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Ignazio Cassis on working visit to Italy and the Vatican

13.04.2023 — Press release EDA
On 19 April Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Rome for a three-day working visit and a series of talks with officials of the Holy See and the Italian Republic. The head of the FDFA will meet with the secretary of state of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. In addition to opening the new premises of the Swiss embassy to the Vatican, he will meet with Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani and economy and finance minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti.

More than 800 000 Swiss nationals lived abroad at the end of 2022

06.04.2023 — Press release Europa
In 2022, the population of Swiss citizens residing abroad exceeded the 800 000 mark. This number showed continued growth compared with 2021 (+1.5%), but also between 2002 and 2022 (+34%). Europe was still the preferred continent, although more and more Swiss citizens lived in parts of Asia. These are some of the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg in Ticino

03.04.2023 — Press release EDA
On Monday, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Ian Borg, Malta's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade during an official working visit to Ticino. Their talks focused on Switzerland's and Malta's non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council and bilateral relations.

Delegation from Greenland to visit Switzerland

03.04.2023 — Press release EDA
Government officials and scientists from Greenland are in Switzerland from 3 to 5 April 2023 for a visit organised by the Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) and coordinated by the FDFA as part of its participation in the Arctic Council. The discussions will focus on the integrated management of natural risks and hazards.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter receives Austrian Minister of Finance, Magnus Brunner

31.03.2023 — Press release Europa
On 31 March 2023, Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter met her Austrian counterpart, Magnus Brunner, in St Gallen. Following a visit to the Abbey Library, they discussed current financial and tax topics. The conversation centred around, among other things, the OECD's minimum taxation rules, the uncertain global economic situation and the repercussions of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The meeting also provided an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries and to acknowledge the importance of cooperation among the four countries that border Lake Constance.

Ukraine: Switzerland to implement tenth package of sanctions

29.03.2023 — Press release Europa
At its meeting on 29 March, the Federal Council decided to enact further sanctions against Russia. This aligns Switzerland with the European Union, which recently adopted a tenth package of sanctions. The latest measures also include humanitarian exemptions and introduce a new means of safeguarding Swiss economic interests in specific cases. The changes come into effect at 8pm on 29 March.

Die Schweiz und Liechtenstein feiern das 100-Jahr-Jubiläum des Zollvertrags

29.03.2023 — Press release Europa
Die Schweiz und Liechtenstein haben anlässlich einer Feier zum 100-Jahr-Jubiläum des Zollvertrags in Schaan/FL die engen Beziehungen gewürdigt, die beide Länder verbinden. Mit der Vertragsunterzeichnung am 29. März 1923 ist ein gemeinsamer Wirtschaftsraum entstanden und damit die Basis für die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit. An der Jubiläumsfeier auf Einladung der liechtensteinischen Regierung nahmen seitens der Schweiz Bundespräsident Alain Berset sowie zahlreiche Repräsentantinnen und Repräsentanten des Bundes, von Kantonen und Gemeinden teil.

Two Swiss take on important roles at the European Space Agency ESA

24.03.2023 — Press release Europa
Renato Krpoun, Head of the Swiss Space Office at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, will be the first Swiss to chair the ESA Council at delegate level. The two-year term of Renato Krpoun will start from 1st July 2023. Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Space Transportation since mid-2016, will take over responsibility for the Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate as from 1st July 2023.

Working meeting between Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider

14.03.2023 — Press release Europa
On 14 March, the Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider exchanged views on various internal security issues and federalism at a working meeting in Bern. The two countries work together closely, particularly in the fight against organised crime.

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

21.02.2023 — Press release 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.

Ukraine: price caps for Russian petroleum products to take effect

15.02.2023 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council today aligned its sanctions regime on crude oil and petroleum products from Russia with the latest package of sanctions adopted by the European Union (EU). The new measures enter into effect at 6pm on 15 February 2023.

Switzerland – UK: Federal Council approves negotiating mandate

15.02.2023 — Press release Europa
At its meeting on 15 February, the Federal Council approved the mandate to launch negotiations on enhancing the bilateral trade agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK). The decision is subject to consultation with the relevant parliamentary committees and the Conference of Cantonal Governments.

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Federal Council adopts report Assessment of Swiss-EU relations

09.06.2023 — Press release Europa
At its meeting on 9 June 2023, the Federal Council definitively adopted the report on relations between Switzerland and the European Union and submitted it to the Federal Assembly. The report was deliberated in December 2022 and adopted subject to the outcome of the consultation of the Foreign Affairs Committees of both chambers of Parliament.

