Press releases

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Switzerland’s contribution to EU enlargement: an interim review

19.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
At the Annual Conference on Swiss Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, and Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the Polish Minister for Regional Development, together with other speakers from Switzerland and abroad conducted a review of the progress made to date on the implementation of EU enlargement contribution projects: implementation is proceeding satisfactorily. Around 350 people attended the annual conference.

Official working visit to Bern by the Japanese Deputy-Foreign Minister, Yutaka Banno

19.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has received the Japanese Deputy-Foreign Minister, Yutaka Banno, for official talks. The subjects of the discussions included climate change as well as cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Mr Banno also met the Director of the Federal Office for Energy, Mr Walter Steinmann.

The Federal Council opens consultations on the Convention on Cluster Munitions

18.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, the Federal Council has initiated a consultation process on the ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, CCM. The CCM places a comprehensive ban on the use, development and production, as well as the acquisition, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions.

The Federal Council to continue its support for the three Geneva Centres

17.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council intends to continue the Confederation’s support for the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). Today, it has submitted a Dispatch to Parliament in which it applies for a framework credit of CHF 119.9 million.

Übergabe des Beglaubigungsschreibens

16.11.2010 — Press releases EDA

The Swiss Permanent Mission to the EU celebrates its 50th anniversary

15.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
Fifty years ago, Switzerland opened a mission to the European Communities in Brussels. Today, the Swiss Permanent Mission to the European Union celebrates this anniversary in the presence of Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. In her address to some 350 guests, Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey drew an overall positive picture of relations between Switzerland and the European Union, and spoke about future developments.

Switzerland welcomes the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

13.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest this Saturday. Switzerland welcomes the release of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

4th Global Forum on Migration and Development – Switzerland to Chair the Forum in 2011

10.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
The 4th Global Forum on Migration and Development is scheduled to take place on 10 and 11 November 2010 in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), where the representatives of some 150 States will hold discussions on how to enhance international cooperation in the domain of migration and development. The Swiss delegation, to be led by Eduard Gnesa, Special Envoy for international cooperation on migration issues, will be preparing Switzerland’s chairmanship of the Forum in 2011.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey’s meeting with the Elders

09.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey had a meeting with members of the Elders on 9 November 2010 in Mont-Pèlerin. Both former US President Jimmy Carter and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan were among the group of renowned international personalities. The purpose of this meeting was to engage in an in-depth exchange on various themes of international significance.

International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers signed by close to 60 companies

09.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
Geneva, 9 November 2010 - Today, close to 60 private security providers signed an international code of conduct and committed to respecting human rights and humanitarian law in their operations. The initiative for this document, which is the first of its kind, was launched jointly by Switzerland and industry associations with the support of main governmental clients, humanitarian organisations and civil society.

Medieneinladung: Der Schweizer Beitrag an die erweiterte Europäische Union: Eine Zwischenbilanz

09.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
Seit Juni 2007 setzt die Schweiz Projekte im Rahmen des Erweiterungsbeitrags zu Gunsten der jüngsten EU-Mitgliedsstaaten um. Nun ziehen das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft SECO und die Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit DEZA eine Zwischenbilanz: Am 19. November 2010 (13:30-17:30 Uhr) in Aarau vermitteln Gäste aus allen Partnerländern und der Schweiz ein aktuelles Bild des Schweizer Erweiterungsbeitrags. Unter anderen referieren Bundesrat Johann Schneider-Ammann, Vorsteher des Eidgenössischen Volkswirtschaftsdepartements (EVD), Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Ministerin für Regionalentwicklung, Polen, sowie DEZA-Direktor Martin Dahinden.

Switzerland regrets the conditions in which the elections in Myanmar were held

08.11.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Government regrets that the multi-party elections on 7 November 2010 in Myanmar took place in an environment in which the freedoms of expression and association as well as the freedom of the press were massively restricted.

Media (3293)

The Federal Council intends to release CHF 10 million for emergency aid in Gaza

08.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to make a contribution of CHF 10 million to the humanitarian aid appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024. In its overall assessment, the Federal Council drew on the analysis of the Colonna report and coordination with other donors. The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation.

Ignazio Cassis meets Brazilian foreign minister

30.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has received the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, in Solothurn. Political and economic relations and collaboration in the fields of sustainability, science and multilateral forums were at the heart of the discussions. The Brazilian minister's Swiss origins were also discussed.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at World Economic Forum special meeting in Riyadh

27.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Sunday 28 April, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Saudi Arabia for a World Economic Forum special meeting. In his capacity as head of the FDFA, Mr Cassis was invited by his Saudi counterpart to attend the two-day event which aims to bridge the growing North-South divide by promoting global collaboration.

Independent UN institution in Geneva to investigate the fate of missing persons in Syria

25.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 24 April 2024, the UN General Assembly approved funding for an independent institution to investigate cases of missing persons in Syria, to be based in Geneva. As part of its peace policy, Switzerland is firmly committed to clarifying the fate of detained and missing persons. In doing so, it is making a significant contribution to dealing with the past, which is central to peace processes – including in Syria. Switzerland therefore welcomes the international community's decision for the institution to begin its work in International Geneva in 2024.

The SDC and the SNSF continue their collaboration

25.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The r4d programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) came to a close today at a public event in Bern. The two institutions also took the opportunity to launch a new programme called Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D). The two programmes involve the implementation of projects in the fields of health, food security, social conflicts, ecosystems, employment and income in developing countries.

Federal Council consults foreign affairs committees on aid payments to Middle East

24.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 24 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to proceed with the planned use of CHF 56 million of humanitarian funding earmarked for the Middle East. The FDFA has been instructed to consult with the foreign affairs committees on this matter. A decision on the disbursement of the Swiss contribution to UNRWA will be made at a later date.

Ignazio Cassis receives Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern

23.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern today. Their discussions focused on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Switzerland's European policy, current international affairs and the security situation. Both ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting global peace.

Palestine's application for full membership of the United Nations

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.

Switzerland strengthens humanitarian demining capacities in Ukraine

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 17–18 April, representatives from more than 50 countries and organisations gathered at an international workshop in Kyiv to discuss measures for identifying and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. Good coordination of national activities and international support is crucial to ensure that this work can progress swiftly and effectively. The workshop was co-organised by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Switzerland, whose delegation at the conference was led by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, has a long history of supporting humanitarian demining through the GICHD and other organisations. Clearing the country of mines is a key prerequisite for Ukraine's recovery.

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel leads third strategic partnership dialogue between Switzerland and US

17.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received a US delegation for political consultations in Bern on 17 April. The delegation was led by Assistant Secretary James O'Brien, who is in charge of European and Eurasian affairs at the US Department of State. On the agenda were the many ongoing or recently concluded bilateral negotiations, particularly in the area of taxation, which are concrete examples of the dynamism of bilateral relations.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

IC Forum 2024: 1000 people come together in Basel to discuss the theme of peace

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) concluded today in Basel. Over 1,000 representatives from politics, business, science, and civil society gathered alongside President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, FDFA head Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde to discuss the theme of peace promotion. Discussions centred on three core values: critical dialogue, trust, and innovation, all aimed at finding new pathways for tangible and sustainable progress. A highlight of the 2024 forum was the Swiss IC Awards, recognising innovative peace-building projects by Swiss companies.

Other news (300)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

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