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Presentation of credentials

18.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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UN General Assembly: Ignazio Cassis condemns Russian aggression and calls for path to lasting peace in Ukraine

23.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
On 23 February 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, attended an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The deliberations focused on Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, which began a year ago. Mr Cassis voiced his support for the General Assembly's resolution calling for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Federal Council approves loan to finance renovation of OTIF headquarters building in Bern

22.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
On 22 February 2023 the Federal Council approved an interest-bearing loan of CHF 3.8 million for the Foundation for Buildings for International Organisations. The amount is earmarked for the renovation of the headquarters building of the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) in Bern. The work will last two years (2024–25).

One year of war against Ukraine: Federal Council takes stock of its engagement and requests new aid package

22.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine in violation of international law. In response, the Federal Council decided to adopt the EU's sanctions against Russia, thus bolstering their impact. The Swiss government also provided humanitarian assistance to people affected by the war in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. In Switzerland, over 75,000 Ukrainians have been granted protection status S. One year after the military aggression began, the Federal Council expresses its solidarity with the war-stricken population, takes stock of its engagement and requests, at its meeting of 22 February 2023, the immediate release of a new aid package totalling CHF 140 million.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Slovenian foreign minister in Riehen (BS)

21.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ignazio Cassis, received Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon in Riehen (Basel-Stadt). Their discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, the work of the UN Security Council, Switzerland's European policy and the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and Slovenia.

Delicious Graubünden specialities kick off third edition of Romansh Language Week

20.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
Today sees the start of the third international Romansh Language Week ('Emna rumantscha'), an initiative promoted by the FDFA in cooperation with the canton of Graubünden and the Lia Rumantscha. This year's scheduled events include a cookery workshop in Bern involving federal councillor and head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, president of the National Council, Martin Candinas, and other distinguished guests; a themed evening in London; and language courses in New York. The aim is to raise awareness abroad of multilingual Switzerland.

Strengthening the right to education for all: Switzerland pledges CHF 35 million to Education Cannot Wait until 2026

16.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opened the first Education Cannot Wait (ECW) High-Level Financing Conference on 16 February 2023. Switzerland pledged CHF 35 million to ECW, the UN's global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, until 2026. Education4Future was also the focus of the second edition of the IC Forum, which brought together 1,300 participants from more than 120 countries in Geneva and online.

Vice President Amherd and Federal Councillor Cassis at the 2023 Munich Security Conference

16.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
From 17 to 19 February, Vice President of the Federal Council Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be attending the Munich Security Conference. During this working visit, the heads of the DDPS and the FDFA will exchange views with their counterparts on security and foreign policy issues.

Franz Perrez appointed head of the FDFA's Directorate of International Law

15.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 February 2023, the Federal Council appointed Franz Perrez as head of the Directorate of International Law at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Mr Perrez (56) will take up his post on 1 July 2023, succeeding Corinne Cicéron Bühler, who has been appointed ambassador to the Netherlands. Mr Perrez currently heads the International Affairs Division at the Federal Office for the Environment.

Federal Council adopts 2023–26 strategy for South East Asia

15.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
For the first time, the Federal Council has adopted a regional strategy concerning the countries of South East Asia. The strategy is intended to broaden Switzerland's relations with the region and to coherently harness the many opportunities offered by the overall growth of the Asia-Pacific. It complements the China Strategy that the Federal Council approved in 2021.

Over CHF 130 million from entourage of former Ukrainian President Yanukovych targeted in confiscation proceedings

15.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 February 2023, the Federal Council decided to launch administrative proceedings to confiscate assets frozen in Switzerland following the Ukrainian revolution in February 2014. The confiscation proceedings in Switzerland will apply to all the assets liable to confiscation – in total over CHF 130 million. In taking this action, Switzerland is supporting Ukraine. Today's decision is entirely unrelated to the sanctions against Russia adopted in 2022.

Federal Council has received legal clarifications on frozen Russian assets

15.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
In the context of international proposals to use frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine, the Federal Council sought official clarification on the legal basis for any such action. A working group led by the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) concluded that the confiscation of private Russian assets would undermine the Federal Constitution and the prevailing legal order. The Federal Council noted the working group’s conclusions at its meeting on 15 February. Support for Ukraine will continue, independent of the discussions on frozen assets.

Innovative Swiss design flies the flag at Milan Design Week

14.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
Presence Switzerland and Pro Helvetia are joining forces to host the House of Switzerland at Milan Design Week. Created in collaboration with emerging designers, independent studios, established brands and educational and research institutions, the 'Urgent Legacy' group exhibition presents innovative and sustainable Swiss design responses to the urgent challenges of the present.

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.

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