Swiss Air Force to participate in multinational helicopter exercise in Portugal

06.06.2023 — Press release Europa
From 7 to 21 June, members of the Swiss Air Force will train with three Super Puma and Cougar helicopters in Beja, Portugal. The purpose of the multinational Hotblade Helicopter Exercise is to compare and develop tactical capabilities with other countries and improve interoperability. Switzerland is participating in the exercise for the first time.

Flankierende Massnahmen und Bekämpfung der Schwarzarbeit: Kontrollvolumen im Jahr 2022 erhöht

06.06.2023 — Press release Europa
Die Vollzugsstellen haben im Rahmen der flankierenden Massnahmen (FlaM) und des Bundesgesetzes gegen die Schwarzarbeit (BGSA) im vergangenen Jahr ihre Kontrolltätigkeit erhöht. Das Jahr 2022 stand im Zeichen der Aufhebung der coronabedingten Einschränkungen. Das FlaM-Mindestkontrollziel wurde erneut erreicht und die Kontrolltätigkeit weiter erhöht. Die festgestellten Lohnverstösse und -unterbietungen verblieben auf ähnlichem Niveau wie vor der Krise.

New goods traffic system «Passar» goes live

01.06.2023 — Press release Europa
On June 1st 2023, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) launches the first stage of «Passar», the new goods traffic system and one of the central elements of the digitalisation and transformation programme DaziT. Passar gradually contributes to the simplification and acceleration of the cross-border traffic of goods. The staged changeover from the previous IT systems to Passar was coordinated with representatives of the economy.

Almost CHF 25 billion dedicated to research in Switzerland in 2021

25.05.2023 — Press release Europa
Switzerland dedicated CHF 24.6 billion to R&D in 2021. This represents an average annual increase of 4% compared with 2019, the year of the last survey. These activities were mainly carried out within higher education institutions (28%) and private enterprises (68%) by almost 140 000 persons. In international comparison, Switzerland remains one of the most research-intensive economies. These are the main results of the Federal Statistical Office’s (FSO) statistics on "research and development in Switzerland".

Horizon package: Federal Council to fund further transitional measures for 2023 calls

24.05.2023 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council decided on 24 May to adopt transitional measures relating to the Horizon package 2021–2027 (Horizon Europe, Euratom programme, ITER and Digital Europe Programme). It will provide CHF 625 million in funding for 2023 calls for proposals. Rapid association to the Horizon package remains the Federal Council's goal.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter meets Vice-President Nadia Calviño in Madrid

22.05.2023 — Press release Europa
On 22 May 2023, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter met the First Vice-President of the Spanish Government and Minister for Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, Nadia Calviño, as well as the Governor of the Bank of Spain, Pablo Hernández de Cos, in Madrid. They discussed current financial and tax issues in the run-up to Spain's presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme launched

22.05.2023 — Press release EDA
On 22 May 2023, the Ambassador of Switzerland and the Lithuanian Minister of Finance signed the implementation agreement for the Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme under the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. The contribution to Lithuania amounts to 45.2 million Swiss francs and will support programmes in Lithuania in the fields of health, civic participation and vocational education.

Ignazio Cassis meets Icelandic foreign minister in Zurich

22.05.2023 — Press release EDA
On Monday afternoon, 22 May 2023, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, received his Icelandic counterpart, Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, for an official working visit in Zurich. They discussed bilateral relations, the two countries' work in the Council of Europe, and the future path of Europe.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama on official visit to Madrid

16.05.2023 — Press release Europa
State Secretary for Education, Research and Development, Martina Hirayama, met with Spanish Minister for Science and Innovation, Diana Morant Ripoll, in Madrid on 16 May 2023 to discuss Swiss-Spanish cooperation in research and innovation.

Switzerland and the UK launch negotiations

15.05.2023 — Press release Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Kemi Badenoch, marked the beginning of negotiations on further developing the bilateral trade agreement. The first round of negotiations will take place in London in May.

President Berset to attend Council of Europe summit in Reykjavík and hold talks with Icelandic government

12.05.2023 — Press release Europa
For the fourth time in the 74-year history of the Council of Europe, the heads of state and government of the organisation’s member states will gather next week for a summit. The Swiss delegation to the summit in Reykjavík will be led by President Alain Berset. Prior to the summit, he will meet with Iceland's Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir on Tuesday, 16 May, to discuss current international issues and, above all, cooperation on climate issues.

