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ESA Ministerial Council Meeting: Switzerland to participate in new programmes and play a leading role in the removal of space debris

28.11.2019 — Press release DEA
On 27 and 28 November 2019, State Secretary Martina Hirayama attended the European Space Agency’s ESA Ministerial Council meeting in Seville (“Space 19+”). At this meeting, which brought together the ministers in charge of space affairs from the 22 ESA Member States, the Council conferred on ongoing programmes, new initiatives, and agreed on the Agency’s budget for the next three years.

Switzerland receives Liechtenstein's new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture on her first official visit abroad

28.11.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger in Bern on Thursday during her official working visit. The two foreign ministers discussed a number of topics, including this year's centenary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. They also exchanged views on EU relations and on various current international issues.

New slides provide handy, up-to-date information on Switzerland’s European policy

26.11.2019 — Article DEA
Switzerland enjoys close, important and diverse relations with the European Union. They are based on the bilateral approach and influence many aspects of citizens’ lives, both in Switzerland and in the EU.

Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis receive heads of government of the International Lake Constance Conference

21.11.2019 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis held talks with the heads of government of the International Lake Constance Conference in Bern on 21 November. Talks focused on cross-border cooperation in the Lake Constance area, the New Regional Policy of the Federal Government and Switzerland's European policy.

Linking of the Swiss and EU emissions trading systems: Federal Council approves revision of the CO2 Ordinance

13.11.2019 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 13 November 2019, the Federal Council approved the revised Ordinance on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions. This, together with the amendment to the CO2 Act adopted in March 2019 and the agreement with the EU, will enter into force on 1 January 2020. From 2020, emissions from civil aviation and fossil fuel power stations will also be included in the Swiss ETS, as is already the case in the EU. Linking the two schemes allows companies in the Swiss ETS to trade emission allowances in the larger EU emissions market.

Swiss-Austrian high-level meeting to share information and perspectives on higher education, research and innovation

23.09.2019 — Press release DEA
On 23 September 2019, the head of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, Ms Martina Hirayama, met with the head of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, Ms Iris Rauskala, in Bern to share information and perspectives. Given the considerable importance of cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI) for both countries, dialogue between Switzerland and Austria takes place at regular intervals. The next meeting will be held in Austria in 2021.

Switzerland and the Netherlands present initiative for climate-friendly investments

20.09.2019 — Press release DEA
On 21 September 2019, ahead of the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, Switzerland and the Netherlands will present an initiative on how public and private investments can be tested for climate compatibility and aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's 1.5 °C target. The initiative is based on a successful pilot project in Switzerland.

Switzerland and Slovenia stress strong ties and dynamic exchanges

19.09.2019 — Press release DEA
Slovenian President Borut Pahor paid an official visit to Switzerland on Thursday, 19 September. President Ueli Maurer and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the Slovenian delegation at the Lohn country residence. Both sides stressed the strong ties between the two countries and the dynamic state of relations.

Switzerland and Georgia strengthen cooperation in the field of migration

17.09.2019 — Press release DEA
Switzerland and Georgia are strengthening their respective efforts to tackle irregular migration. State Secretary Mario Gattiker and Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri signed a joint declaration in Tbilisi on 16 September. Since 2018 Georgia is 5th on the list of countries of origin for asylum applications in Switzerland. However, Georgian nationals have almost no chance of being granted asylum in Switzerland. To resolve the challenge related to unfounded asylum applications, Switzerland and Georgia have implemented different measures and are closely collaborating in the field of migration.

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabić attends working meeting with President Maurer

03.09.2019 — DEA
On Tuesday, 3 September, President Ueli Maurer received Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić at the Bernerhof for a working visit on the fringes of Swiss Digital Day. Discussions covered bilateral issues such as business and digital transformation, Serbia’s relations with the European Union, and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Ignazio Cassis discusses Cyprus question and Syrian crisis with Turkish counterpart

12.07.2019 — Press release EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, culminated his trip to the eastern Mediterranean with a visit to Turkey. During his meeting with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara, he spoke, among other things, about the open Cyprus question, human rights, and developments in Syria and their consequences for the region and Europe.

Federal Councillor Keller-Sutter on a working visit to London: Switzerland strengthens cooperation with the UK

10.07.2019 — Press release DEA
The United Kingdom and Switzerland intend to work more closely on fighting terrorism and crime. On 10 July, the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, was in London to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect with her British counterpart. She also signed an agreement on mutual access to the UK and Swiss labour markets in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Media (337)

Switzerland's enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania comes to a close

20.01.2020 — Press release EDA
Over the last ten years, Switzerland has provided CHF 257 million from its enlargement contribution to support projects in Bulgaria and Romania. The two countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007. The contribution aimed to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and within Bulgaria and Romania. The 93 projects, which came to a close in December 2019, have achieved good results. Switzerland's support contributes to greater stability in Europe, which is also in the country's interests.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg

16.01.2020 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis today received his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Bern for his first official trip abroad. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and international affairs.

CHEOPS launched successfully – the search for a ‘twin Earth’ has begun!

18.12.2019 — Press release DEA
The CHEOPS mission is being jointly led by the European Space Agency ESA and Switzerland. Following the successful launch, and once routine tests of the satellite in orbit have been completed, operations are set to begin at the end of March 2020 and last around four years. The scientific community the world over is eagerly awaiting the data gathered on exoplanets, underlining the major importance of the contribution made by Swiss scientists.

