Press releases

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Expert meeting on the return of the illicit assets of politically exposed persons to the countries of origin

30.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
From 28.-30.04.2010 in Lausanne, over 40 government experts from 25 countries discussed the problems of returning the illicitly acquired assets of politically exposed persons to the countries of origin. The seminar was organised by Switzerland in conjunction with the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) which is co-financed by the UN and the World Bank. StAR will publish the seminar findings in a conference journal.

The Federal Council presents a draft law on the restitution of illicit assets to the two chambers of parliament

28.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
Following the consultation procedure which opened on 24 February 2010, the Federal Council decided today to present to the two chambers of parliament a draft law on the restitution of the illicit assets of politically exposed persons (PEPs). The vast majority of participants in the consultation procedure welcomed the draft law, which underlines Switzerland's global pioneering role in the restitution of illicitly acquired assets.

Democracy and Decentralisation

27.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
On 3 and 4 May 2010, the University of St. Gallen’s Executive Campus will host the International Conference on Democracy and Decentralisation. The conference takes place under the patronage of the Swiss Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The first day of the Conference will be open to the general public.

Human rights dialogue between Switzerland and Vietnam

25.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
A Vietnamese delegation visited Bern from 22 to 24 April for the eighth round of dialogue on human rights and international organisations. The talks focused on legal issues, the protection of minority rights, freedom of religion and the rights of women, as well as international human rights questions.

Visit by Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to Sarajevo for the Council of Europe

23.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, held talks with representatives of the authorities and of political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 22 April. The main purpose of the talks was to identify and to discuss ways of bringing the constitutional and legal framework of Bosnia-Herzegovina into line with its commitments and obligations as a member of the Council of Europe.

IMF and World Bank Group 2010 Spring Meetings

22.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Hans-Rudolf Merz as head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard and Philipp Hildebrand, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), will take part in the joint Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington from 24 to 25 April 2010. The most important topics of discussion in the meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) will be the exit strategies from the extraordinary support measures and the strengthening of the mandate and the governance structure of the IMF. The focus of the discussions in the Development Committee (DC) will be the strategy of the World Bank, the current governance reforms and the progress on achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Switzerland ratifies the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and Their Property

16.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, Switzerland has ratified the United Nations Convention of 2 December 2004 on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and Their Property. It is the ninth State to ratify the Convention which, once it enters into force, will contribute to enhancing legal certainty in the area of immunities both for foreign States in Switzerland and for Switzerland abroad.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina on behalf of the Council of Europe

16.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
In her capacity as President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Micheline Calmy-Rey will travel to Sarajevo on Monday 19 April 2010 for a series of talks.

Switzerland condemns the execution of two Palestinians in a Gaza prison

16.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland strongly condemns the execution of two Palestinians accused of collaboration. The execution took place on 15 April 2010 in a prison in Gaza on the orders of the Gaza authorities.

Signing of an agreement on nuclear disarmament between the United States and Russia

08.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes the signing in Prague today of a new agreement on reducing strategic nuclear weapons by the United States and the Russian Federation.

Call for project proposals for the Polish-Swiss research programme

01.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
As part of the enlargement contribution, Switzerland is supporting a research cooperation programme with Poland to the tune of 19 million francs. In the invitation published on 1 April 2010, interested Polish and Swiss research institutions are asked to submit project proposals.

UN reconstruction conference in New York: Switzerland to support Haiti with 90 million Swiss francs

01.04.2010 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will enter into a long-term engagement in Haiti. At the UN Donors' Conference in New York on 31 March 2010, SDC Director-General Martin Dahinden expressed Switzerland's solidarity with the earthquake-ravaged Caribbean country. Until 2012, the Swiss Confederation will contribute a total of CHF 35.9 million to the rebuilding of Haiti, while an additional CHF 55 million will come from donations collected directly by Swiss Solidarity and its partner organisations.

Media (3286)

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.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Croatia

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 17 to 19 April 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will also take place as part of this gathering. In addition, the two Federal Councillors will take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings.

Conflicts and crises lead to increase in ODA in 2023

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
In 2023, Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.64 billion, equivalent to 0.60% of its gross national income (GNI), more than a quarter of which came from asylum-related costs in Switzerland. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.43%.

Federal Council to support recovery in Ukraine with CHF 5 billion by 2036

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has been providing humanitarian aid and supporting the economic development and longer-term reconstruction of Ukraine since the war broke out in February 2022. This support builds on the existing cooperation with the country and is to be intensified over the next twelve years, as decided by the Federal Council at its meeting of 10 April 2024. It plans to allocate a total of CHF 5 billion to this end by 2036. As a first step, around CHF 1.5 billion is to be drawn from the international cooperation budget by 2028. This amount clearly demonstrates Switzerland's solidarity with the people affected by the war in Ukraine and will increase stability on the European continent.

Federal Council renews its contribution to the Green Climate Fund

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will continue to support the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a total contribution of CHF 135 million over the next four years. The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 10 April 2024. The GCF helps developing countries take concrete action to achieve the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In particular, it funds initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

Switzerland to host high-level conference on peace at the Bürgenstock resort in June 2024

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 10 April 2024, the Federal Council took note of the results of the exploratory phase of the high-level conference on peace in Ukraine. The conditions are now in place for the conference to be able to initiate a peace process. The first step is to develop a common understanding among the participating states with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The conference is scheduled for June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden.

OSCE conference: Switzerland calls for concrete measures to combat antisemitism

09.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe convened this year's Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE region in Malta on 8 and 9 October. It marked the 20th anniversary of the OSCE's Berlin declaration against antisemitism and highlighted the sharp rise in antisemitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The participating states underlined the need for interfaith and intercultural dialogue to bridge divides between communities. Switzerland, which was represented by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler at the conference, called for the swift implementation of concrete short- and long-term measures against antisemitism.

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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