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.
29.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
In his capacity as representative of the host state, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has taken part in the opening of the main session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Council is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2016. Mr Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, urged the international community to show greater commitment to human rights. Switzerland became a member of the Council on 1 January 2016, for the third time since it was created.
29.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
In his capacity as representative of the host state, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has taken part in the opening of the main session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Council is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2016. Mr Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, urged the international community to show greater commitment to human rights. Switzerland became a member of the Council on 1 January 2016, for the third time since it was created.
26.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
Im Januar und Februar 2016 wurden unter strengen Sicherheitsvorkehrungen rund 20kg Plutonium im Eigentum des Bundes in die USA transportiert. Es handelt sich dabei um Material, das seit den 1960er Jahren auf dem Areal des heutigen Paul Scherrer Instituts (PSI) gelagert worden war. Das Plutonium stammte aus wiederaufbereiteten Brennstäben des von 1960 bis 1977 betriebenen Forschungsreaktors Diorit. Der Bundesrat beschloss 2014 im Rahmen des „Nuclear Security Summit“-Prozesses, das Plutoniumlager aufzulösen und damit zur weltweiten Sicherung von Nuklearmaterial beizutragen.
24.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting of 24 February 2016, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch to Parliament on granting a loan to fund the renovation of the Palais des Nations – European headquarters and premier conference venue of the United Nations (UN). At the end of 2015, the UN General Assembly gave the green light for a complete renovation of the building which was built in the 1930s, thus marking an important strategic stage in ensuring the future attractiveness of International Geneva. The Federal Council has also asked Parliament to grant loans to fund the reconstruction and renovation of the headquarters of two other key international organisations in Geneva – the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The aim of Switzerland’s host state policy is to strengthen the attractiveness of Switzerland – and Geneva in particular – as one of the foremost centres of global governance. The Swiss Confederation’s financial contribution to these three renovation projects amounts to CHF 438.4 million in loans.
23.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
Experts from some 30 countries and international organisations met in Lausanne from 21 to 23 February 2016 for the ‘Lausanne IX’ seminar on the restitution of potentates’ assets. Participants included specialists in international mutual legal assistance, financial intelligence gathering, and asset recovery. The focus of the meeting was on the establishment of procedures for international cooperation in this area under the mandate of the UN. For Switzerland, preserving its integrity as a financial centre is a matter of high priority, and conscientious efforts to ensure the return of illicitly acquired assets are a crucial element in the fight against international financial crime.
19.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
The working group tasked with clarifying the question of a possible secret agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in September 1970 has begun its work. The Federal Council recently informed the parliamentary control committees of this at their request. The 'Interdepartmental Working Group 1970', which is headed by the FDFA, is also looking into the investigations that were carried out by the federal authorities following the bomb attack against an airliner near Würenlingen.
19.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
The working group tasked with clarifying the question of a possible secret agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in September 1970 has begun its work. The Federal Council recently informed the parliamentary control committees of this at their request. The 'Interdepartmental Working Group 1970', which is headed by the FDFA, is also looking into the investigations that were carried out by the federal authorities following the bomb attack against an airliner near Würenlingen.
19.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
The working group tasked with clarifying the question of a possible secret agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in September 1970 has begun its work. The Federal Council recently informed the parliamentary control committees of this at their request. The 'Interdepartmental Working Group 1970', which is headed by the FDFA, is also looking into the investigations that were carried out by the federal authorities following the bomb attack against an airliner near Würenlingen.
18.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council, led by President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, today received the Tunisian president, Béji Caid Essebsi, on a state visit. Relations between Switzerland and Tunesia have grown closer since Tunisia began its transition to democracy and the rule of law following the revolution of 2011, a process that has since been recognised with the award of a Nobel Peace Prize.
17.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council has adopted the report on the foreign policy priorities for 2016–19. Four strategic priorities have been defined for the next legislative period. The Federal Council wishes to establish a well-regulated, partnership-based and expandable relationship with the EU and to strengthen global partnerships. Priority is also given to Switzerland's commitment to peace and security and to sustainable development and prosperity. The Federal Council also aims to expand the range of public services available to the Swiss community abroad and travellers.
17.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
A world without poverty and in peace, for sustainable development. This is the goal of the Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20, which the Federal Council submitted to Parliament today. The dispatch covers development cooperation strategy, including economic and trade-policy measures, and in particular strengthens humanitarian emergency aid and Switzerland's contribution to conflict resolution. Civilian peacebuilding is also incorporated into the strategy for the first time. By combining these means effectively, Switzerland will address current emergencies and help to alleviate crises, conflicts, climate change, poverty, inequality and lack of economic prospects and prevent the accompanying displacement of populations.
16.02.2016
—
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA welcomes the agreement of the International Syria Support Group reached on 12 February 2016 to seek a cessation of hostilities in Syria and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid in Syria. The FDFA asks the parties to implement the agreement immediately.
Last update 23.04.2025
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West
3003 Bern
Phone (for journalists only):
+41 58 460 55 55
Phone (for all other requests):
+41 58 462 31 53
