G7 summit in Evian: Armed Forces support service and restriction on the use of airspace
Bern, 28.01.2026 — At its meeting on 28 January, the Federal Council approved the deployment of the Armed Forces in a supporting role to assist the civilian authorities with security measures during the G7 summit to be held in Évian-les-Bains, France, from 15 to 17 June. This deployment, which is subsidiary in nature, complements the security measures put in place by the civilian authorities. Parliament will vote on the deployment at its next session in March.
From 15 to 17 June, the town of Évian-les-Bains will host the G7 Summit, welcoming the heads of state of the seven G7 member countries as well as other heads of state and government. These dignitaries will be accompanied by official delegations, and the event will be followed by a large number of media representatives Participants will for the most part be accommodated in France, but it is possible that some delegation members may be accommodated on the Swiss side of the border. Geneva International Airport is expected to be the main point of arrival. The governments of the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have requested support from the federal government to ensure security during the G7 summit.
Up to 5,000 military personnel on support duty
As part of the security measures planned for the G7 Summit and at the request of the cantonal authorities, the Federal Council has approved the subsidiary deployment for support services of in excess of 2,000, but not exceeding 5,000 military personnel.
The Armed Forces will support the cantonal police forces of Geneva, Vaud and Valais by assuming tasks such as protecting buildings, surveillance, reconnaissance, transport and logistics. These measures will complement the security measures put in place by the cantonal authorities.
The large number of personnel required is due to the scale of the event and the necessary security measures, the complexity of the region and the tasks involved, in particular the number of premises to be protected. The Armed Forces will be deployed on land, on the lake and in the air and will act in coordination with the French armed forces, which will also be supporting their own law enforcement agencies.
In accordance with Article 70(2) of the Armed Forces Act (ArmA), Parliament must approve any deployment involving more than 2,000 military personnel or lasting more than three weeks. Parliament will vote on this deployment during its spring session.
Airspace restrictions between 10 and 18 June
The Federal Council also approved the introduction of a temporary restriction on the use of airspace in the Lake Geneva region. Given the international nature and importance of the Summit, the measure is necessary to ensure the event’s security. Switzerland is obliged to ensure the safety of guests who are entitled to special protection under international law.
The airspace restriction will be in effect from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, 10 June, until 3am (local time) on Thursday, 18 June, and will be limited to an area covering Évian, Lausanne and Geneva International Airport. The Swiss Air Force, in collaboration with the Geneva cantonal police and the French Air and Space Force, will provide an air policing service and enhanced airspace surveillance. The restriction will apply to visual air traffic as well as non-commercial instrument air traffic.