3.2. Closely linking foreign and domestic policy to prevent a loss of trust approval. This development has sparked debate in a domestic policy context about roles and responsibilities. A culture that views foreign policy as part of domestic policy and domestic policy as part of foreign policy must be actively promoted and gain broad support. More weight should be given to this aspect of foreign policy in future. As a semi-­ direct democracy, scepticism towards politics and globalisation is less evident in Swiss society than in other Western countries. But a sense of unease can be felt in our country too. People’s trust in foreign policy must be strengthened by linking foreign and domestic policy more closely. If Switzerland is to represent its interests effectively, it must present a united front. To achieve this, the Confederation must collaborate with Parliament and the cantons on foreign policy matters on the basis of trust. The foundations for such a relationship appear to be intact: the rights of Parliament and the cantons to participate in foreign policy decisions have been expanded since the 1990s. The Federal Council is thus obliged to consult the foreign affairs committees on important plans. The cantons can ask to be consulted on the preparation of foreign policy decisions, and the federal government can choose to consult them of its own accord. Furthermore, the cantons often form part of the Confederation’s negotiation delegations, especially with respect to matters of European policy. The vision By 2028, foreign and domestic policy will be closely linked. Swiss foreign policy will have a broad domestic support base as it meets the expectations of the general public. It will be based on continuous dialogue and a whole-ofSwitzerland approach. Foreign policy will have a fixed place on the Federal Council’s agenda. The latter will determine the direction of foreign policy, in close consultation with Parliament and the cantons, and with clearly defined responsibilities. AVIS28 describes four building blocks for linking foreign and domestic policy more closely: 3.2.1. Closer cooperation with Parliament and the cantons National legislation is increasingly being supplemented by European and international forms of regulation. Foreign policy has a greater impact on legislation and domestic policy processes than was previously the case. Many norms negotiated at the global level can no longer be fundamentally altered at the national level. More soft law instruments are emerging in place of agreements under international law. These quasi-legal instruments are referred to as ‘soft’ as they have no binding force under international law. They are easier to negotiate and can help maintain an international framework of rules and norms in the face of political stalemates. However, they are not generally put before national parliaments for Nevertheless, action is required, even though the basic situations differ. On the one hand, there is no longer a sense of clearly defined cooperation between the Federal Council and Parliament on foreign policy. The latter bemoans its loss of control and lack of involvement, while the former feels its powers in foreign policy matters are increasingly being called into question. In the Federal Council’s view, the growing number of parliamentary interventions constitute undue interference in its foreign policy. On the other hand, relations between the Confederation and the cantons are comparatively more stable. The question to be discussed here is whether participatory federalism should be extended, given the increasing influence of EU law on national legislation. If Parliament and the cantons are to cooperate more closely with the Federal Council, this must happen without restricting the latter’s capacity to act. In 2028, the power to make foreign policy must continue to lie, first and foremost, with the government. The formal definition of responsibilities for foreign policy should remain unchanged and serve as the basis for cooperation. What measures are needed to consolidate a shared understanding of the foreign policy roles of the Federal Council and Parliament? An important first step would be to improve the way in which the existing rules are implemented. In other words, the government must be made more aware of Parliament’s rights to participate in shaping foreign policy. At the same time, Parliament’s involvement should concentrate on strategic aspects. The government must enjoy more freedom again when it comes to the operations management side of foreign policy. 2028 Foreign Policy Vision 20