Press releases

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Federal Councillor Cassis meets German foreign minister Wadephul in Berlin

14.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, was in Berlin from 13 to 14 October 2025, where he met Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadephul for official talks. The agenda covered bilateral relations and cross-border cooperation, the package of agreements between Switzerland and the EU, and geopolitical matters including the situation in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Mr Cassis also met with the German minister for economic cooperation and development, Reem Alabali Radovan.

Declaration of intent between the USA and Switzerland on US additional tariffs

14.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and Liechtenstein have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the United States. On this basis, the United States will reduce the country-specific additional tariff to 15%.

Hurricane Melissa in Caribbean: Switzerland supports efforts to restore essential services

13.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Some two weeks after it hit the region, the impact of Hurricane Melissa continues to severely disrupt daily life for people in Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has sent support in the form of specialists and equipment, and allocated CHF 1.3 million to help meet the needs of those affected in the three countries.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations in Bern with Austria

13.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel held political consultations in Bern on 13 November 2025. His talks with Nikolaus Marschik, the secretary-general of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, focused on current geopolitical developments, bilateral issues and relations between Switzerland and the EU.

Ignazio Cassis to travel to Berlin

11.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be in Berlin from 13 to 14 November 2025. He will meet with the German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, and the minister for economic cooperation and development, Reem Alabali Radovan. The talks will focus on bilateral relations, European policy, geopolitical challenges, and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Switzerland and EU sign agreement on Swiss participation in EU programmes

10.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva signed the Switzerland-EU programmes agreement in Bern on 10 November 2025. This part of the Switzerland-EU package can be provisionally applied with retroactive effect from the beginning of 2025. Switzerland is thus associated to Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe programme. The agreement also paves the way for association to ITER, Erasmus+ and EU4Health.

Switzerland reaffirms support for International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund

07.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a key instrument to ensure that humanitarian aid is efficient, anticipatory and localised. The fund is run by the Geneva-based International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is providing the DREF with CHF 6 million for the 2025-26 period.

Immediate support for US peace plan in Middle East

05.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 5 November 2025, the FDFA informed the Federal Council of the short-term measures adopted to provide support to the US peace plan for the Middle East. Switzerland is providing technical expertise in the areas of international humanitarian law, disarmament and demining. It will be stepping up its humanitarian aid to Gaza, and also aims to strengthen the Palestinian Authority. To help implement these measures, the FDFA is releasing an additional CHF 20 million in funding.

80 years of UNESCO: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis takes part in General Conference in Uzbekistan

03.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 3 November 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the 43rd session of UNESCO's General Conference. This year's edition is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. In his speech, Mr Cassis emphasised UNESCO’s important role in tackling the global challenges related to new technologies and pointed out the significance of International Geneva and science diplomacy in this area.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel pays tribute to 50 years of trinational cooperation on the Upper Rhine

03.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
In Basel on Monday, 3 November 2025, State Secretary Alexandre Fasel attended the ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Franco-German-Swiss Intergovernmental Commission for the promotion of cross-border cooperation in the Upper-Rhine region. He paid tribute to the long-standing and successful cooperation in the three-country region as a model of active cross-border partnership in Europe.

Switzerland extends support to Caribbean in wake of Hurricane Melissa

31.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
In response to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, Switzerland is stepping up its humanitarian efforts in the region. The FDFA has released over CHF 1 million to help those affected in Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica and is deploying nine specialists to Cuba to support the Red Cross there with the relief operations on the ground.

State visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa: Switzerland and South Africa strengthen relations

29.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
The state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is serving as an opportunity for Switzerland and South Africa to strengthen relations. On Wednesday, 29 October, five documents on future cooperation were signed. Prior to that, the South African president was received by the full Federal Council. Official talks focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries at international level.

Media (3556)

Switzerland supports the international reconstruction effort in Haiti

24.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has decided to earmark the sum of CHF 36 million until the end of 2012 for the reconstruction effort in Haiti. In particular, Switzerland will be active in repairing and reconditioning basic infrastructure, in rural development and food security. These activities will be financed by framework credits already in place.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey meets Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU

22.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
On 24 March Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey will travel to Brussels for talks with Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This will be Mrs Calmy-Rey's first official meeting with Mrs Ashton since the latter took up her post.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey met with Dan Meridor, Deputy Prime Minister Israel

20.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met yesterday in Geneva with Dan Meridor, Deputy Prime Minister Israel.

The Francophonie festival 2010 celebrated in Switzerland and in the world

19.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
On and around 20 March, Switzerland celebrates the Francophonie festival 2010 in Switzerland and throughout the world. This year it will celebrate the work of the Vaudoise writer Alice Rivaz. The festival commemorates the adoption of the Niamey Convention in Niger in 1970 which is regarded as the founding act of Francophonie. This year’s 40th anniversary of Francophonie coincides with Switzerland hosting the XIIIth Summit of Francophonie in Montreux from 22 to 24 October. The Summit website will be launched on 20 March, the international day of Francophonie.

Holidays in Switzerland for Belarussian children: agreement between Bern and Minsk

18.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, Thursday 18 March 2010, Ambassador Pierre Helg, Deputy State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Andreï Evdochenko, deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus, have met in Bern to exchange notes governing stays of children from Belarus in Switzerland. This exchange will pave the way for the continued voluntary hosting by Swiss families of children coming from regions contaminated by the Chernobyl disaster.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey pays working visit to Berlin

16.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today paid a working visit to Berlin to hold talks with the German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

Switzerland calls for a stop to Israeli settlements

10.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is deeply concerned about the announcement of the Government of Israel to authorise the construction of 1,600 new dwellings in a settlement in East Jerusalem in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It asks the Israeli government not to proceed with this building project and to halt all forms of colonisation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Signature of a Readmission and a Visa Agreement with Kazakhstan

04.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, signed an agreement on readmissions and on visas between Switzerland and Kazakhstan on Thursday, 4 March 2010, upon the occasion of a working visit to Bern by the Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev. Furthermore, the parties reached an agreement on fiscal issues. Another meeting dedicated to multilateral issues is planned for Friday.

Official working visit to Bern of Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala

03.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
On 3 March, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey received the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal Mrs Sujata Koirala for a working visit. The talks covered Switzerland's activity in Nepal as well as other bilateral and international issues. Mrs Koirala was also received by the Speaker of the National Council Mrs Pascale Bruderer Wyss.

Exceptional success of the House of Switzerland in Vancouver

02.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
After the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, the organisers of the two "Houses of Switzerland Canada 2010" have said that they were a great success. 60,000 guests enjoyed the Swiss atmosphere at the Vancouver and Whistler locations.

Major Earthquake off the Coast of Chile. Switzerland aids Chilean Victims

02.03.2010 — Press releases EDA
Only slowly did the full scope of the severe earthquake that struck Chile emerge. On Monday following additional damage assessment, the Chilean authorities decided to request international assistance to provide certain rescue and survival services. The Swiss Humanitarian Aid has for now allocated CHF 300,000 for emergency relief measures.

PlanetSolar is ready to circumnavigate the globe under the Swiss flag

25.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Construction of the Swiss vessel PlanetSolar has now been concluded and today it was presented to the media at a shipyard in the German harbour town of Kiel. In the summer of 2010, the solar-powered catamaran will embark on the European leg of its mission - and beginning in 2011, on a trip around the globe - to draw the world’s attention to the significance of renewable energies. The catamaran, sailing under the Swiss flag, is the result of a project supported by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel.

Other news (151)

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

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.

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.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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