Press releases

All news (3626)

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.

Swiss–EU package: chief negotiators initial agreements

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
The chief negotiators of Switzerland and the EU, Patric Franzen and Richard Szostak, and the Swiss co-negotiators from the relevant federal offices initialled the agreements of the Switzerland–EU package in Bern on 21 May 2025. The initialling formally concluded the negotiation process with the EU. The Federal Council will decide before the summer whether to approve the agreements and open the consultation process, and publish the texts.

Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu on a state visit to Switzerland

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 21 May, the entire Federal Council welcomed Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu and her husband Prindon Sadriu with military honours in front of the Federal Palace for a state visit. The delegations then held talks on opportunities and prospects for the close and wide-ranging bilateral relationship. They also exchanged views on goals for European stability and prosperity, with particular focus on the situation in the Western Balkans.

50 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and San Marino: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomes his counterpart, State Secretary Luca Beccari

19.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On Monday 19 May 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Luca Beccari, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Political Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Digital Transition of the Republic of San Marino, who was on an official working visit, at Münchenwiler Castle in the canton of Bern. The highlight of the visit was the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and San Marino. An agreement on the exchange of young professionals was also signed.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Costa Rican foreign minister André in Bern to discuss geopolitics, trade and democracy

16.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 May 2025 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the foreign minister of Costa Rica, Arnoldo André Tinoco, for bilateral talks in Bern. The meeting focused on current geopolitical and trade policy challenges as well as bilateral issues. The visit follows Mr Cassis' trip to Costa Rica in July 2024, the first by a federal councillor. Switzerland and Costa Rica are celebrating 160 years of bilateral relations in 2025.

Media (3475)

The House of Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro prepares to open its doors

21.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will be present at the 2016 Olympic Games with a 'House of Switzerland' in the centre of Rio. The Swiss reception centre, which will be run by Presence Switzerland at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will provide a platform to celebrate sport and to promote economic, scientific and cultural links with Brazil.

Switzerland strengthens ties with Iran

Didier Burkhalter received a courtesy visit from the head of the Iranian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

16.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
A high-level delegation of representatives from Iran's ministries of justice and foreign affairs is in Switzerland today and tomorrow. The focus of the visit is on the implementation of the road map to strengthen ties between the two countries which was signed on 27 February 2016 by President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, and President Hassan Rouhani. Political issues, human rights, regional security and the judiciary were discussed in four negotiating formats, some of which were held in parallel. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter received a courtesy visit from the head of the Iranian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

10 years of the UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter launches an international appeal to enhance conflict prevention

13.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
At the opening of the UN Human Rights Council’s June session in Geneva, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has launched an international appeal of 13 June calling for enhanced conflict prevention. The Council is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Geneva today.

Federal Council concludes headquarters agreement and administrative arrangement with Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty

13.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
On 13 June 2016, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, signed a headquarters agreement and an administrative arrangement with the Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty on behalf of the Federal Council. The head of the Secretariat, Mr Dumisani Dladla, signed the documents on behalf of the Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty.

The FDFA condemns attack in Tel Aviv

10.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) condemns the attack carried out in Tel Aviv on 8 June 2016 which claimed at least four lives and several injuries. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the FDFA, extends his condolences to the victims' families and expresses his solidarity with those who suffered injuries.

Didier Burkhalter in Canada: Bern and Ottawa look to strengthen diplomatic ties

09.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
Strengthening relations between Switzerland and Canada was the focus of a 24-hour visit by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to Ottawa on Thursday. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) met his counterpart Stéphane Dion as well as the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Marie-Claude Bibeau. The two foreign ministers emphasised the need to strengthen relations between the two countries and agreed to draw up a working plan to structure their future relationship. Switzerland and Canada have converging positions on several issues relating to peace and security policy. They also plan to work together more closely within international organisations.

Euro 2016: the House of Switzerland opens its doors in Paris to celebrate football and Swiss culture

09.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday 9 June, the House of Switzerland – Paris 2016 will be officially opened for Euro 2016 at the Wanderlust, an open-air cultural centre in the heart of Paris. This venue will allow Switzerland to cultivate its close bilateral relations with France and serve to promote not just Swiss sport but also the Swiss economy and the country's artists, writers and film-makers.

International community aims to rid the world of AIDS by 2030

08.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
By 2030 HIV/AIDS should no longer be a threat to public health. This is the message of the Swiss delegation to the 2016 High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, which takes place on 8-10 June at the UN headquarters in New York. It thereby supports the adopted political declaration on HIV/AIDS, which requires measures against the epidemic to be intensified in the coming five years. The negotiations for the High-Level Meeting were led by Switzerland and Zambia, a country especially hard hit by HIV/AIDS, on behalf of the president of the UN General Assembly.

Didier Burkhalter in Canada to explore ways to develop relations with the new government

07.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday in Ottawa, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Didier Burkhalter, will meet the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dion, as well as the Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau. In doing so, Mr Burkhalter will explore the potential for developing bilateral relations between Switzerland and G7 and G20 member Canada. Mr Burkhalter’s visit relates to the implementation of priority two of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2016–19 adopted by the Federal Council, which focuses on the development of relations with global partners with a view to safeguarding Switzerland’s interests and resolving specific problems.

President Schneider-Ammann meets Indian Prime Minister Modi

06.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Geneva for an official meeting on Monday, 6 June. Top of the agenda in view of the negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EFTA member states and India were economic and trade issues, and cooperation between Switzerland and India in international forums and on education, research and innovation. After the meeting, a round table with Swiss business leaders was held.

“Re-invigorating the Two-State solution: Challenges, Opportunities & Benefits for Restoring a Democratic, Effective & Inclusive Palestinian System of Governance”

03.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
03.06.2016

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visits Bern

02.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
Today there are more than 60 million people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflicts and humanitarian crises. Many of them receive assistance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The head of the UN agency, Filippo Grandi, was received on Thursday in Bern by Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga and FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier. Mr Grandi's visit provided an occasion to take stock of the relations between Switzerland and the UNHCR and to discuss current challenges.

Other news (151)

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.

FDFA

News

Press releases

Press releases

All news (3626)

Media (3475)

Other news (151)

Links

Information for the media

Contact