Press release

Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.

All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.

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Object 721 – 732 of 3011

Relations with the EU: The Federal Council examines new approaches to settling disputes

31.01.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 31 January 2018, the Federal Council conducted an in-depth discussion on Swiss European policy. In particular, it discussed the current situation, the medium and long-term objectives of Swiss policy on the European Union (EU), and the way to proceed. The Federal Council would like to further develop Switzerland’s political and economic relations with the EU and for this reason is examining new approaches to settling disputes within the framework of negotiations. It is also mindful to develop solutions that find domestic support. In addition, it has appointed Roberto Balzaretti, currently head of the Directorate of International Law of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), as head of the Directorate of European Affairs (DEA). He will take up his new duties on 1 February 2018. In this capacity he will coordinate all the different negotiations under way with the EU. To carry out this task, he has been given the title of state secretary.



Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2018

24.01.2018 — Article EDA
Bern, 24.01.2018 – The Federal Council continues to hold the view that the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is of great importance. Five Federal Council members will be attending the event this year; around 60 bilateral meetings are expected to take place. President Alain Berset will be holding meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Arrangements for further meetings, such as with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are still under discussion, as are details of the meeting with President Trump.


Swiss IHRA chairmanship: education about the Holocaust is key to creating awareness about the consequences of racism

23.01.2018 — Press release EDA
Learning and teaching about the Holocaust in schools was the theme of the international study days, held at Lausanne University of Teacher Education. The two-day conference, which the university organised as part of Switzerland’s chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), focused on practical examples and reports of experience from the classroom. The IHRA works to promote research and education about the Holocaust and to keep alive the memory of the victims through commemorations and memorials.


European Ministers of Culture, meeting in Davos, call for a policy of high-quality Baukultur

22.01.2018 — Press release EDA
On 21 and 22 January 2018 the European Ministers of Culture were invited by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, to attend a meeting in Davos. In advance of the Annual Meeting of the WEF they adopted a declaration which highlights pathways for politically and strategically promoting the concept of a high-quality Baukultur in Europe.


New financing mechanisms in international cooperation

18.01.2018 — Press release EDA
The UN estimates that additional funds of USD 2.5 trillion a year will be needed until 2030 to achieve its development goals. On 18 January 2018, a conference in Zürich demonstrated new financing mechanisms, such as ‘Social Impact Bonds’ (SIB).



Presentation of credentials

16.01.2018 — Press release EDA
Berne, 16.l01.2018 - Presentation of the credentials of the newly accredited ambassadors in Switzerland



Federal Council concludes privileges and immunities agreement with Interpeace

15.01.2018 — Press release EDA
On 15 January 2018, an agreement conferring privileges and immunities on Interpeace in Switzerland was signed on behalf of the Federal Council by Ambassador Roberto Balzaretti, head of the Directorate of International Law of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and by Matthias Stiefel and Scott Weber in their respective capacities as acting chair and director-general of Interpeace.



Internet Governance Forum 2017, Geneva

29.12.2017 — Article EDA

The Internet Governance Forum is a global, multilateral platform for discussing public policy aspects of the internet.

The conference in December 2017 in Geneva was organised by the UN and Switzerland. This year’s theme was "Shape Your Digital Future".

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