear sector (goods that can be used for civilian and military purposes). In view of the significant exports of dual-use goods, active participation in the NSG is also important for Switzerland in representing foreign economic interests. In 1993-1994 and 2017-2018, Switzerland held the chairmanship of the NSG. The Zangger Committee was created before the NSG in order to achieve a uniform understanding of the interpretation of the nuclear export control provisions mentioned in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Switzerland's mission to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) works to strengthen nuclear safety and security, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear technology for sustainable development worldwide.
Switzerland is a founding member of the IAEA. It is one of the twenty largest contributors to the regular budget and to the separate Technical Cooperation Fund and plays an active role in decision-making.
The Swiss Mission plays an active role in the IAEA's governing bodies, such as the General Conference, which is composed of representatives of all member states and meets every year in mid-September. On the Board of Governors, Switzerland alternates with other countries of the Western European Group in membership according to a predefined rhythm. Switzerland's next seat on the Board of Governors is scheduled for 2027.
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International Atomic Energy Agency
The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC)
The mission in Vienna represents Switzerland in the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC).
The signatory states to the Code have agreed on confidence-building measures in the area of ballistic missiles that can be used as delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction. In view of the continuing development of ballistic missiles and the affinity of these programmes with civilian missile technology, the HCoC has an important role to play as a multilateral transparency regime in Switzerland's view. In 2020/21, Switzerland held the chair of the HCoC for one year.
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The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Profileration
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
Switzerland ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1999. However, the entry into force of the CTBT depends on the ratification of all states involved. The international organisation responsible for implementing the treaty (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation, CTBTO) is working on a provisional basis as a so-called Preparatory Commission until the CTBT enters into force.
The Swiss Mission actively participates in the work of the Preparatory Commission and its working groups. Switzerland chaired the Commission in 2023. Switzerland is one of the twenty largest contributors to the regular budget of the Preparatory Commission and participates in the International Monitoring System of the CTBT with a seismic monitoring station in the Davos region.
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Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
Accordo di Wassenaar
The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies is an international, non-binding agreement and successor to COCOM (Coordination Committee on Multilateral Export Controls).
The Wassenaar Arrangement is an export control regime for conventional arms as well as for goods and technologies in the conventional sector that can be used for civilian and military purposes, the secretariat of which is located in Vienna. Switzerland's mission acts as the local point of contact.