All news (7319)
Thresholds to restrict free movement with Croatia not reached
14.01.2026
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Press releases
Europa
Croatian nationals coming to work in Switzerland will no longer be subject to quotas. At its meeting on 14 January, the Federal Council was informed that the number of L and B permits issued to Croatians in 2025 remained below the thresholds which would have permitted an activation of the unilateral safeguard clause. Croatia now benefits from full free movement of persons.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in Vienna
12.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna on 15 January 2026 to officially open Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In his capacity as chairman-in-office, Mr Cassis will present the focus, programme and special representatives of the Swiss chairpersonship. He will also meet with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, among others.
Switzerland launches second call for proposals for reconstruction projects in Ukraine in cooperation with Swiss companies
12.01.2026
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Press releases
Europa
On 9 January, SECO published the second call for proposals to mobilise reconstruction projects in Ukraine in cooperation with Swiss companies. The federal government is contributing up to CHF 150 million towards such projects.
National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana
07.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
This coming Friday, 9 January, will be dedicated nationwide to remembering the victims of the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, showing solidarity with the injured and expressing sympathy for all those affected. On this day of mourning, President Guy Parmelin, together with Switzerland’s official religious communities, invites people across the country to observe a minute's silence and a moment of reflection. Church bells will ring throughout the country. A memorial service will take place in Martigny in the canton of Valais.
National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana
07.01.2026
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Press releases
Europa
This coming Friday, 9 January, will be dedicated nationwide to remembering the victims of the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, showing solidarity with the injured and expressing sympathy for all those affected. On this day of mourning, President Guy Parmelin, together with Switzerland’s official religious communities, invites people across the country to observe a minute's silence and a moment of reflection. Church bells will ring throughout the country. A memorial service will take place in Martigny in the canton of Valais.
Federal Council freezes any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro
05.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 5 January 2026, the Federal Council decided to freeze any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro and other persons associated with him with immediate effect. In doing so, the Federal Council aims to prevent an outflow of assets. The asset freeze does not affect members of the current Venezuelan government. Should future legal proceedings reveal that the funds were illicitly acquired, Switzerland will endeavour to ensure that they benefit the Venezuelan people. The asset freeze is in addition to the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018 under the Embargo Act.
Federal Council freezes any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro
05.01.2026
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Press releases
Europa
On 5 January 2026, the Federal Council decided to freeze any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro and other persons associated with him with immediate effect. In doing so, the Federal Council aims to prevent an outflow of assets. The asset freeze does not affect members of the current Venezuelan government. Should future legal proceedings reveal that the funds were illicitly acquired, Switzerland will endeavour to ensure that they benefit the Venezuelan people. The asset freeze is in addition to the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018 under the Embargo Act.
International Geneva
19.12.2025
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Local news
Luxembourg
Switzerland is committed to International Geneva as a unique place where humanitarian and humanistic values intertwine with innovation and a strong ecosystem.
Federal Council adopts Consular Strategy 2026–29
19.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 19 December 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Consular Strategy 2026–29. In a world undergoing profound change, marked by the return of war to Europe, the erosion of the multilateral order and the fragmentation of alliances, consular action is taking on new importance. Whether it be assistance for Swiss nationals, administrative services or visa processing, consular action remains a key lever of Switzerland's presence abroad. By adopting its Consular Strategy the Federal Council aims to provide a coherent, structured and forward-looking response to the challenges facing this area of Swiss foreign policy and continue to offer Swiss citizens simple, easily accessible and reliable administrative services.
Federal Council adopts Consular Strategy 2026–29
19.12.2025
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Press releases
Europa
At its meeting on 19 December 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Consular Strategy 2026–29. In a world undergoing profound change, marked by the return of war to Europe, the erosion of the multilateral order and the fragmentation of alliances, consular action is taking on new importance. Whether it be assistance for Swiss nationals, administrative services or visa processing, consular action remains a key lever of Switzerland's presence abroad. By adopting its Consular Strategy the Federal Council aims to provide a coherent, structured and forward-looking response to the challenges facing this area of Swiss foreign policy and continue to offer Swiss citizens simple, easily accessible and reliable administrative services.
Switzerland concludes two new status agreements with organisations active in International Geneva
18.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has concluded privileges and immunities agreements with the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd) and Justice Rapid Response (JRR). In signing these agreements, Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting International Geneva and strengthening its role as a global centre for peace, justice and human rights.
Cooperation between Switzerland and NATO: The objectives defined for the period from 2025 to 2028
18.12.2025
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Press releases
Europa
Switzerland and NATO have defined the objectives of their cooperation for the period from 2025 to 2028. The Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) is drawn up within the framework of NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP), in which Switzerland has been participating since 1996. The agreed activities are in line with the Federal Council's intention to intensify international cooperation in security policy.
