Federal Council approves accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal
Bern, 13.05.2026 — At a time of far-reaching geopolitical developments, the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in support of freedom of navigation and international law. At its meeting on 13 May 2026, it approved Switzerland's accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. The Protocol stipulates that there should be open and secure transit through the Panama Canal for all nations at all times.
Contents of the Protocol
The neutrality of the Panama Canal is enshrined in the 1977 Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, between Panama and the United States. It means that the Panama Canal must be secure and open for the peaceful transit of vessels of all nations in times of both peace and war. This is intended to prevent it from becoming the target of armed conflict between nations. The neutrality of the Panama Canal is therefore a different kind of neutrality from that of nation states. Countries that sign the Protocol to the Treaty undertake to observe and respect the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal. They also ensure that vessels of their registry comply with the rules of the Treaty.
Maritime transport is of great importance for Switzerland's foreign trade and its provision of maritime services. By acceding to the Protocol, the Federal Council acknowledges the importance of the Panama Canal's neutrality for global commerce and for peace and security in the Western Hemisphere. Accession does not give rise to any new rights or obligations for Switzerland.
Bilateral relations with Panama
Switzerland and Panama enjoy very good relations. They are both part of the EFTA–Central America Free Trade Agreement and discuss economic issues within the plurinational Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership initiative. In 2024, the two countries ratified a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Panama opened an embassy in Bern in 2025.