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 1165 – 1176 of 3011


Le conseiller fédéral Didier Burkhalter et le ministre italien des affaires étrangères Paolo Gentiloni s'accordent sur une coopération plus étroite concernant les questions transfrontalières

21.03.2016 — Press release EDA
Le conseiller fédéral Didier Burkhalter a rencontré, lundi à Neuchâtel, son homologue italien Paolo Gentiloni dans le cadre d'un entretien bilatéral. Les discussions ont avant tout porté sur les questions de coopération transfrontalière, notamment sur les aspects liés à la sécurité. Le conseiller fédéral et le ministre italien des affaires étrangères se sont accordés sur une coopération plus étroite entre les deux pays. La rencontre a également porté sur la mise en œuvre du nouvel article constitutionnel sur l'immigration. Le conseiller fédéral a souligné que le gouvernement suisse s'efforce de trouver un accord avec l'UE sur une clause de sauvegarde consensuelle fondée sur l'accord sur la libre circulation. Le ministre italien des affaires étrangères a confirmé le soutien de l'Italie à ce processus.


Switzerland’s enlargement contribution rated highly

21.03.2016 — Press release EDA
An independent evaluation has confirmed the federal authorities responsible have achieved good results in implementing Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the new EU member states. The in-depth assessment showed that the projects, of which there are some 300, are making a positive contribution towards promoting social and economic development in the 13 partner states. The objectives are being attained or even exceeded in the vast majority of projects. Various recommendations encourage further efficiency and greater thematic and geographic focus.


Swiss and Italian foreign ministers agree on closer cooperation in cross-border matters

21.03.2016 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met with his Italian counterpart, Paolo Gentiloni, on Monday in Neuchâtel to discuss cross-border cooperation and security. The two foreign ministers agreed to work closely on these matters. They also discussed the implementation of the new article of the Swiss Federal Constitution on immigration. Mr Burkhalter underscored the Federal Council's efforts to come to an agreement with the EU on a mutually agreed safeguard clause based on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Mr Gentiloni pledged Italy's support for this process.




Five years of human suffering – Syria in the spotlight at the Annual Conference of Humanitarian Aid

During his speech, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter underlined the extent of the tragedy in Syria and recounted the stories of those he had met there

18.03.2016 — Press release EDA
A fragile ceasefire and the Geneva peace talks are signs of hope. But the crisis in Syria is far from over. The war there has been raging for exactly five years now: countless people have been plunged into misery and suffering. Their story, and Switzerland’s humanitarian response to the conflict, were the topic of the Annual Conference of Humanitarian Aid and the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). In the presence of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, experts discussed various aspects of the crisis and described their experiences in the conflict-affected area.


Switzerland underscores the importance of the private sector in achieving gender equality

17.03.2016 — Article EDA

Gender equality is one of Switzerland's priority areas in its international cooperation. Switzerland believes the private sector has a key role to play in fostering equality. "Smart economics means empowering women, promoting girls and bringing about gender equality". These were the words of Benno Bättig, Secretary General of the FDFA, in his speech opening a panel discussion with business representatives from all over the world. The event on the role of business in achieving gender equality, which was organised by the UN Global Compact and UN Women as a side event at the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), focused on the multiplier effect of women's economic empowerment for sustainable development.


European Space Agency: Daniel Neuenschwander appointed Director of Launchers

16.03.2016 — Press release EDA
The current head of the Space Office at the State Secretariat of Education, Research and Innovation, Daniel Neuenschwander, has been elected Director of Launchers at the European Space Agency ESA in Paris. It is the first time that there has been a Swiss programme director at the ESA since the Agency’s creation in 1975.


Switzerland encourages young people’s commitment to water and peace

14.03.2016 — Press release EDA
On Monday Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter opened the 13th session of the European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW) which will run until 20 March at the ‘Gymnase de Burier’ in the canton of Vaud. Young people from 17 European countries will address the topic of ‘water and risk management’ and will draw up a final declaration to be presented to the Council of Europe. The EYPW is supported by an NGO partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).


Switzerland attends UN session to strengthen women's role in sustainable development

14.03.2016 — Press release EDA
The 60th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) begins today in New York. This year's session focuses on the empowerment of women as set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The themes to be addressed by the Swiss delegation will include elimination of violence against women, promoting equal pay for equal work and ensuring funding for gender equality.


Switzerland attends UN session to strengthen women's role in sustainable development

14.03.2016 — Press release EDA
The 60th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) begins today in New York. This year's session focuses on the empowerment of women as set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The themes to be addressed by the Swiss delegation will include elimination of violence against women, promoting equal pay for equal work and ensuring funding for gender equality.

Object 1165 – 1176 of 3011

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