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French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian pays official visit to Switzerland

24.08.2018 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met France's Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian on 24 August 2018 for an official working visit to Bern, during which the two officials discussed European issues and topics of international concern. In the margins of the meeting, Foreign Minister Le Drian confirmed that President Macron would receive the President of the Confederation, Alain Berset, in Paris on 12 September 2018 for a working meeting.

ESA Earth Observation Mission: Aeolus measures the wind

20.08.2018 — Press release DEA
On 21 August 2018, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the scientific Earth observation mission Aeolus. The aim of the mission is the global mapping of wind profiles in the atmosphere. These observations, together with information about aerosols and clouds, contribute to an improved understanding of the dynamic processes in the atmosphere and are of great importance for weather forecasting.

Informal talks between Federal Councillor Cassis and EU Commissioner Hahn

23.07.2018 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, who is in charge of relations with Switzerland at the EU Commission, for talks in Lugano on 23 July.

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.

European policy: current state of negotiations on the institutional issues and next steps

04.07.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 4 July 2018 the Federal Council took note of the technical progress on institutional negotiations with the European Union (EU). On the basis of the existing negotiating mandate, it instructed the negotiating delegation to continue the discussions with the EU with a view to reaching agreement on the institutional issues.

Bekämpfung von Lohndruck und Schwarzarbeit

12.06.2018 — Press release DEA
Die flankierenden Massnahmen sind seit 15 und das Bundesgesetz gegen die Schwarzarbeit ist seit 10 Jahren in Kraft. Der Bericht über die Umsetzung der flankierenden Massnahmen zum freien Personenverkehr Schweiz – Europäische Union und der Bericht über den Vollzug des Bundesgesetzes gegen die Schwarzarbeit zeigen, dass die Kontrolldichte im Jahr 2017 hoch war. Lohnunterbietungen und Schwarzarbeit wurden effektiv bekämpft. Die Kontrollen erfolgten dort, wo das Risiko von Verstössen am höchsten war.

Federal Council adopts contingency measure to protect Swiss stock exchange infrastructure

08.06.2018 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council is committed to ensuring the European Commission indefinitely extends the stock market equivalence that it granted to Switzerland for only one year in December 2017. Today, the Federal Council adopted a contingency measure to protect Switzerland's stock exchange infrastructure if stock market equivalence is not extended. It will bring this into force only if necessary.

President Alain Berset visits Latvia during its centenary year

14.05.2018 — Press release DEA
On Monday, 14 May, President Alain Berset was received in Latvia for a state visit. The Baltic republic is celebrating the centenary of its independence this year. The visit provides an opportunity to acknowledge the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and discuss ways of deepening them. The discussions also covered a range of international issues.

FTA transmits information on advance tax rulings to partner states for first time

08.05.2018 — Press release DEA
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has for the first time transmitted information on advance tax rulings to spontaneous exchange of information partner states.

Federal Council receives German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

25.04.2018 — Press release DEA
On Wednesday, 25 April, the German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, arrived in Switzerland for a state visit, accompanied by his wife, Elke Büdenbender, and was greeted by the Federal Council, led by President Alain Berset. Official talks focused on bilateral relations, European policy, and cooperation between the two countries in an international context. Both sides stressed the advantages arising from their intensive cooperation.

Federal Council agrees next steps in Switzerland–UK relations

25.04.2018 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council wishes to ensure that the existing mutual rights and obligations between Switzerland and the UK will continue to apply after the UK leaves the EU. In view of the EU-UK transition period, the Federal Council has, at its meeting on 25 April 2018,adjusted its Mind the Gap Strategy adopted in October 2016 and introduced the next steps to be taken.

Consultation on a second Swiss contribution to EU-13 countries

28.03.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 28 March 2018, the Federal Council decided to initiate the consultation procedure on a second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. With this contribution, Switzerland aims to continue to contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the EU member states. Last year, the Federal Council set two priorities for this contribution: vocational education and training and migration.

Media (337)

Coronavirus: Switzerland to reopen its borders with all EU/EFTA states on 15 June

05.06.2020 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter informed the Federal Council at its meeting on 5 June that the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP intends to lift the existing entry restrictions applicable with regard to all EU/EFTA states and the United Kingdom as of 15 June.

Coronavirus: Easing of travel restrictions between Austria, Germany and Switzerland

15.05.2020 — Press release DEA
Bern-Wabern, 15.05.2020 - The borders between Switzerland, Germany and Austria are to open again for unmarried couples in long-term cross-border relationships, and for those wishing to visit relatives or attend important family events. Restrictions will also be lifted for people who own a property for personal use, tend allotments, or maintain agricultural or hunting land or woodland. People needing to take care of animals may also cross the border.

