All news (757)
Swiss citizens abroad in 2024
28.03.2025
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Press releases
Europa
There were 826 700 Swiss citizens residing in other countries on 31 December 2024. Their numbers have increased since 2023 (+13 300 people or +1.6%). Three quarters of the Swiss abroad have more than one nationality. This figure rises to 85% among the under-18s. These are some of the results of the Statistics on the Swiss Abroad published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider attends the meeting of EU health ministers in Warsaw
25.03.2025
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Press releases
Europa
On 24 and 25 March 2025, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider attended the informal meeting of European Union (EU) health ministers held in Warsaw. The main topics on the agenda were the mental health of children and adolescents, the security in the supply of medicines, and health promotion and disease prevention. The Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs also took this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts and with the European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare.
Federal Council adopts Dispatch on EU Pact on Migration and Asylum
21.03.2025
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Press releases
Europa
The new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is intended to make the European migration and asylum system more efficient, crisis-resistant and with an effective system of solidarity. As an associated Schengen/Dublin state, Switzerland is obliged to participate in certain areas of the new arrangements. To do so, it must adapt its national legislation. At its meeting on 21 March, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on the corresponding legal amendments for the attention of Parliament.
Lohnschutz: Bundesrat beschliesst Mass-nahmenpaket
21.03.2025
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Press releases
Europa
Der Bundesrat hat an seiner Sitzung vom 21. März 2025 das Massnahmenpaket zur Sicherung des Lohnschutzes verabschiedet. Vierzehn Massnahmen sollen in die Vernehmlassungsvorlage für das Gesamtpaket mit der EU aufgenommen werden. Auf 13 dieser Massnahmen haben sich die Sozialpartner und die Kantone verständigt. Der Bundesrat schlägt eine weitere Massnahme als Teil des Gesamtpakets vor.
State Secretary Hirayama attends informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation
11.03.2025
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Press releases
Europa
On 10 and 11 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation in Warsaw. The main topics of the meeting, which takes place twice a year, were the strategic shape of the next EU R+I Framework Programme, FP10, which begins in 2028, and European competitiveness. State Secretary Hirayama took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.
Successful European battery project: From raw material to an (almost) finished car battery
27.02.2025
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Press releases
Europa
In a four-year EU project led by Empa, eleven collaborators from research and industry succeeded in significantly improving batteries for electric cars. One of the main objectives of the project was to scale up the new materials and technologies so that they can be brought to market as fast as possible.
Europe, Ukraine, multilateralism, BRICS: Federal Council approves Foreign Policy Report 2024
26.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On 26 February 2025, the Federal Council approved the Foreign Policy Report 2024. The report sets out the progress that has been made in achieving the 28 objectives of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. A special thematic focus section examines the influence of the BRICS group of states (including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on the world order and outlines Switzerland's strategy for relations with those states.
Swiss–EU agreements: Federal Council takes stock
19.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 19 February 2025, the Federal Council took stock of ongoing work on the consultation draft for the package to stabilise and further develop the bilateral approach with the European Union (EU). After being briefed on the process of formally vetting the agreements, as well as on the national implementing legislation and accompanying measures, the Federal Council determined which steps to take next.
Cooperation agreements and minorities: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Romania
18.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is scheduled to visit Romania from 19 to 21 February 2025. His agenda includes several bilateral meetings and the signing of cooperation agreements related to the second Swiss contribution to selected EU states. The theme of minorities will also be a common thread throughout the upcoming visit, with Mr Cassis taking part in a cultural event in Bucharest to mark the fifth edition of Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha) as well as in a debate in the city of Constanța on linguistic minorities.
Publication of report on EU data policy monitoring
17.02.2025
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Press releases
Europa
The digital policy activities of the EU (European Union) can also impact Switzerland under certain circumstances. Swiss companies nevertheless do not face significant risks regarding the EU’s access to the single market at this time, according to a report published by the Federal Administration on 17 February 2025 analysing the impact of EU digital policy on Switzerland.
President Karin Keller-Sutter and DDPS head Viola Amherd to take part in the Munich Security Conference
10.02.2025
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Press releases
Europa
President Karin Keller-Sutter, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), and Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), will be attending the 61st Munich Security Conference, which is taking place at the end of the week. The conference, which will be opened on Friday, 14 February by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will focus on global security challenges such as democratic resilience.
Federal Council to remove EU from stock exchange protection list as of 1 May 2025
29.01.2025
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Press releases
Europa
During its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council decided to remove the European Union (EU) from the list of jurisdictions affected by the measure to protect the Swiss stock exchange infrastructure (protective measure) with effect from 1 May 2025. The Federal Council had activated the protective measure in 2019 to temporarily protect the Swiss stock exchange infrastructure in response to the non-recognition by the EU of the equivalence of Switzerland's stock exchange regulations. As the EU has since revised the corresponding legal basis, the Swiss protective measure with respect to the EU is now no longer necessary and is to be deactivated for the benefit of Swiss companies. Switzerland will continue to seek recognition of equivalence and improved market access for financial service providers in the regulatory dialogue with the EU concerning the financial sector.
