Press releases

Clima: il Consiglio federale approva l’Accordo di Parigi e i parametri della politica futura

23.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Nella sua seduta odierna il Consiglio federale ha autorizzato la firma dell’Accordo di Parigi sulla protezione del clima, che disciplina la politica climatica internazionale dopo il 2020. Il Consiglio federale ha inoltre definito i parametri di riferimento per la politica climatica nazionale per il periodo 2021-2030. In tal senso intende modificare la legge sul CO2. La relativa consultazione sarà avviata a fine estate.

Il Consiglio federale definisce il corridoio e la zona di pianificazione del nuovo tracciato delle linee ad altissima tensione in Ticino

23.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Via libera alla progettazione delle linee ad altissima tensione a 380 kV di Swissgrid AG e a 132 kV delle FFS tra Airolo e Lavorgo (Cantone Ticino). In data odierna il Consiglio federale ha definito il corridoio di pianificazione delle due linee che consente da un lato di rafforzare le capacità di trasporto sugli assi nord-sud e est-ovest e, dall'altro, di garantire l'approvvigionamento elettrico degli impianti della AlpTransit Gottardo SA. Inoltre, il Collegio ha delimitato la zona di pianificazione per una linea ad altissima tensione tra All'Acqua e Magadino, attraverso la Vallemaggia. In questo modo sarà possibile riorganizzare le linee e, grazie allo smantellamento di oltre 60 km di linee ad altissima tensione, sgravare paesaggi pregiati nel Comparto "Alto Ticino".

Indagini preliminari EIA nelle regioni Giura est e Zurigo nord-est: la valutazione dell'UFAM

22.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
L'Ufficio federale dell'ambiente (UFAM) ha presentato i propri pareri sulle indagini preliminari per l'esame dell’impatto sull’ambiente (EIA) in merito ai siti per deposti in strati geologici profondi Giura est e Zurigo nord-est proposti dalla Nagra. L'UFAM formula richieste per l'indagine principale della prima fase dell'EIA.

Le conseiller fédéral Didier Burkhalter et le ministre italien des affaires étrangères Paolo Gentiloni s'accordent sur une coopération plus étroite concernant les questions transfrontalières

21.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Le conseiller fédéral Didier Burkhalter a rencontré, lundi à Neuchâtel, son homologue italien Paolo Gentiloni dans le cadre d'un entretien bilatéral. Les discussions ont avant tout porté sur les questions de coopération transfrontalière, notamment sur les aspects liés à la sécurité. Le conseiller fédéral et le ministre italien des affaires étrangères se sont accordés sur une coopération plus étroite entre les deux pays. La rencontre a également porté sur la mise en œuvre du nouvel article constitutionnel sur l'immigration. Le conseiller fédéral a souligné que le gouvernement suisse s'efforce de trouver un accord avec l'UE sur une clause de sauvegarde consensuelle fondée sur l'accord sur la libre circulation. Le ministre italien des affaires étrangères a confirmé le soutien de l'Italie à ce processus.

Switzerland’s enlargement contribution rated highly

21.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
An independent evaluation has confirmed the federal authorities responsible have achieved good results in implementing Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the new EU member states. The in-depth assessment showed that the projects, of which there are some 300, are making a positive contribution towards promoting social and economic development in the 13 partner states. The objectives are being attained or even exceeded in the vast majority of projects. Various recommendations encourage further efficiency and greater thematic and geographic focus.

Swiss and Italian foreign ministers agree on closer cooperation in cross-border matters

21.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met with his Italian counterpart, Paolo Gentiloni, on Monday in Neuchâtel to discuss cross-border cooperation and security. The two foreign ministers agreed to work closely on these matters. They also discussed the implementation of the new article of the Swiss Federal Constitution on immigration. Mr Burkhalter underscored the Federal Council's efforts to come to an agreement with the EU on a mutually agreed safeguard clause based on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Mr Gentiloni pledged Italy's support for this process.

Switzerland deplores the Israeli government's decision to expropriate Palestinian land south of Jericho to make way for settlements

18.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland deplores the Israeli government's decision to confiscate land in the occupied Palestinian territory to make way for settlements.

Switzerland deplores the Israeli government's decision to expropriate Palestinian land south of Jericho to make way for settlements

18.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland deplores the Israeli government's decision to confiscate land in the occupied Palestinian territory to make way for settlements.

Five years of human suffering – Syria in the spotlight at the Annual Conference of Humanitarian Aid

18.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
A fragile ceasefire and the Geneva peace talks are signs of hope. But the crisis in Syria is far from over. The war there has been raging for exactly five years now: countless people have been plunged into misery and suffering. Their story, and Switzerland’s humanitarian response to the conflict, were the topic of the Annual Conference of Humanitarian Aid and the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). In the presence of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, experts discussed various aspects of the crisis and described their experiences in the conflict-affected area.

