All news (3536)
Federal Council approves loan for reconstruction of IOM headquarters
06.11.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 6 November 2024, the Federal Council approved a loan of CHF 44.7 million to the Foundation for Buildings for International Organisations (FIPOI). This funding will facilitate the demolition and reconstruction of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) headquarters in Geneva. The construction work is planned to last four years, from 2026 to 2029.
Switzerland–EU: Federal Council takes stock
06.11.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 6 November 2024, the Federal Council held an in-depth discussion on the status of negotiations with the EU and internal implementation of the package. In most dossiers, negotiations are well advanced. Negotiations on the free movement of persons, electricity and Switzerland's contribution to cohesion within the EU are continuing apace, with the aim of achieving a convergence of positions. Internal work and discussions with the cantons, the social and economic partners and interest groups have enabled progress to be made on a number of fronts.
Czech President Petr Pavel on state visit to Switzerland
06.11.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 6 November, the second day of the state visit, the president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and First Lady Eva Pavlová were received on Bundesplatz by the federal government, led by President Viola Amherd. The official speeches and the talks that followed focused on the security situation and outlook for the European continent, as well as on bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic.
In Montreal, Ignazio Cassis stresses human dimension on road to peace in Ukraine
31.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 30 October 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, took part in the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine's 10-Point Peace Formula. This meeting in Montreal concludes the series of follow-up conferences announced in June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort. During the conference, Mr Cassis held political discussions with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
FDFA welcomes the outcome of the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
31.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Gathered in Geneva, 2,200 delegates from all over the world approved five resolutions aimed at strengthening humanitarian action in a world of constant change, where humanitarian needs are immense. The work, in which Switzerland actively participated, focused on compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL).
Czech President Petr Pavel to pay state visit to Switzerland
29.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Next week the Federal Council, led by President Viola Amherd, will receive the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, for a state visit. The Federal Council’s invitation to President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová reflects the excellent relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic. In addition to shared values and vibrant political, economic and cultural exchanges, the two countries share close personal and historical ties.
International humanitarian law: FDFA head opens the 34th International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent
28.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Bolstering humanitarian action and respect for international humanitarian law are the objectives of the conference in Geneva. Every four years, the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent brings together representatives of the states party to the Geneva Conventions and the movement's organisations: the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
New technologies helping to search for missing persons in Serbia and Kosovo
25.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
A group of experts from the School of Criminal Sciences at the University of Lausanne has travelled to Serbia and Kosovo under a mandate conferred by the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division. It will assess the possible deployment of laser and radar technology to search for missing persons. The mission is taking place between 14 and 25 October.
Middle East and Ukraine are focus of Ignazio Cassis' trip to North America
25.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will spend two days in the United States and Canada on 29 and 30 October 2024. As part of Switzerland's October presidency of the UN Security Council, he will chair a high-level debate on the Middle East in New York on 29 October. From there, he will travel on to Montreal, where a follow-up conference to the June 2024 Summit for Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort will be held on 30 October. In Montreal, the focus will be on humanitarian aspects in connection with the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Mr. Cassis will hold bilateral talks in Montreal, including with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Election of Barbara Bernath to Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture
24.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The FDFA welcomes the election of Barbara Bernath on Thursday 24 October 2024 to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). The SPT monitors the conditions of detention and the treatment of detained persons in states that are party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
Federal Council adopts second voluntary report on international humanitarian law implementation by Switzerland
23.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 23 October 2024, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's second voluntary report on its implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL), against a very different global backdrop from when the first report was published. The implementation of IHL is essential in order to preserve a minimum of humanity in armed conflicts. Switzerland's commitment to IHL remains steadfast despite today's changing world.
New Swiss ambassadors
23.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for several Swiss representations abroad in 2024/2025, at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.
