In 2024, the world was marked by wars, conflicts, polarisation and high volatility. A cloud of crisis continues to overshadow Europe, as Russia pursues its war against Ukraine. The war has had far-reaching negative consequences for the civilian population of Ukraine and the rest of Europe. In Africa, the conflict in Sudan brought widespread death and forced displacement. The Middle East conflict initially escalated further, but calmed down somewhat towards the end of 2024. The situation in Syria remains fragile following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
Conclusion of the substantive negotiations with the European Union
In this context, the Federal Council is committed to stabilising and further developing relations with the EU and its member states, in particular Switzerland's closest neighbours. To this end, it adopted a mandate for negotiations with the EU in March 2024. These were substantively concluded in December 2024. Barrier-free access to the EU single market lies at the heart of the package approach adopted. Specifically, the package is partly devoted to stabilisation and partly to further development. Under stabilisation, existing single market agreements are supplemented with institutional elements and, where necessary, with state aid rules. The stabilisation aspect also includes programme agreements and the continuity of the Swiss contribution. The further development aspect includes new single market agreements on electricity and food safety, as well as a cooperation agreement in the area of health. The substantive conclusion of the negotiations on 20 December 2024 means that researchers in Switzerland once again have access to all programme areas of Horizon Europe.
Commitment to peace and support for Ukraine
In hosting the Summit on Peace in Ukraine on the Bürgenstock, the Federal Council strengthened the dialogue on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, with over 90 states supporting the summit's final communiqué. Switzerland has increased its support for Ukraine in the area of international cooperation to over CHF 600 million since the start of the war. As part of Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28, the Federal Council has earmarked a further CHF 1.5 billion to support the country. CHF 500 million of this is earmarked for stimulating investment by Swiss companies in Ukraine. The Federal Council has appointed a delegate for Ukraine who will lead the implementation of the country programme there. In October 2024, the Federal Council also organised the Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Lausanne to support humanitarian demining in the country.
Commitment to targeted multilateralism based on the principle of subsidiarity
During the second year of its term on the UN Security Council, Switzerland successfully supported the adoption of various resolutions. At Switzerland's initiative, the council adopted two resolutions – one on protection of humanitarian personnel and one on the rule of law in implementing UN sanctions. Switzerland also played an important part in the adoption of further resolutions, for example on the conflicts in the Middle East and in Sudan. During its one-month presidency of the council, Switzerland focused on science diplomacy. In doing so, it succeeded in drawing the council's attention to the impact of technological progress on peace and security.
Geopolitical polarisation is not only paralysing the multilateral system in the Security Council. Nevertheless, there were also some tangible successes, such as the adoption of the new Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and two new agreements within the Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization. Progress was also made in the area of the environment and pollution, which could further boost the position of International Geneva. In its role as chair of the OSCE in 2026, Switzerland will further strengthen its responsibility for European security and effective multilateralism. Switzerland was also elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year term commencing in January 2025.
Influence of the BRICS group of states on the world order
In fulfilment of postulate 23.3970, the thematic focus section of the Foreign Policy Report 2024 is devoted to the BRICS group of states. The report analyses the creation of the BRICS group of states and their positioning and influence in the areas of multilateralism, the global economy, finance, the environment, and peace and security. The BRICS countries are seeking to achieve a 'multipolar world order' and are calling for reforms to the UN and global financial institutions. The Federal Council emphasises the need to strengthen relations with emerging economies and supports all efforts that lead to emerging powers assuming responsibility for peace and security and a functioning multilateral system.
New format for the Foreign Policy Report
The Federal Council wishes to make its foreign policy more goals-oriented and coherent. The Foreign Policy Report is therefore structured according to the 28 objectives of the Federal Council's current Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. In 2024, the Federal Council was on track to meet most of its objectives (18) by 2027 and partially on track to meet the remaining 10 objectives. The thematic focus section is also new, and is intended to provide an in-depth look at a topical foreign policy issue that was important for Switzerland in the reporting year. The graphic design of the 2024 edition of the Foreign Policy Report has been completely refreshed.
FOREIGN POLICY REPORT 2024 (DE)(pdf, 3254kb)
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