Switzerland's 'Kompass Initiative' has been launched to ensure that significant international treaties are subject to a mandatory referendum, allowing Swiss citizens and cantons to have a direct say.

This initiative arises amidst ongoing negotiations between Bern and Brussels over the Bilaterals III agreements, which cover various sectors including energy and immigration.

The initiative, backed by the organization Kompass Europa, aims to prevent Switzerland from becoming a passive EU member by automatically adopting EU laws.

Proponents argue that Switzerland's success is rooted in its direct democracy and independence, which they believe are threatened by the proposed agreements.

The initiative seeks to amend the constitution to expand the mandatory referendum, ensuring that only Swiss citizens and the parliament can decide on laws affecting the country.

The signature collection for this initiative has begun, with a vote expected in three to four years.