The Federal Council is responsible for foreign affairs subject to rights of participation of the Federal Assembly (Article 184 of the Constitution). It signs treaties and ratifies them, and submits them to the Federal Assembly for approval. When required for protecting the interests of the country, the Federal Council may adopt enactments and take the necessary decisions. The enactments must be limited in time. The Federal Assembly participates in shaping foreign policy and supervises foreign relations (Article 166 of the Constitution). It approves international treaties, except those whose conclusion is the soul competence of the Federal Council by virtue of a law or an international treaty.

Membership of organizations of collective security or of supranational communities is subject to popular vote and voting in cantons. In addition, upon the request of 50 000 citizens, treaties are subject to popular voting which (i) are of an intermediary duration and which may not be terminated, (ii) anticipate membership of an international organization, and (iii) bring about a multilateral unification of law. The Federal Assembly may submit other international treaties at the optional referendum.