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Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
The Federal Council is to further relax entry restrictions in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions will be lifted in step with the reopening of the economy. From 8 June, the cantons will begin processing applications from workers from the EU/EFTA member states. In addition, Swiss companies will be allowed to employ highly skilled workers from third countries if this is in the public interest, or if they are urgently required. To benefit the domestic workforce, companies will again be required to give notification of job vacancies, a measure that was temporarily suspended during the lockdown. Lastly, the Federal Council plans to lift all travel restrictions and re-establish the free movement of persons across the Schengen area no later than 6 July. Border controls with Germany, Austria and France will be lifted as early as 15 June, as previously announced.

Securing access to research cooperation and funding programmes in Europe

20.05.2020 — Europa
Horizon Europe, the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, is due to start in 2021. Along with three other European initiatives, Horizon Europe forms the ‘2021–2027 Horizon package’. On 20 May 2020 the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on funding requesting Parliament to approve CHF 6,154 million in funding to secure Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon package. Provided Parliament approves this funding, the Federal Council and the EU will be able to renew their bilateral research agreement and secureSwitzerland’s continued and uninterrupted participation in the Horizon package as an associated state.

Coronavirus: Switzerland reaches agreement with Germany, Austria and France on opening borders

13.05.2020 — Europa
Switzerland plans to open all borders with Germany, Austria and France on 15 June 2020, if the epidemiological situation allows. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter has reached agreement on this move following talks with the interior ministers of these three neighbouring countries. She advised the Federal Council of the agreement at its meeting on 13 May 2020.

New slides provide handy, up-to-date information on Switzerland’s European policy

26.11.2019 — Article Europa
Switzerland enjoys close, important and diverse relations with the European Union. They are based on the bilateral approach and influence many aspects of citizens’ lives, both in Switzerland and in the EU.

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabić attends working meeting with President Maurer

03.09.2019 — Europa
On Tuesday, 3 September, President Ueli Maurer received Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić at the Bernerhof for a working visit on the fringes of Swiss Digital Day. Discussions covered bilateral issues such as business and digital transformation, Serbia’s relations with the European Union, and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Samos refugee camp and meets new Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

10.07.2019 — EDA
Mr Cassis's visit to Greece has mainly been concerned with the situation of refugees and the challenges posed by migration. On Tuesday, the head of the FDFA visited the refugee camp on Samos and today met Nikos Dendias, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, and President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Switzerland and EU adapt their insurance agreement

05.07.2018 — Europa
Switzerland and the EU have been adapting their Direct Insurance Agreement which has existed since 1989 to the new regulatory requirements. The mixed committee with representatives from both sides adopted the changes on 3 July 2018 and brought them into effect. Thereby the agreement is also in line with the future requirements of the Swiss insurance business.

Switzerland and France give go-ahead to implementation of EuroAirport agreement

19.12.2017 — EDA
At their first meeting, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian brought the issue of the tax regime at Basel-Mulhouse (EuroAirport) to a conclusion: the agreement regulating Swiss companies operating at EuroAirport will be applicable from next year. The two foreign ministers' working meeting also focused on other bilateral issues, the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy with regard to the EU.

EU-Switzerland Financial Regulatory Dialogue held in Bern

19.10.2017 — Europa
The Swiss State Secretariat for International Financial Matters and the European Commission held their 2017 Financial Regulatory Dialogue on October 19 in Berne. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Jörg Gasser, State Secretary for International Financial Matters, and Olivier Guersent, European Commission's Director General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Participants included staff from the European Commission, European Supervisory Authorities, Single Resolution Board, the Swiss federal administration, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority FINMA.

European Parliament’s PANA Committee to visit Switzerland

15.09.2017 — Europa
The Swiss authorities will receive a delegation from the European Parliament's PANA Committee on 15 September. The focus of the talks will be the current system and the ongoing work to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and tax offences.

Switzerland once again a full member of partnership-funded EU innovation programmes

23.08.2017 — Europa
On 23 August, the Federal Council approved the agreements on Switzerland’s participation in the Eurostars-2 and the Active and Assisted Living research and development programmes. This means that Switzerland is once again a full member of both programmes and is co-financed by the EU. The programmes are particularly interesting for research-intensive SMEs looking to enter new European or global markets through cross-border cooperation. Switzerland’s participation in the AAL programme is one of the many measures that form part of the federal government’s Skilled Workers Initiative.

Linking of the Swiss and European emissions trading systems: big step forward

16.08.2017 — Europa
Switzerland and the European Union are preparing to link their emissions trading systems. The Federal Council approved the signing of the corresponding agreement at its meeting of 16 August 2017. The European Commission has also adopted proposals for the signature and ratification of the agreement and has submitted them to the Council of the European Union for approval. The agreement could be signed before the end of this year. Its ratification must then be approved by the Swiss and European parliaments.

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