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News overview European topics of the FDFA
Press releases
Here you will find media information on matters concerning European policy. Press releases and other information for the media from the various federal departments and offices can be accessed via the Federal Administration’s media portal.
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All news (690)
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends annual foreign ministers' meeting of German-speaking countries in Luxembourg
14.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The foreign ministers of the five German-speaking countries met today in Luxembourg to discuss cross-border and multilateral cooperation. They also discussed the role of the United Nations Security Council, which Switzerland is chairing for the second time this October, in the current geopolitical context.
DDPS cedes anti-tank guided missile delivery date to Germany
09.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The DDPS has agreed to Germany’s request to postpone the delivery of some of the RGW90 shoulder-launched anti-tank guided missiles ordered by both countries. This is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. The Federal Council was informed of this decision at its meeting on 9 October
State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal Meeting of EU Higher Education and Research Ministers in Budapest
17.09.2024
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Press releases
Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, represented Switzerland at the Informal Meeting of Higher Education and Research Ministers of the EU member states in Budapest on 16 and 17 September. Discussions at this biannual event focused on the introduction of a common European degree in higher education and strengthening European competitiveness through research and innovation. Other topics included reducing fragmentation in the European Research Area and ensuring freedom of research.
Second Swiss contribution, migration framework credit: Opening of negotiations with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria
13.09.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The migration framework credit in the second Swiss contribution is being applied in two phases. With a view to implementing the second phase (2025–29), the Federal Council has approved the opening of negotiations with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. This financial contribution supports better management of migration in Europe, which also benefits Switzerland.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on agreement with the United Kingdom on mutual recognition in financial services
04.09.2024
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Press releases
Europa
At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the approval of an agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK) on mutual recognition in financial services. The agreement boosts competitiveness and fosters the close cooperation between the two major international financial centres.
No lifting of protection status S
04.09.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The situation in Ukraine is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. The Federal Council therefore decided at its meeting on 4 September not to lift the protection status S for Ukrainian refugees before 4 March 2026 and to extend the support measures for this group of people (Programme S) until then.
Federal Council to adopt EU Pact on Migration and Asylum regulations and start consultations
14.08.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is a set of rules and measures aimed at making the European migration and asylum system more efficient, crisis-resilient and solidarity-based. Switzerland will participate in this programme as an associated Schengen/Dublin State. At its meeting on 14 August, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s participation in principle and launched the consultation process, which will run until 14 November.
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attends meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries
13.08.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 13 August 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attended the meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries in Lochau, Austria. The discussions centred on strengthening competitiveness and financial policy aspects of the climate transition.
Ignazio Cassis meets Italy's foreign affairs minister Antonio Tajani, with whom he attends Locarno Film Festival
12.08.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani paid an official visit to Switzerland today, where he met with the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. On the Brissago Islands, they discussed bilateral relations and international affairs. The two ministers then attended the traditional Diplomacy Day, an event promoted by the Locarno Film Festival, which this year enjoys the support of the Italian embassy in Switzerland.
President Amherd to represent Switzerland at fourth meeting of the European Political Community
15.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On Thursday, 18 July, President Viola Amherd will attend the fourth meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), which will take place at the historic Blenheim Palace in the market town of Woodstock in southern England. In addition to the UK and Switzerland, 45 states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations will also attend the meeting.
Chief of Armament signs application for membership with regard to accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
09.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The Federal Council wants to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and thus increase opportunities for international cooperation in ground-based air defence. Following the decision of the Federal Council, Chief of Armament Urs Loher now signed an application for membership addressed to the Chairperson of the ESSI on 8 July 2024. All member states of ESSI can now express themselves on the application, after which Switzerland can sign the statement of accession.
Horizon Europe: Extended access for researchers in Switzerland
04.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The EU has decided that researchers in Switzerland will be eligible to participate in the first three European Research Council calls for proposals for the 2025 programme year.