Press releases

Federal Council report on Switzerland

30.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has adopted a report about Switzerland’s efforts to promote health and sex education in developing countries to combat HIV/AIDS and the boom in demographic growth in response to a postulate submitted by National Councillor Doris Fiala in 2013. The report sets out Switzerland's contribution to sexual and reproductive health, especially in the context of the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

OSCE mediation in the South Caucasus and bilateral themes: the President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, to travel to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia

29.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
From 2 to 4 June 2014, Didier Burkhalter, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and President of the Swiss Confederation, will hold political talks in three countries in the South Caucasus. The region is a priority of the Swiss OSCE Chairmanship in 2014 because of a number of long-standing conflicts involving these countries. Besides issues related to the OSCE, in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia Mr Burkhalter will also discuss bilateral matters.

Detentions are sabotaging international efforts to overcome the crisis, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office says

28.05.2014 — Press releases EDA

Press release

Federal Council report on Switzerland

28.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has adopted a report about Switzerland’s efforts to promote health and sex education in developing countries to combat HIV/AIDS and the boom in demographic growth in response to a postulate submitted by National Councillor Doris Fiala in 2013. The report sets out Switzerland's contribution to sexual and reproductive health, especially in the context of the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Federal Council submits to Parliament dispatch on enlargement contribution to Croatia

28.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has submitted to Parliament its dispatch on the approval of a framework credit for an enlargement contribution of CHF 45 million to Croatia. Switzerland's commitment in Croatia is in keeping with the policy it has pursued in recent years with regard to the countries of Eastern Europe to support them in their modernisation efforts. This policy is in Switzerland's economic interests, and not only strengthens relations with these countries, but also helps to create jobs. The Federal Council had announced the framework credit on 30 April 2014, when a corresponding addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EU was adopted. Parliament has yet to approve the contribution. The money should then be committed to specific projects in Croatia by the end of May 2017.

Switzerland and China intensify cooperation in the area of water management

27.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and China are particularly severely affected by the impacts of climate change on water management. For this reason, they are extending their cooperation in this area. Representatives of both countries have signed a corresponding agreement at a high-level meeting in Crans- Montana. Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard and the Chinese Vice Minister of Water Resources Hu Siyi highlighted the importance of this cooperation.

Presidential elections in Ukraine mark milestone for further de-escalation, says Swiss Chairperson-in-Office

26.05.2014 — Press releases EDA

Press release

Switzerland sends more experts to flooded areas of Serbia and of Bosnia and Herzegovina

25.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
To help deal with the consequences of the devastating floods in the Balkans, Swiss Humanitarian Aid has deployed additional experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to the affected regions. Moreover, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has allocated an additional CHF 300,000 for immediate action.

Switzerland sends relief aid to Serbia and to Bosnia and Herzegovina

23.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
In response to the severe flooding in various regions of the Western Balkans, Switzerland is sending an initial delivery of relief aid comprising instruments for treating and distributing drinking water to the disaster zone. In addition, the teams of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA), which have been in Serbia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the beginning of this week, will be reinforced with additional personnel.

With election day approaching, OSCE Chairperson welcomes progress on national dialogue in Ukraine, calls for stopping violence and provocations

23.05.2014 — Press releases EDA

Press release

Switzerland is deeply concerned by the military coup in Thailand

23.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is deeply concerned by the military coup, the deposition of the democratic government and the suspension of the constitution in Thailand. Switzerland calls for a peaceful and inclusive dialogue to resolve the differences.

Swiss-EU relations: negotiations begin on institutional issues

22.05.2014 — Press releases EDA
Today in Bern the negotiations on an institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have begun. With the planned agreement the Federal Council wishes to reconfirm and strengthen the bilateral approach, and so continue to guarantee Switzerland's prosperity and independence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ignazio Cassis attending new mediation forum in Hong Kong on 30 May 2025

27.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Hong Kong on 30 May at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Mr Cassis, head of the FDFA, is to attend a mediation forum which will bring together some 60 countries. The event coincides with China's launch of the International Organization for Mediation.

Lugano proposed as venue for meeting of OSCE Ministerial Council

23.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was welcomed by a plenary session of the Cantonal Council of Ticino today as part of their regular political dialogue. The council's chosen venue, the Mezzana Cantonal Agricultural Organisation, is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. Discussions focused on topics of mutual interest, including the promotion of Italian language and culture, cross-border relations, and more international matters such as relations with the EU and current geopolitical challenges. Mr Cassis also informed the Cantonal Council of the FDFA's intention to hold the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano.

Federal Council allocates CHF 20 million to occupied Palestinian territory and to UNRWA in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council decided to grant CHF 9 million to four humanitarian organisations to support Palestinians affected by the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory. A further CHF 10 million will be allocated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its programme in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. CHF 1 million will also be earmarked to implement the Colonna report's recommendations for reinforcing UNRWA's impartiality.

Federal Council sets priorities for Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council set the thematic priorities for Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026. These will be definitively adopted following consultation with the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and the Council of States. The Federal Council also approved the budget for organising the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which will be held in Switzerland in December 2026.

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.