Coronavirus: Am 27. September 2020 findet eine eidgenössische Volksabstimmung statt

29.04.2020 — Press release DEA
Der Bundesrat hat entschieden, dass am 27. September 2020 über fünf eidgenössische Vorlagen abgestimmt werden soll: die Begrenzungsinitiative, das Jagdgesetz, die Steuerabzüge für Kinder, den Vaterschaftsurlaub und die Beschaffung neuer Kampfflugzeuge. Zudem hat er entschieden, den geltenden Fristenstillstand für eidgenössische Volksbegehren nicht über den 31. Mai hinaus zu verlängern.

Coronavirus: Restrictions on entry to be gradually relaxed from 11 May

29.04.2020 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council plans to gradually relax the restrictions on entry imposed as a result of the coronavirus crisis in step with the gradual reopening of the economy. From 11 May onwards, applications submitted by workers from the EU/EFTA and third countries before 25 March will be processed (the backlog will be reduced). From this date, it should also be possible for family members of Swiss citizens and EU citizens to enter Switzerland. Border controls, however, will remain in place. The Federal Council has tasked the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) with preparing these measures to ease the lockdown.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for coordinated easing of COVID-19 restrictions

21.04.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met by videoconference earlier today, 21 April, with his counterparts from the other German-speaking countries. He called on neighbouring countries and the EU to proceed in a coordinated manner to ease COVID-19 restrictions as quickly as possible. He also thanked his counterparts for the excellent cooperation which made the repatriation flights to bring Swiss and foreign citizens home possible.

Swiss travellers abroad should register on the "Travel Admin App”

19.03.2020 — Press release EDA
Earlier this week, the Federal Council called on Swiss travellers to return home quickly. In order to better support those who are still blocked abroad, they should register on the "Travel Admin App" of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

Bundesrat verschärft Massnahmen gegen das Coronavirus zum Schutz der Gesundheit und unterstützt betroffene Branchen

13.03.2020 — Press release EDA
Um die Ausbreitung des Coronavirus in der Schweiz einzudämmen und um die Bevölkerung und die Gesundheitsversorgung zu schützen, hat der Bundesrat an seiner Sitzung vom 13. März 2020 weitere Massnahmen beschlossen: Er verbietet ab sofort und bis Ende April Veranstaltungen mit mehr als 100 Personen, in Restaurants, Bars und Diskotheken dürfen sich maximal 50 Personen aufhalten. Damit kann das gegenseitige Abstandhalten einfacher eingehalten werden. An den Schulen darf bis am 4. April vor Ort kein Unterricht stattfinden. Die Einreise aus Italien wird weiter eingeschränkt. Der Bundesrat stellt zudem bis zu 10 Milliarden Franken als Soforthilfe zur Verfügung, um die wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen der Pandemie rasch und unbürokratisch abzufedern.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Paris

10.03.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), paid an official visit to Paris from 9 to 10 March 2020. Talks with his French counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, focused on bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and international current affairs. Measures adopted by the international community to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus were also discussed.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Paris

09.03.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will pay an official visit to Paris on 9 and 10 March. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will travel to Paris at the invitation of Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The discussions will focus on bilateral and cross-border issues, European policy and current international events.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits multilateral organisations in Vienna

20.02.2020 — Press release EDA
Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), is to attend talks in 'multilateral Vienna' today and tomorrow. Meetings with the OSCE, IAEA and UN agencies are on the agenda.

UK’s withdrawal from the EU: bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU continue to apply

31.01.2020 — Press release DEA
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union at midnight on 31 January 2020 will not change the relationship between Switzerland and the UK in the near future: the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU will continue to apply to the UK until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 (which may be extended). Switzerland can use the transition period to continue to work out together with the UK their future relationship as part of the Swiss “Mind the Gap” strategy.

Federal Council delegation meets new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Davos

20.01.2020 — Press release DEA
A delegation of the Federal Council led by President Simonetta Sommaruga today met with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Ms Sommaruga was accompanied at the meeting, which took place during the WEF Annual Meeting, by federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Karin Keller-Sutter. Talks focused on the state of bilateral relations between Switzerland the EU, particularly with regard to the institutional agreement. They also discussed joint efforts to tackle climate change. Cooperation in the field of migration should be continued.

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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

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.

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.

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

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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