Press releases

Federal Councillor Burkhalter in Cuba

11.08.2015 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter is in Cuba from 13-14 August 2015 to attend the reopening of the US embassy in Havana on 14 August on the invitation of US Secretary of State John Kerry. On 13 August the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is meeting his Cuban counterpart Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on an official visit.

Farmer’s brunch on 1 August at the Swiss pavilion at Expo Milano 2015

30.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, Vice-President of the Federal Council, and Claude Hêche, President of the Council of States, will celebrate 1 August 2015 at the Swiss pavilion at Expo Milano with a farmer’s brunch. Award-winning producers from the Swiss Local Food Competition will be on hand at the Swiss National Day celebrations, inviting the public to taste their specialities. The official delegation, comprising representatives from the worlds of politics, agriculture and tourism, will arrive at Rho Fiera Milano station on the Treno del gusto with on-board chef Georges Wenger holding special tasting workshops. Miss Switzerland, Laetitia Guarino, will be the patron of the celebrations at the Swiss pavilion, and the Swiss Military Brass Band will provide entertainment.

Switzerland regrets the building permit for 300 housing units in the West Bank and the plans for a further 500 in East Jerusalem

30.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
On 29 July the Israeli government approved the building of 300 housing units in the Beit El settlement in the West Bank. Switzerland regrets this decision as well as the plan to build a further 500 housing units in East Jerusalem.

Visit by FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier to Iran

24.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
The State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Yves Rossier, was in Iran from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 July 2015 for political discussions that take place on a regular basis between Switzerland and Iran. The last discussions of this kind took place in Murten in 2014.

1 August 2015: Swiss military band plays in south-eastern Europe

22.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Confederation will celebrate its 2015 National Day with Swiss nationals living in south-eastern Europe. At the initiative of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of the Armed Forces, Lt Gen André Blattmann, a small ensemble of 15 players from the Swiss Military Band, will provide the musical background for festivities at the embassies in Greece, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo.

New framework to implement and finance sustainable development: Switzerland welcomes outcome of Addis Ababa conference

16.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, attended by some 30 heads of government, over 100 ministers and around 7,000 representatives from politics, civil society, the private sector and academia, has come to a close. After tough negotiations, the international community has agreed on a new framework to implement and finance sustainable development. The framework opens the way for adoption at the United Nations Summit to adopt the post-2015 development agenda in September of the new goals to replace the Millennium Development Goals, which expire at the end of this year. The Swiss delegation qualified the outcome of the Addis Ababa conference as a "groundbreaking" success.

Humanitarian, technical and financial cooperation: Switzerland and Ethiopia sign a framework agreement

15.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
Today in Addis Ababa, the Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Manuel Sager and the Minister of State for Finance and Economic Development of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide, have signed a framework agreement on humanitarian aid and technical and financial cooperation, which enters into force with its signing. The agreement provides for strengthened cooperation between Switzerland and Ethiopia in the areas of food security, managing natural resources, social development and the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Switzerland welcomes nuclear deal between Iran and E3/EU+3

14.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland welcomes the conclusion of a comprehensive agreement between the E3/EU+3 and Iran concerning the Iranian nuclear programme and the gradual lifting of sanctions. This sends out an important signal that major international political disputes can be resolved peacefully and diplomatically.

Financing for sustainable development

13.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
The new sustainable development goals require a comprehensive financial basis. The Third International Conference on Financing for Development, which begins today in Addis Ababa and runs until 16 July, will develop a framework to this end. Switzerland is actively involved in the negotiations.

Showdown on development financing in Addis Ababa

10.07.2015 — Article EDA

Article by Ambassador Michael Gerber, «Mehr und «besseres» Geld» (NZZ, 10 July 2015 © NZZ AG)

40 years Helsinki Final Act: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter acknowledges the founding document of the OSCE as a basis for dialogue on security in Europe in the future

10.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
At the anniversary event to mark the signing of the Helsinki Final Act on 1 August 1975, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) paid tribute to its founding document in the Finnish capital. The principles on dialogue and shared understanding enshrined in the document created bridges between conflicting parties during the Cold War period. In view of the conflict in Ukraine and the crisis in European security, in his speech Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter called on the OSCE participating States to once again develop a shared understanding of the principles.

Close ties form basis for intensified cooperation: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets Finland's Foreign Minister Timo Soini

10.07.2015 — Press releases EDA
During his stay in Helsinki, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter held bilateral discussions with Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the meeting focused on Switzerland's policy regarding the EU as well as the crisis in Ukraine and possibilities for rebuilding European security.

