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OSCE press release: OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis opens annual security conference

17.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 17 June 2026, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, opened this year's annual Security Review Conference of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. The conference is one of the OSCE’s most important platforms for discussing regional security challenges.

Visit by the Deputy National Armaments Director to the Eurosatory

17.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
A delegation from armasuisse led by the Deputy National Armaments Director Thomas Rothacher visited the international arms fair Eurosatory in Paris from 15 to 17 June 2026.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama on a science mission to Canada

16.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will travel to Canada on a science mission from 15 to 19 June. While there, she will attend ministerial-level meetings and visit science and technology institutions in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Discussions will focus on key areas including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, life sciences and polar research.

ERC Grant for Empa researcher Dorina Opris: Developing fluorine-free transducers for the market

16.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Storing energy, moving robots, detecting vibrations: The innovative silicon materials developed by Empa researcher Dorina Opris can do all this – and much more. She has now received a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to bring the materials from the laboratory to market.

President Guy Parmelin greets participants of the Évian G7 Summit

15.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
Ahead of the G7 summit in Évian, President Guy Parmelin greeted arriving heads of state and government at Geneva Airport on Monday, 15 June. In addition to the G7 countries, numerous other countries are taking part in the summit. Over the course of the day, Mr Parmelin held lengthy talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, President of the European Council, as well as with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Further bilateral talks are also planned.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to open OSCE security conference in Vienna

15.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis will travel to Vienna on 17 June 2026 to open the Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC). The event is a key part of the OSCE's work to promote dialogue on regional security issues. On the same day, Mr Cassis will also attend the Annual Council Meeting of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

President Guy Parmelin greets participants of the Évian G7 Summit

15.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Ahead of the G7 summit in Évian, President Guy Parmelin greeted arriving heads of state and government at Geneva Airport on Monday, 15 June. In addition to the G7 countries, numerous other countries are taking part in the summit. Over the course of the day, Mr Parmelin held lengthy talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, President of the European Council, as well as with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Further bilateral talks are also planned.

European Land Robot Trial (ELROB) 2026: Robotics for security-relevant operations

15.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
From 15 to 19 June 2026, armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) will be host to the European Land Robot Trial (ELROB), in cooperation with the Fraunhofer FKIE from Germany and RUAG AG. Over four days, the Military Training Area in Thun will become the setting for deploying land robots in realistic military and civilian scenarios. ELROB is the most established event of this kind in Europe.

Federal Council approves adoption of joint declaration between Switzerland and Vietnam

12.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 12 June 2026 the Federal Council approved the adoption of a joint declaration setting out the foundations of a comprehensive partnership between Switzerland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with a view to strengthening and formalising bilateral relations. The prospect of such a partnership had been the focus of high-level discussions on the margins of the World Economic Forum of 2025. Vietnam is one of Switzerland's priority partners in South East Asia, in accordance with the South East Asia Strategy 2023–26.

Federal Council approves adoption of joint declaration between Switzerland and Vietnam

12.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
On 12 June 2026 the Federal Council approved the adoption of a joint declaration setting out the foundations of a comprehensive partnership between Switzerland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with a view to strengthening and formalising bilateral relations. The prospect of such a partnership had been the focus of high-level discussions on the margins of the World Economic Forum of 2025. Vietnam is one of Switzerland's priority partners in South East Asia, in accordance with the South East Asia Strategy 2023–26.

Investment Screening Ordinance: Federal Council opens consultation

12.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
On 12 June, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the Investment Screening Ordinance, which sets out the implementing provisions for the Investment Screening Act passed by Parliament on 19 December 2025.

Switzerland lifts visa restrictions on Ethiopia

12.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Under the Schengen Association Agreement, Switzerland has decided to lift the visa restrictions it has applied to Ethiopia since April 2024. The Federal Council adopted the measure at its meeting on 12 June, following a decision by the Council of the European Union (EU) to reinstate certain visa requirements for Ethiopia in response to the country's improved cooperation on returns.

Media (7111)

US additional tariffs: Switzerland continuing negotiations

05.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
On 5 June, the Federal Council discussed the next steps regarding the US Trade Representative’s Section 301 investigations. The Federal Council strongly rejects the allegations raised in the investigation into imports of goods produced with forced labour and will set out its arguments in writing once again. At the same time, trade negotiations are continuing.

Federal government to step up support for sustainable infrastructure in developing countries

05.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland is to provide USD 70 million in support of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 5 June. PIDG mobilises private sector capital to develop sustainable basic infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

Switzerland to contribute slightly more to EU border management than planned

05.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland is expected to contribute around CHF 323 million by 2027 to the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI), part of the Schengen states' Integrated Border Management Fund. As this figure is slightly higher than originally planned, the Federal Council referred a dispatch to Parliament on 5 June to this effect. In return, Switzerland will receive additional funding for measures of its own. The BMVI enables countries at the EU's external borders in particular to strengthen their border management and visa procedures.

Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider meet secretary general of International Organisation of La Francophonie

04.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
Thirty years after joining the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to the organisation at a time of increasing geopolitical polarisation and financial constraints. At a meeting in Bern with the secretary general of the IOF, Louise Mushikiwabo, federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider stressed the need to support a useful and effective IOF, while continuing to invest in diversity in language and culture. In particular, they stressed the importance of language learning as a vector for dialogue and mutual understanding, and highlighted the challenges of digital governance.

Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider meet secretary general of International Organisation of La Francophonie

04.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Thirty years after joining the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to the organisation at a time of increasing geopolitical polarisation and financial constraints. At a meeting in Bern with the secretary general of the IOF, Louise Mushikiwabo, federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider stressed the need to support a useful and effective IOF, while continuing to invest in diversity in language and culture. In particular, they stressed the importance of language learning as a vector for dialogue and mutual understanding, and highlighted the challenges of digital governance.

State Secretary for Security Policy visits the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt

03.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will travel to Egypt from 3 to 4 June. The purpose of the official trip is to visit the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), an international organisation based in Sharm El-Sheikh. Switzerland has provided funding to the MFO since 1995, thereby contributing to stability in the Sinai and upholding of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.

OECD Ministerial Meeting on Industrial Policy

02.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, will lead the Swiss delegation at the next Meeting of the Council at Ministerial Level of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to be held in Paris on 3 and 4 June 2026. This meeting, themed “Getting industrial policies right for open markets, growth and prosperity”, will offer ministers the opportunity, at a time of geopolitical tensions, to discuss industrial policy, its implications and risks, as well as the OECD’s strategic directions.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Italy

29.05.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 29 November 2026, the state secretary of the FDFA, Alexandre Fasel, held political consultations with his Italian counterpart in Bern. His talks with the secretary general of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Riccardo Guariglia, focused on bilateral relations, current European policy issues and international developments.

Long-range ground-based air defence: Information received from contacted providers

29.05.2026 — Press releases Europa
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse today received the last documents from the contacted manufacturers in four countries regarding an additional system for long-range ground-based air defence. The information received is now being analysed and will serve as a basis, so that the Federal Council will be able to decide on the next steps over the summer.

Federal Councillor Martin Pfister to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore

29.05.2026 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore from 29 to 31 May. The international security conference will focus on geopolitical developments and issues relating to international stability.

First Swiss F-35A reaches important production milestone

28.05.2026 — Press releases Europa
Main assembly of the first F-35A aircraft destined for Switzerland has begun in the USA. The Swiss F-35 programme is thus reaching a further important milestone on the way to delivery of the first aircraft from mid-2027.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki pays state visit to Switzerland

27.05.2026 — Press releases EDA
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, accompanied by his wife Marta Nawrocka, began a two-day state visit to Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May. He was received by the Federal Council with military honours in Parliament Square to mark the start of his visit. The delegations then discussed how to further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations. They also addressed issues relating to economic development and security in Europe.

Other news (405)

Switzerland and Finland sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement

28.05.2026 — Europa
On 28 May 2026 in Helsinki, Switzerland and Finland signed a protocol amending the double taxation agreement (DTA) on income tax. This protocol implements the minimum standards for double taxation agreements.

International Geneva

19.12.2025 — 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.

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

«Let us assume our responsibilities»

23.09.2020 — Europa
President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga, Video message for the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
The Federal Council is to further relax entry restrictions in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions will be lifted in step with the reopening of the economy. From 8 June, the cantons will begin processing applications from workers from the EU/EFTA member states. In addition, Swiss companies will be allowed to employ highly skilled workers from third countries if this is in the public interest, or if they are urgently required. To benefit the domestic workforce, companies will again be required to give notification of job vacancies, a measure that was temporarily suspended during the lockdown. Lastly, the Federal Council plans to lift all travel restrictions and re-establish the free movement of persons across the Schengen area no later than 6 July. Border controls with Germany, Austria and France will be lifted as early as 15 June, as previously announced.

Securing access to research cooperation and funding programmes in Europe

20.05.2020 — Europa
Horizon Europe, the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, is due to start in 2021. Along with three other European initiatives, Horizon Europe forms the ‘2021–2027 Horizon package’. On 20 May 2020 the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on funding requesting Parliament to approve CHF 6,154 million in funding to secure Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon package. Provided Parliament approves this funding, the Federal Council and the EU will be able to renew their bilateral research agreement and secureSwitzerland’s continued and uninterrupted participation in the Horizon package as an associated state.

President Sommaruga takes part in 73rd World Health Assembly

18.05.2020 — Europa
This year’s World Health Assembly is taking place under special circumstances; due to the COVID-19 pandemic it is a virtual event with a reduced agenda. President Simonetta Sommaruga represented Switzerland at the World Health Organization conference on Monday, 18 May. Ms Sommaruga commended the work of the Geneva-based organisation and gave an assurance of Switzerland’s support.

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