All news (7412)
Switzerland's official development assistance reached 0.46% of GNI in 2025
09.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Official development assistance (ODA) fell to an unprecedented low in 2025. Switzerland remains a significant donor country: Swiss ODA amounted to CHF 3.8 billion, or 0.46% of gross national income (GNI). This figure fell by around 7% compared to the previous year, mainly due to lower asylum-related costs. ODA includes expenditure eligible for ODA from the Swiss Confederation, cantons and municipalities.
Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans meet with Algerian foreign minister, Ahmed Attaf
02.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 2 April 2026, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, received the Algerian minister of state and foreign minister Ahmed Attaf, on an official working visit to Bern. Discussions focused on the revitalisation of cooperation between Switzerland and Algeria and on international matters. Federal Councillor Beat Jans also held talks with Mr Attaf, focusing on cooperation in the fields of migration, security and justice.
Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans meet with Algerian foreign minister, Ahmed Attaf
02.04.2026
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Press releases
Europa
On 2 April 2026, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, received the Algerian minister of state and foreign minister Ahmed Attaf, on an official working visit to Bern. Discussions focused on the revitalisation of cooperation between Switzerland and Algeria and on international matters. Federal Councillor Beat Jans also held talks with Mr Attaf, focusing on cooperation in the fields of migration, security and justice.
G7 summit in Évian: Confederation to contribute to security costs
01.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The G7 summit, organised by France, will take place from 15 to 17 June 2026 in Évian, near the border with Switzerland. In a context of heightened global tensions, the summit requires exceptional security measures, in Switzerland as well. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have therefore asked for support from the Confederation. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the three cantons.
Nuclear Weapons Ban Initiative: Federal Council recommends rejection without counter-proposal
01.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided to recommend that the popular initiative ‘For the accession of Switzerland to the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Nuclear Weapons Ban Initiative)’ be rejected by the people and the cantons without a counter-proposal. It has instructed the FDFA to submit a dispatch to Parliament by autumn. The Federal Council is clearly in favour of the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. However, Switzerland's accession to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons would be a purely symbolic act that cannot contribute to this goal. Accession could even be detrimental to Switzerland's security. Switzerland is already committed to the disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons within the framework of the UN Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Switzerland seen from abroad in 2025: excellent reputation among the public; response to US tariffs in the media spotlight
01.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Bern, 01.04.2026 – The ways in which Switzerland tackled unexpected challenges in 2025 shaped perceptions of the country in the foreign media. The strongest media response focused on its reactions to US tariffs. Switzerland's image internationally among the general public was excellent. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council was briefed on the results of the annual analysis of perceptions of Switzerland internationally in 2025.
Temporary reintroduction of visa requirement for Georgian diplomats and public officials
01.04.2026
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Press releases
Europa
From 3 April, holders of a Georgian diplomatic, official or service passport will require a visa to enter Switzerland. This decision was taken by the Federal Council at its meeting on 1 April. The measure is a further development of the Schengen acquis and will remain in place for 12 months. Other Georgian nationals are not affected.
Switzerland seen from abroad in 2025: excellent reputation among the public; response to US tariffs in the media spotlight
01.04.2026
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Press releases
Europa
Bern, 01.04.2026 – The ways in which Switzerland tackled unexpected challenges in 2025 shaped perceptions of the country in the foreign media. The strongest media response focused on its reactions to US tariffs. Switzerland's image internationally among the general public was excellent. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council was briefed on the results of the annual analysis of perceptions of Switzerland internationally in 2025.
US investigations into trading practices
01.04.2026
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Press releases
Europa
At its meeting on 1 April, the Federal Council discussed the Section 301 investigations directed against Switzerland as well as other countries by the United States. The underlying allegations relate to alleged excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors, as well as measures which the US may consider insufficient to restrict the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The Federal Council rejects these allegations. Switzerland intends to present its views as part of the relevant US proceedings.
G7 summit in Évian: Confederation to contribute to security costs
01.04.2026
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Press releases
Europa
The G7 summit, organised by France, will take place from 15 to 17 June 2026 in Évian, near the border with Switzerland. In a context of heightened global tensions, the summit requires exceptional security measures, in Switzerland as well. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have therefore asked for support from the Confederation. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the three cantons.
Switzerland renews its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
31.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has officially renewed its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE) for the period 2026–31. The appointments will ensure Switzerland maintains its presence at the CLRAE's 50th session, scheduled for the end of March 2026.
State Secretary Hirayama attends informal EU ministerial meeting on competition in research and innovation
31.03.2026
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Press releases
Europa
On 31 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU research ministers. The meeting was held online under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Participants exchanged views on how Europe can leverage its scientific excellence to bring economic added value and achieve global competitiveness.
