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.
15.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
In the context of international proposals to use frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine, the Federal Council sought official clarification on the legal basis for any such action. A working group led by the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) concluded that the confiscation of private Russian assets would undermine the Federal Constitution and the prevailing legal order. The Federal Council noted the working group’s conclusions at its meeting on 15 February. Support for Ukraine will continue, independent of the discussions on frozen assets.
15.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 15 February 2023, the Federal Council appointed Franz Perrez as head of the Directorate of International Law at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Mr Perrez (56) will take up his post on 1 July 2023, succeeding Corinne Cicéron Bühler, who has been appointed ambassador to the Netherlands. Mr Perrez currently heads the International Affairs Division at the Federal Office for the Environment.
15.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 15 February 2023, the Federal Council decided to launch administrative proceedings to confiscate assets frozen in Switzerland following the Ukrainian revolution in February 2014. The confiscation proceedings in Switzerland will apply to all the assets liable to confiscation – in total over CHF 130 million. In taking this action, Switzerland is supporting Ukraine. Today's decision is entirely unrelated to the sanctions against Russia adopted in 2022.
14.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
Presence Switzerland and Pro Helvetia are joining forces to host the House of Switzerland at Milan Design Week. Created in collaboration with emerging designers, independent studios, established brands and educational and research institutions, the 'Urgent Legacy' group exhibition presents innovative and sustainable Swiss design responses to the urgent challenges of the present.
13.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
The president of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in Bern on Monday 13 February 2023. The two meetings focused on cooperation between Switzerland and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, with both sides stressing the important role of human rights in conflict prevention.
13.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
On 15 and 16 February 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will host the 2nd International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum) in Geneva. Entitled 'Education4Future', the IC Forum will focus on education, bringing together representatives from the political arena, research, the private and financial sectors, NGOs and young people. The IC Forum aims to find joint solutions and to provide access to education worldwide.
13.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
After almost a week of sustained operations, Swiss Rescue is ending its search for survivors of the devastating earthquake in Turkey. The team and the search dogs are returning to Switzerland on Monday 13 February 2023. The second phase of the emergency aid operations was already launched on Saturday 11 February 2023, with the arrival of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit's rapid response team in Hatay Province, Turkey. In addition, an initial aid delivery with 300 winter-proof family tents is on its way to the earthquake-hit region.
10.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
The earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have caused massive damage, leaving thousands of people in the two countries dead or injured, with the number of casualties still expected to rise. In response to an appeal from the Turkish authorities, Swiss Humanitarian Aid immediately sent a Swiss Rescue team to the affected regions last Monday. A second phase of the emergency response is being launched today.
06.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
On 6 February 2023, a number of earthquakes occurred along the Turkish–Syrian border. Swiss Humanitarian Aid has sent around 80 Swiss Rescue experts and eight search dogs to the Gaziantep area in southern Turkey. The rescue team also includes disaster response specialists from the Swiss Armed Forces. The rescue effort is in response to an appeal for help from the Turkish authorities. The Swiss authorities are in the process of clarifying what assistance is needed by people in Syria affected by the earthquakes.
02.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
From 24 January to 2 February, Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hosted an online meeting of governmental experts, with the aim of improving protection of the environment in armed conflicts through better implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL). States can now draw inspiration from the good practices shared at the meeting.
02.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
President Alain Berset will travel to Botswana and Mozambique next week. While in Botswana the aim will be to raise contacts to a new level and in Mozambique President Berset will foster Switzerland’s longstanding relations with the country–. In both countries, the regional situation and global issues will be discussed in addition to bilateral topics – also with a view to Switzerland's work in the UN Security Council.
02.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
The next world exhibition will be held in 2025 in Osaka, Japan. As a major international event with significant media coverage, Switzerland will use Expo 2025 as a platform to further deepen relations with Japan as one of the most important trading partners in Asia and to showcase Swiss innovative strengths and sustainability – with the lightest pavilion at the event.
Last update 13.01.2023
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