Relations between Switzerland and Ireland have traditionally been good. Both countries pursue common interests in relation to human rights policy. They also maintain lively cultural exchanges. Another commonality between Switzerland and Ireland is their status as neutral states.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Ireland
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
In multilateral matters, the two countries often have similar views and collaborate closely, particularly in the areas of development cooperation, humanitarian aid, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace promotion.
Economic cooperation
In 2023, the trade volume between Switzerland and Ireland amounted to CHF 6.3 billion (excluding gold bullion and other precious metals, coins, precious and semi-precious stones, as well as works of art and antiques). Switzerland has traditionally had a high trade deficit with Ireland. The main categories of traded goods include basic chemical products, pharmaceutical products and machinery. Trade in services is also a significant component of bilateral economic relations: in 2023, services worth CHF 3.5 billion were exported from Switzerland to Ireland, while services worth CHF 3.3 billion were imported from Ireland. Compared to 2022, the trade in services increased in both directions.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
In the field of research and innovation, cooperation mainly takes place through the funding instruments of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), in the multilateral context of the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation, through various multilateral programmes / activities in the innovation sector (EUREKA) and in international research infrastructures (ESO).
Due to a lack of reciprocity, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships have not been awarded since 2017–18.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Cultural exchanges
Switzerland and Ireland enjoy vibrant cultural exchanges. Numerous Swiss artists live and work in Ireland. The Swiss embassy in Dublin and Pro Helvetia support numerous cultural events with Swiss participation in Ireland, including various film, music and literature festivals.
Swiss nationals in Ireland
At the end of 2023, 1,933 Swiss nationals were living in Ireland.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland recognised the Irish Free State in 1922 when the latter joined the League of Nations. Switzerland opened a consulate general in Dublin in 1934, which initially remained under the oversight of the Swiss representation in London. In 1939, a Swiss legation was opened in Dublin, which became an embassy in 1962. Ireland has maintained a diplomatic presence in Switzerland since 1940, which was headed by a chargé d'affaires until 1954 and thereafter by a diplomat with ministerial title. The Swiss legation was upgraded to an embassy in 1962. In 2012, the then President of the Confederation, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, met with the Irish President Michael Higgins in Dublin.
