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 News Service of the Federal Administration.
20.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
On 19 April 2017 member states of the UN Economic and Social Council reappointed Switzerland to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, ensuring the country's representation in the UN’s most important body for drugs policy. The appointment lasts four years and will start in 2018.
13.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting of 12 April, the Federal Council has commissioned the FDFA to prepare the introduction of a new system for all categories of transferable staff within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The aim of this change in system is to take better account of performance and give greater weight to the alignment of tasks and competencies than the principle of seniority. Accompanying measures are planned to take account of the specific nature of the transfer system – which requires employees working in the service of Swiss foreign policy to move to a new function every four years. The new system is scheduled to enter into force in 2019.
12.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
Multilateral development banks play a central role in supporting the poorest developing countries. Their expertise and size enable them to tackle global challenges such as financial crises, climate change and pandemics. On 12 April 2017, the Federal Council therefore decided to allocate the necessary resources to participate in replenishing the corresponding funds, namely the International Development Agency (IDA), the World Bank, the African Development Fund (AfDF) and the Asian Development Fund (AsDF).
10.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
On 17 April 1867 the Federal Council decided to establish a temporary Swiss diplomatic mission in Berlin. Switzerland and Germany have maintained uninterrupted diplomatic relations since then. To mark this anniversary, the Swiss embassy in Germany has published a brochure about the eventful history of Switzerland’s representations in Berlin and other German cities.
10.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) condemns the execution of three people by the de facto authorities in Gaza on 6 April 2017. In recent months, the FDFA has contacted the competent authorities in Gaza on several occasions with a view to preventing a resumption of this practice.
09.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
Das EDA äussert seine tiefe Betroffenheit über die Todesopfer und Verletzten bei zwei Anschlägen auf koptische Gemeinden in Ägypten und verurteilt die Attentate aufs Schärfste.
07.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is the international community's response to the challenges of migration at international level. The president of the UN General Assembly has tasked Switzerland's representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Jürg Lauber, and his Mexican counterpart, Juan José Gómez Camacho, to facilitate the drafting of the international framework on migration.
07.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
Following the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which constitutes a war crime that Switzerland condemns in the strongest terms possible, Switzerland calls for a concerted and rapid response by the Security Council and to avoid a military escalation.
06.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The FDFA's Human Security Division dedicated its annual conference to the prevention of violent extremism. The conference, which was opened by FDFA deputy state secretary Krystyna Marty Lang in Bern on Thursday 6 April 2017, highlighted the key role of political inclusion in preventing violent extremism. It was also an opportunity to showcase Switzerland's international efforts in this area.
05.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
“We must demonstrate a shared determination to seek dialogue and to find a negotiated solution to the conflict. We must call on all parties to abandon maximalist positions, to take concrete steps towards peace.” With these words, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, presented Switzerland’s position at the Syria conference in Brussels. Stressing Switzerland’s efforts to help find a political solution and provide humanitarian assistance Mr Burkhalter concluded, “It is time for war to stop undoing all of these efforts – all of our countries' efforts. It is time to adopt a real view to peace and reconstruction.”
05.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland is deeply concerned about reports of another suspected chemical weapons attack yesterday in the Syrian town of Khan Shaykhun, causing dozens of civilian victims. It demands a thorough investigation into the attack, and it calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using chemical weapons and to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
04.04.2017
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Press releases
EDA
Frank Schneider, director of the Federal Oversight Audit Authority of Switzerland (FAOA), was elected on 4 April as vice chair of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR).
Last update 23.04.2025
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