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State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with France

10.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 10 June 2026 State Secretary of the FDFA Alexandre Fasel held political consultations in Bern with Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Martin Briens. Discussions covered bilateral relations, European policy issues and international developments.

Presentation of credentials

09.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

2030 Agenda: Confederation, cantons, communes, business, academia and civil society discuss its effective implementation

09.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
How can the 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) be effectively advanced in Switzerland? This question was the focus of an event held in Bern on 9 June 2026, organised by the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division, which included representatives from the cantons, communes, business, academia, civil society and the federal government. They had all contributed to Switzerland's country report on the 2030 Agenda, which was adopted by the Federal Council on 13 May 2026.

2030 Agenda: Confederation, cantons, communes, business, academia and civil society discuss its effective implementation

09.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
How can the 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) be effectively advanced in Switzerland? This question was the focus of an event held in Bern on 9 June 2026, organised by the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division, which included representatives from the cantons, communes, business, academia, civil society and the federal government. They had all contributed to Switzerland's country report on the 2030 Agenda, which was adopted by the Federal Council on 13 May 2026.

Neutralité du Canal de Panama et défis régionaux : le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis a reçu le ministre des affaires étrangères du Panama (fr)

08.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
Le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis a reçu le ministre des affaires étrangères de la République du Panama, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, à Berne. Les deux ministres ont tenu des entretiens bilatéraux et un déjeuner de travail. Ils ont passé en revue les relations bilatérales ainsi que les grands dossiers régionaux et internationaux. La rencontre a également été marquée par l’inauguration de la nouvelle Ambassade du Panama en Suisse.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Berlin

08.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will be in Berlin on 9 and 10 June 2026. There he will meet the German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, and research minister, Dorothee Bär, and attend the Soirée Suisse at the Swiss embassy.

Federal Council supports agricultural research for a food-secure future

05.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 5 June 2026, the Federal Council decided to provide CHF 25 million in funding to the global research partnership CGIAR for the 2026–27 period. CGIAR conducts agricultural research to strengthen global food security and receives funding in the context of Switzerland's international cooperation work, thereby reinforcing the country's position as a centre for research.

G7 in Évian: Federal Council approves Franco-Swiss military cooperation document

05.06.2026 — Press releases EDA
To ensure security at the G7 summit, which is being hosted by France in Évian from 15 to 17 June, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans’ Affairs have drawn up a Joint Procedural Document (JPD). This document sets out the framework for military cooperation between Switzerland and France during the summit. Its purpose is to ensure the smooth running of any joint activities, particularly on Lake Geneva and in the airspace, thereby contributing to security. The Federal Council approved it at its meeting on 5 June. The Federal Council approved it at its meeting on 5 June, adding to the measures taken in preparation for the summit.

G7 in Évian: Federal Council approves Franco-Swiss military cooperation document

05.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
To ensure security at the G7 summit, which is being hosted by France in Évian from 15 to 17 June, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans’ Affairs have drawn up a Joint Procedural Document (JPD). This document sets out the framework for military cooperation between Switzerland and France during the summit. Its purpose is to ensure the smooth running of any joint activities, particularly on Lake Geneva and in the airspace, thereby contributing to security. The Federal Council approved it at its meeting on 5 June. The Federal Council approved it at its meeting on 5 June, adding to the measures taken in preparation for the summit.

Federal Council supports agricultural research for a food-secure future

05.06.2026 — Press releases Europa
At its meeting on 5 June 2026, the Federal Council decided to provide CHF 25 million in funding to the global research partnership CGIAR for the 2026–27 period. CGIAR conducts agricultural research to strengthen global food security and receives funding in the context of Switzerland's international cooperation work, thereby reinforcing the country's position as a centre for research.

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.

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.

Media (7097)

Negotiations on research agreement between Switzerland and the EC successfully concluded

27.02.2007 — Press releases Europa
Negotiations on the renewal of the research agreement between Switzerland and the European Communities were successfully concluded in Bern today. The finalised agreement enables Swiss researchers to participate fully in the EU’s 7th Research Framework Programme from 2007-2013.

Switzerland considers the decision of the European Commission to be unfounded – no infringement of Free Trade Agreement by cantonal tax provisions

13.02.2007 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland qualifies the decision of the European Commission in which the latter identifies an infringement of the 1972 Free Trade Agreement between the European Communities and the Swiss Confederation due to certain cantonal measures on company taxation as unfounded. No contractual regulations exist between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on the harmonisation of company taxation. Consequently, it is not possible for there to be an infringement of any agreement. This applies in particular to the Free Trade Agreement.

Project `Safir' taking effect: Aviation safety management has improved

22.01.2007 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has made significant progress in the field of aviation safety management. That is the finding of the Dutch aviation research institute NLR in a study published today. At the end of 2006, the NLR was commissioned by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger to examine whether and how well the 28 recommendations it made in 2003 to improve safety had been implemented. The NLR confirms that the measures put in place were correct and have been effective. There is still a need for further action in certain areas.

Project `Safir' taking effect: Aviation safety management has improved

22.01.2007 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland has made significant progress in the field of aviation safety management. That is the finding of the Dutch aviation research institute NLR in a study published today. At the end of 2006, the NLR was commissioned by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger to examine whether and how well the 28 recommendations it made in 2003 to improve safety had been implemented. The NLR confirms that the measures put in place were correct and have been effective. There is still a need for further action in certain areas.

Official working visit by the Slovakian Foreign Minister Jan Kubis with Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey in Bern on 1 December 2006

28.11.2006 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will receive the Slovakian Foreign Minister, Jan Kubis, for an official working visit in Bern on 1 December 2006.

Informal meeting in Geneva with Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission

14.11.2006 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Department of Foreign Affairs, will meet Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, in Geneva on Saturday 21 October for lunch.

Informal meeting in Geneva with Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission

20.10.2006 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Department of Foreign Affairs, will meet Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, in Geneva on Saturday 21 October for lunch.

The 2006 Marcel Benoist Prize is awarded to Timothy J. Richmond

07.09.2006 — Press releases Europa
Presided over by Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin, the Marcel Benoist Foundation's Board of Trustees awarded the 2006 Marcel Benoist Prize amounting to CHF 100,000 to the molecular biologist Timothy J. Richmond, professor of macromolecular crystallography at the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, for his research into the structure of the nucleosome, a complex of DNA and several proteins which constitutes the sub-unit from which the chromosomes of living cells are built. Pascal Couchepin welcomed Professor Richmond to Bern on 7 September.

Switzerland to participate in the European Asylum Support Office (EASO)

07.09.2006 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland’s participation in the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) strengthens cooperation with Dublin states on asylum matters and is therefore in Switzerland’s interest. A corresponding agreement with the European Union comes into effect today.

Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Switzerland concerning Advance Passenger Information

17.03.2006 — Press releases EDA
Text of the MoU attached as pdf file

Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Switzerland concerning Advance Passenger Information

17.03.2006 — Press releases Europa
Text of the MoU attached as pdf file

Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Switzerland concerning Advance Passenger Information

17.03.2006 — Press releases Europa
Text of the MoU attached as pdf file

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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