State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti represents Switzerland at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid

16.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Roberto Balzaretti, State Secretary and head of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA) at the FDFA, represented Switzerland at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid on 15 and 16 December 2019. As well as attending the plenary session, Switzerland sought to engage in bilateral exchanges with delegates from several European and Asian countries.

Federal Council initiates consultation on extended European border and coast guard

13.12.2019 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 13 December 2019, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on the adoption and implementation of the revised EU regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) will thus be given a more robust mandate to work with the national authorities to better protect the external borders.

Linking of emissions trading schemes: Agreement ratified by Switzerland and EU

09.12.2019 — Press release DEA
The Agreement on the linking of the Swiss and EU emissions trading schemes (ETS) has been ratified by the representatives of both parties and will come into force on 1 January 2020. Linking the Swiss ETS with that of the EU will be beneficial for both environmental policy and the economy. From 2020 onwards, companies in the Swiss ETS will be able to trade emission allowances in the larger EU emissions market. In addition, emissions from civil aviation will be included in the Swiss ETS, as is already the case in the EU. The linking of the two schemes marks the first ETS linking between states anywhere in the world.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on the agreement between Switzerland and the UK on citizens’ rights

06.12.2019 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 6 December, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the agreement guaranteeing the existing rights of Swiss and UK citizens after the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The agreement is part of the Federal Council’s ’Mind the Gap’ strategy.

Adaptation of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics with the European Union

02.12.2019 — Press release DEA
During its 5th meeting held at Luxembourg on 2 December 2019, the Swiss-EU statistics committee adopted a decision concerning the revision of Annex A of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics. This revision, which results from a decision of the Federal Council from 22 May 2019, thus makes it possible to continue the good statistical collaboration between Switzerland and the EU. The new Annex A comes into force with immediate effect.

Croatia’s EU Council presidency the focus of President Maurer’s visit

29.11.2019 — Press release DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer travelled to Croatia on Friday, 29 November 2019, to visit President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and other leading Croatian politicians. In the first six months of 2020, Croatia will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time. The discussions held during the visit thus focused on European policy issues.

ESA Ministerial Council Meeting: Switzerland to participate in new programmes and play a leading role in the removal of space debris

Switzerland receives Liechtenstein's new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture on her first official visit abroad

Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis receive heads of government of the International Lake Constance Conference

Other news (35)

Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — DEA
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 — DEA
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.

Coronavirus: Switzerland reaches agreement with Germany, Austria and France on opening borders

13.05.2020 — DEA
Switzerland plans to open all borders with Germany, Austria and France on 15 June 2020, if the epidemiological situation allows. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter has reached agreement on this move following talks with the interior ministers of these three neighbouring countries. She advised the Federal Council of the agreement at its meeting on 13 May 2020.

New slides provide handy, up-to-date information on Switzerland’s European policy

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabić attends working meeting with President Maurer

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Samos refugee camp and meets new Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

10.07.2019 — EDA
Mr Cassis's visit to Greece has mainly been concerned with the situation of refugees and the challenges posed by migration. On Tuesday, the head of the FDFA visited the refugee camp on Samos and today met Nikos Dendias, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, and President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Switzerland and EU adapt their insurance agreement

05.07.2018 — DEA
Switzerland and the EU have been adapting their Direct Insurance Agreement which has existed since 1989 to the new regulatory requirements. The mixed committee with representatives from both sides adopted the changes on 3 July 2018 and brought them into effect. Thereby the agreement is also in line with the future requirements of the Swiss insurance business.

Switzerland and France give go-ahead to implementation of EuroAirport agreement

19.12.2017 — EDA
At their first meeting, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian brought the issue of the tax regime at Basel-Mulhouse (EuroAirport) to a conclusion: the agreement regulating Swiss companies operating at EuroAirport will be applicable from next year. The two foreign ministers' working meeting also focused on other bilateral issues, the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy with regard to the EU.

EU-Switzerland Financial Regulatory Dialogue held in Bern

19.10.2017 — DEA
The Swiss State Secretariat for International Financial Matters and the European Commission held their 2017 Financial Regulatory Dialogue on October 19 in Berne. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Jörg Gasser, State Secretary for International Financial Matters, and Olivier Guersent, European Commission's Director General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Participants included staff from the European Commission, European Supervisory Authorities, Single Resolution Board, the Swiss federal administration, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority FINMA.

European Parliament’s PANA Committee to visit Switzerland

15.09.2017 — DEA
The Swiss authorities will receive a delegation from the European Parliament's PANA Committee on 15 September. The focus of the talks will be the current system and the ongoing work to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and tax offences.

Switzerland once again a full member of partnership-funded EU innovation programmes

23.08.2017 — DEA
On 23 August, the Federal Council approved the agreements on Switzerland’s participation in the Eurostars-2 and the Active and Assisted Living research and development programmes. This means that Switzerland is once again a full member of both programmes and is co-financed by the EU. The programmes are particularly interesting for research-intensive SMEs looking to enter new European or global markets through cross-border cooperation. Switzerland’s participation in the AAL programme is one of the many measures that form part of the federal government’s Skilled Workers Initiative.

Linking of the Swiss and European emissions trading systems: big step forward

16.08.2017 — DEA
Switzerland and the European Union are preparing to link their emissions trading systems. The Federal Council approved the signing of the corresponding agreement at its meeting of 16 August 2017. The European Commission has also adopted proposals for the signature and ratification of the agreement and has submitted them to the Council of the European Union for approval. The agreement could be signed before the end of this year. Its ratification must then be approved by the Swiss and European parliaments.

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