Switzerland underscores the importance of the private sector in achieving gender equality

17.03.2016 — Article EDA

Gender equality is one of Switzerland's priority areas in its international cooperation. Switzerland believes the private sector has a key role to play in fostering equality. "Smart economics means empowering women, promoting girls and bringing about gender equality". These were the words of Benno Bättig, Secretary General of the FDFA, in his speech opening a panel discussion with business representatives from all over the world. The event on the role of business in achieving gender equality, which was organised by the UN Global Compact and UN Women as a side event at the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), focused on the multiplier effect of women's economic empowerment for sustainable development.

European Space Agency: Daniel Neuenschwander appointed Director of Launchers

16.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
The current head of the Space Office at the State Secretariat of Education, Research and Innovation, Daniel Neuenschwander, has been elected Director of Launchers at the European Space Agency ESA in Paris. It is the first time that there has been a Swiss programme director at the ESA since the Agency’s creation in 1975.

Switzerland encourages young people’s commitment to water and peace

14.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
On Monday Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter opened the 13th session of the European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW) which will run until 20 March at the ‘Gymnase de Burier’ in the canton of Vaud. Young people from 17 European countries will address the topic of ‘water and risk management’ and will draw up a final declaration to be presented to the Council of Europe. The EYPW is supported by an NGO partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Wildfires in Montenegro: Switzerland deploys emergency support mission

15.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
After Montenegro was hit by violent forest fires threatening the capital Podgorica and several other regions, Switzerland has deployed an emergency mission under the auspices of the FDFA with the support of the Geneva fire and rescue service. The aim of the mission is to support the local authorities in their fight against the blazes and strengthen the resources already mobilised.

Humanitarian crisis in Sudan: the FDFA steps up its emergency aid

15.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is deteriorating rapidly, with famine affecting the population of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP). In response to this crisis, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is allocatig CHF 4 million from its budget to the UN's Sudan Humanitarian Fund.

Sanctions: Federal Council extends humanitarian exemptions

13.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council is strengthening measures to protect humanitarian activities in numerous sanctions ordinances. Among other things, it is introducing humanitarian exemptions in line with UN sanctions. At the same time, it has standardised and clarified various financial regulations. The amendments will enter into force on 15 September.

Official meeting between Head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Locarno Film Festival

11.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Secretary David Lammy made an official visit to Locarno, his first to Switzerland. The meeting between the two foreign ministers served as an opportunity to discuss the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as a number of topical issues in European and international affairs. They then attended Diplomacy Day, a long-standing event at the Locarno Film Festival.

UN conference on the Middle East: Switzerland calls emphatically for diplomatic steps towards a two-state solution

30.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the UN conference on the two-state solution which took place from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, Switzerland called for respect for international humanitarian law by all parties, including the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages, an immediate and lasting ceasefire and serious diplomatic efforts to implement the two-state solution. Around 120 states attended the conference.

Switzerland to take part in high-level conference on Middle East and two-state solution

25.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair the high-level international conference to promote a lasting peace in the Middle East and the implementation of the two-state solution. The conference will be held from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, under the auspices of the United Nations. Switzerland will be taking part alongside numerous international partners.

UN Sustainable Development Goals: Switzerland calls on all stakeholders to step up cooperation

18.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
This year's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is taking place from 14 to 23 July 2025 at the UN headquarters in New York. The Swiss delegation is being led by Markus Reubi, the Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda at the FDFA and will focus on economic growth and decent work.

State Secretary for Security Policy to travel to Chisinau for security policy dialogue with Moldova

17.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will hold talks on current security policy developments and bilateral cooperation with his counterparts in Chisinau (Moldova) from 17 to 18 July.

Victims of National Socialism: Call for proposals to design the memorial in Bern

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
In April 2023, the Federal Council decided to establish a memorial in the centre of Bern for the victims of National Socialism. The Federal Council considers it vital to keep alive the memory of the consequences of National Socialism, as well as the fate of the six million Jews and all other victims of the Nazi regime. On the recommendation of the communal parliament of the City of Bern, the Casinoterrasse near the Federal Parliament was selected as the location for the site of remembrance. A call is now being organised to gather proposals for the its creation from multidisciplinary teams in the fields of art, architecture and history.

Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) has been held since 2022 to coordinate reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. At this year's conference, which took place in Rome from 10 to 11 July, the head of the Swiss delegation, Jacques Gerber, signed an international treaty with Ukraine. This forms the legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector in reconstruction. Projects in the areas of health, education and war risk insurance were also approved.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Conference: global security and bilateral relations at centre of talks

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 10 and 11 July, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. His participation underlines South East Asia's growing economic importance to Switzerland. Mr Cassis used the platform to discuss economic ties, bilateral relations and global challenges with his counterparts from Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. For the first time, he also met the new Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on the margins of the conference.

Strengthening economic ties is focus of talks by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Nepal and Bhutan

09.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited Nepal and Bhutan during his week-long trip to Asia from 7 to 9 July. The official talks with government representatives centred on bilateral relations and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.

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.