Official working visit to Bern by Chinese Prime Minister WEN Jiabao

22.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
On 27 January, President Hans-Rudolf Merz will head a delegation to receive the Chinese Prime Minister, WEN Jiabao, on an official working visit to Bern. He will be accompanied by Vice-President Doris Leuthard, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs and Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Conflict in the Gaza Strip

15.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA condemns in the strongest terms the shelling by the Israeli army of the UNRWA headquarters and the Al-Quds Hospital, which is run by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the Gaza Strip. A warehouse containing relief supplies of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and a media centre were also hit during Thursday’s military operations.

Middle East Conflict: FDFA calls for impartial inquiry regarding the respect for International Humanitarian Law

09.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) strongly deplores the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza. The FDFA welcomes the resolution adopted by the Security Council calling for an immediate end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip and appeals to all parties to respect this. The FDFA calls for an impartial inquiry into the way International Humanitarian Law is being respected. To help cope with the humanitarian emergency the FDFA has decided to allocate an additional SFr 3 million in funding for humanitarian aid organisations. Furthermore the Department is preparing to send an emergency humanitarian relief mission to Gaza.

Il Consigliere federale Moritz Leuenberger firma a Parigi la dichiarazione d'intenti per agevolare la collaborazione tra le autorità di vigilanza sulle ferrovie

08.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
Lunedì prossimo a Parigi il Consigliere federale Moritz Leuenberger e il Segre-tario di Stato francese Dominique Bussereau firmeranno una dichiarazione d'intenti in merito alla collaborazione tra i due organismi nazionali preposti alla sicurezza nel settore ferroviario. L'obiettivo è di ridurre gli ostacoli nel traffico ferroviario tra i due Paesi.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to make a working visit to Georgia

08.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
On 12 January 2009, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will travel to Georgia for an official working visit.

Near East conflict: Switzerland intensifies its aid (last modification, the 05.01.2009)

05.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA calls for an immediate end to the acts of violence which are intensifying the suffering of the civil population. The Humanitarian Aid of the Confederation is ready to reinforce its support to partner organisations operating in the Gaza Strip, notably UNRWA and the ICRC.

Middle East Conflict: Switzerland reiterates call for immediate cease-fire

04.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs deplores the escalation of violence in Gaza. It has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In order to relieve the suffering of the civilian population and to guarantee humanitarian access, it has requested a durable reopening of crossings into Gaza.

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.

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

Investigation Report on the Überlingen aircraft accident - Federal Council accepts errors were made and expresses apologies

19.05.2004 — Press releases EDA
The circumstances that led to the collision of two aircraft in the airspace over Überlingen (Ger.) on 1 July 2002 have been clarified. Errors that brought about the disaster and the deaths of 71 people were also made in Switzerland. In a letter to the President of the Russian Federation on behalf of the Federal Council, President Joseph Deiss has offered his sincerest apologies. The accident led to an immediate and thorough examination of the Swiss air traffic control system. The reorganisation of safety management in air transport already underway will be continued to its logical conclusion.

Personal Envoy Guldimann says situation in Crimea calm but very tense

— Press releases EDA

Press release

Upcoming Transdniestrian talks would send a positive signal about potential for decreasing tensions, says OSCE Special Representative Bogojević

— Press releases EDA

Press release

Switzerland to step up its commitment to the peace support mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2027

18.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 18 February, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch to Parliament that provides for a temporary increase in Switzerland's contribution: in 2027, an additional 12 armed military personnel will be deployed to the multinational European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR ALTHEA). They will assist with transport tasks and staff work. Against the backdrop of political crises in the country, the EUFOR ALTHEA mission plays a key role in stabilisation. Switzerland's contribution will allow it to support the EU's stabilisation efforts in a region that is important to Switzerland. The deployment of armed personnel must now be approved by Parliament.

Charles Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel appointed as new FDFA secretary general

18.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
On the recommendation of the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, the Federal Council appointed Charles Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel as the new FDFA secretary general at its meeting on 18 February 2026. Currently the FDFA's deputy secretary general, Mr Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel will take up his new position on 1 December 2026. He succeeds Markus Seiler, who will become the new Swiss ambassador to Canada on the same day.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

17.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Building on its close relations with the Western Balkans and commitment to European security and stability, Switzerland is pursuing its political dialogue in the region: from 18 to 20 February, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, will travel to Slovenia and then to Bosnia and Herzegovina for an official visit. Talks will focus on bilateral cooperation, European security, cultural diversity, and dialogue as factors for social cohesion and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The visit also takes place within the framework of Switzerland's role within the OSCE, that the head of the FDFA is chairing in 2026.

Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar: Switzerland deploys specialists and equipment

13.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
In response to the critical humanitarian situation caused by Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar, Switzerland will be sending a team of eight experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) as well as equipment. The deployment comes as the island faces its second cyclone in the space of two weeks.

Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans to attend the Munich Security Conference

12.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans will attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC 26) from 13 to 15 February. In a rapidly changing security environment, this conference offers an opportunity for high-level discussions on how to strengthen Europe's security. It also provides a platform for promoting values such as peace and the rule of law.

2026 Winter Olympics: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis holds talks in Milan

12.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, was in Milan on 11 and 12 February 2026 for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. He met with the president of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, and Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala. Talks focused on bilateral relations, particularly with the Lombardy region, the tragedy in Crans-Montana, cross-border cooperation and the potential of the 2026 Winter Olympics to bring benefits to the region.

Ukraine: Federal Council approves aid package for the supply of urgently needed energy goods

11.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Ukraine is currently facing its worst energy crisis since the start of the war. Swiss companies will be delivering high-performance generators and electricity modules to Ukraine in the coming weeks to provide support in this difficult situation. Following a request from the Ukrainian government, on 11 February 2026 the Federal Council approved aid up to a cost ceiling of CHF 32 million.

2026 Winter Olympics: Federal Councillor Cassis travels to Milan

11.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will travel to Milan on 11 and 12 February 2026 on the occasion of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. There, he will hold talks with regional and city authorities.

OSCE conference on combating antisemitism

09.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
With an appeal to fight antisemitism, hatred and discrimination, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, opened the OSCE conference on ‘Combating anti-Semitism: addressing challenges of intolerance and discrimination’ on 9 February 2026. The two-day conference is taking place in St Gallen and is the first of several international conferences to be held within the framework of Switzerland's 2026 OSCE chairpersonship.

OSCE press release: Meeting between OSCE Chairman Cassis and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow

06.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow today. This was the first visit by an OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to the Russian Federation since February 24, 2022.

OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Cassis to visit Moscow

04.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu will travel to Moscow on 5-6 February for meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov.

OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis in Ukraine

02.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
In his role as OSCE chairman-in-office, Ignazio Cassis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on 2 February 2026.

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.

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

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.