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.

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Drought and high temperatures: Swiss helicopters deployed to fight forest fires in Portugal

24.08.2017 — Press release EDA
Swiss Super Pumas and their crews have been fighting forest fires together with Portugal's Civil Protection Agency since 21 August 2017. Since the start of their mission, the helicopters have made about 172 sorties and dropped over 325 tons of water. Earlier today, the Swiss Armed Forces dispatched another team of pilots and mechanics to the Monte Real air base. The Swiss Humanitarian Aid rapid response team is coordinating efforts with the authorities on the ground. If weather forecasts are accurate and no unforeseen events occur, the Swiss mission will end on 28 August 2017. Swiss Humanitarian Aid has overall responsibility for this operation and is working closely with the Swiss Armed Forces.


Switzerland renews its commitment to fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria

23.08.2017 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has approved a budget of CHF 57 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) for the period from 2017 to 2019. As host country and one of the founding members, Switzerland has been an important partner for the Global Fund since it was created in 2002. Over the past 15 years, the Global Fund has helped save millions of lives and made great strides in combating these diseases. As ongoing pandemics, however, they still pose a major public health problem in middle and low-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, millions of deaths could still be avoided each year.





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

16.08.2017 — Press release EDA
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.


President Leuthard attends Swiss national day at Expo 2017 in Astana

11.08.2017 — Press release EDA
In her address to mark Swiss national day at the Expo 2017 in the Kazak capital Astana on Friday, 11 August, President Doris Leuthard explained how Switzerland was Expo-Motto ‘future energy’. She stressed that the restructuring of the Swiss energy system was taking account of economic and environmental concerns. Ms Leuthard also met the Kazak president, Nursultan Nazerbayev.


Statement of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on the establishment of a constituent assembly in Venezuela

29.07.2017 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is deeply concerned about the current situation and increasing violence in Venezuela. To prevent a further escalation, Switzerland calls on the government not to proceed with the establishment of the national constituent assembly and to respect the separation of powers. Switzerland calls on all parties to promptly resume a genuine dialogue aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Setting a binding election timetable that is accepted by all sides is an urgent priority.


Aktualisierung des Abkommens über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen Schweiz-EU

28.07.2017 — Press release EDA
Die Schweiz und die Europäische Union (EU) haben am 28. Juli 2017 das Abkommen über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen (Mutual Recognition Agreement; MRA) aktualisiert. Dadurch kann der Marktzugang in Sektoren, in denen die technischen Vorschriften in der Schweiz und in der EU revidiert wurden, aufrechterhalten werden. Die Änderungen treten am heutigen Tag in Kraft.


Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter praises joint efforts to overcome shared challenges

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter with the foreign ministers of Austria, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, Sebastian Kurz, Aurelia Frick, and Jean Asselborn, at their meeting in Salzburg. © FDFA

27.07.2017 — Press release EDA
At this year's meeting of the foreign ministers of German-speaking countries in Salzburg on 27 July 2017, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs praised close contacts and cooperation between Switzerland, Austria, the Principality of Liechtenstein and Luxembourg. Efforts to promote dual vocational education and training were one example of this successful cooperation. According to Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the current security challenges showed how important it was for the four partner countries to continue to work closely together.


Exchange of information and closer cooperation: Federal Councillor Burkhalter to attend meeting of German-speaking foreign ministers in Salzburg

26.07.2017 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will take part in the annual meeting of German-speaking foreign ministers in Salzburg on 27 July 2017. The event is an opportunity for Mr Burkhalter to meet with his counterparts from key partner countries – Austria, Germany, the Principality of Liechtenstein and Luxembourg – and to hold in-depth discussions on matters of common interest.


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