Presentation of credentials

17.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Georgia, Mr Shota Getsadze; of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr Daovy Vongxay (with residence in Geneva); of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Ivan Trifunović; and of the Republic of Guatemala, Mr Rubén Estuardo Nájera Contreras (with residence in Paris) were received by President Karin Keller-Sutter at the Federal Palace on 17 June 2025 for the presentation of their credentials.

OECD publishes development cooperation peer review on Switzerland

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 June 2025, the OECD published its latest development cooperation peer review on Switzerland. The peer review takes place as part of a regular review process that the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) undergo every six years. The report recognises the continuous development of Swiss international cooperation and formulates recommendations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, today received the Serbian foreign minister, Marko Đurić, in Bern for an official working visit. Talks focused on bilateral relations, developments in the Western Balkans, the situation in the Middle East, the war against Ukraine and Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship next year.

Swiss–EU package: Federal Council approves agreements and opens consultation process

13.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements in the new package to stabilise and develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process. After Switzerland brought the negotiations with the EU to a successful close in December 2024, the Federal Council finalised the implementing legislation and accompanying measures. Previously unresolved issues concerning wage protection, immigration, electricity and the type of referendum to be held have since been settled and presented to the public over the last five months. The consultation process will last until 31 October 2025. With this package, the Federal Council is aiming for customised sectoral participation in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas. Given the current global unrest, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is key.

UN Ocean Conference – Switzerland calls for global cooperation

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. The summit, which was co-organised by France and Costa Rica, aims to advance action and mobilise all stakeholders on the conservation and sustainable use of the world's oceans. The Swiss delegation is being led by Ambassador Alexandra Baumann, head of the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division.

Swiss chairship of International IDEA calls for focused action to strengthen resilience of democracies

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is chairing the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in 2025. At the meeting of the organisation's Council of Member States, the current chair of International IDEA and Swiss ambassador to Sweden, Adrian Junker, called for focused action to promote democracy worldwide and thus counter the growing pressure on democratic systems. International IDEA was founded in 1995 to bolster democracies around the globe. The council meeting in Stockholm to mark the organisation's 30th anniversary was chaired by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), who reaffirmed Switzerland's ongoing commitment to promoting the resilience of democratic systems.

Visite du Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis au Proche Orient : la Suisse réaffirme son engagement en faveur du droit international humanitaire et d’une paix durable

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Le Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE), a effectué les 10 et 11 juin une visite officielle en Israël et dans le Territoire palestinien occupé. Cette visite s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’engagement de la Suisse pour le dialogue, le respect du droit international humanitaire et la recherche d’une paix durable au Proche-Orient.

Ignazio Cassis visits Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

11.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be in the Middle East on 10 and 11 June 2025 for official visits to the Palestinian and Israeli authorities. The trip is part of Switzerland's ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, peace and respect for international humanitarian law in the region.

Humanitarian aid: Switzerland releases CHF 28 million in response to global emergency

05.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Within days of announcing that CHF 20 million had been earmarked for the crisis in the Middle East, Switzerland is releasing CHF 28 million in response to humanitarian emergencies in other parts of the world. Roughly 50% will be used for ICRC operations in Africa. The SDC has therefore disbursed practically all of its emergency funds for 2025. This decision was taken in response to growing humanitarian needs around the world.

Natural hazards: Ignazio Cassis officially opens Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva

03.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, has officially opened the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) in Geneva. This international conference, organised under the aegis of the United Nations, is the leading forum for discussing global progress in disaster reduction and sharing new knowledge in this area. Natural hazards are a highly topical issue that affects countries around the world to varying degrees, significantly impacting affected populations and the economy.

Ignazio Cassis presents Swiss policy of good offices in Hong Kong

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, was in Hong Kong today at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, to attend the launch of the International Organization for Mediation. The event brought together some 50 states, including several represented at ministerial level. Mr Cassis gave a speech outlining Switzerland's approach to mediation.

Situation in Gaza: Federal Council calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 May 2025, the Federal Council once again discussed the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas and made a full assessment of the situation. It is deeply dismayed at the unbearable human suffering and calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire. A week ago, the Federal Council allocated CHF 10 million to humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territory. At the same time, Switzerland continues to work internationally for a political solution to the conflict.

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.