Switzerland and the UK sign trade agreement

11.02.2019 — Press release DEA
The continuation of economic and trade relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom after the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) is assured. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and the British Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, signed a bilateral trade agreement in Bern on 11 February.

Federal Council approves 2018 foreign policy report

30.01.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2018 foreign policy report at its meeting on 30 January 2019. The report outlines Switzerland's main foreign policy activities in 2018, which centred on implementing the 2016–19 foreign policy strategy and Switzerland's good offices. The report on Switzerland's 2015–18 human rights foreign policy is annexed to the foreign policy report.

Ignazio Cassis meets Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl in Bern

29.01.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl during a working visit to Bern. The two ministers underlined the excellent relationship between Switzerland and Austria and discussed a number of bilateral and multilateral issues, including the Middle East. Switzerland's European policy was also on the agenda.

Switzerland and United Kingdom sign insurance and road traffic agreements

25.01.2019 — Press release DEA
President Ueli Maurer signed an agreement on direct insurance other than life assurance with the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, on 25 January 2019 in Davos, as well as a road traffic agreement with Jane Owen, Her Majesty's Ambassador to Switzerland. This will ensure the seamless continuation of the current regulations in these areas even after the United Kingdom (UK) has left the EU. Depending on the exit scenario, the agreements will enter into force either at the end of March 2019 or at the end of a transitional period.

European policy: arrangements for consultations on the draft institutional agreement

16.01.2019 — Press release DEA
At its meeting of 16 January 2019, the Federal Council decided on the arrangements for consultations on the draft institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union. Interactive consultations will be held in the form of meetings with the groups concerned, providing an opportunity to explain the draft agreement and answer questions. The Federal Council will review the status of these consultations in the spring.

Ignazio Cassis receives Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Enzo Moavero Milanesi in Lugano

14.01.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has hosted a working meeting with Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Enzo Moavero Milanesi in Lugano. The two ministers underlined the close relationship between Switzerland and Italy and discussed a number of bilateral and multilateral issues. Switzerland's European policy was also on the agenda.

FDF enables recognition of EU trading venues

20.12.2018 — Press release DEA
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has noted the European Commission's decision of 20 December 2018 to extend Switzerland's stock market equivalence until the end of June 2019. As a result, the FDF – based on the Federal Council Ordinance of 30 November 2018 on the Recognition of Foreign Trading Venues – has created the prerequisite to allow EU trading venues to obtain the new FINMA recognition for the time being as well.

Brexit: Switzerland and the UK guarantee citizens’ existing rights

20.12.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 19 December, the Federal Council approved an agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) on the rights of citizens following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU (Brexit). The agreement safeguards the rights of Swiss and UK nationals acquired under the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (e.g. residence rights). This measure is part of the Swiss government’s ‘Mind the Gap’ strategy, the purpose of which is to ensure the acquired rights and obligations of citizens after Brexit.

Federal Council lays the foundation for future economic and trade relations with the United Kingdom

14.12.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 14 December the Federal Council approved the text of a trade agreement with the UK aiming to maintain existing economic and trade relations with the country after its departure from the European Union. The conclusion of this agreement forms part of the Federal Council’s ‘Mind the Gap’ strategy.

Federal Council initiates consultation on introduction of AEOI with 18 further states

07.12.2018 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 7 December 2018, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information (AEOI) with 18 further states and territories. The implementation of the AEOI is planned for 1 January 2020, and the first exchange of data should take place in 2021. The expansion of Switzerland's AEOI network takes current international developments into account.

European policy – Federal Council decides to launch consultations on the draft institutional agreement

07.12.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 7 December 2018, the Federal Council took note of the current outcome of the negotiations on the draft institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union. It also takes note of the fact that the EU considers the negotiations to have been concluded. The Federal Council considers the current outcome of the negotiations to be largely in Switzerland's interests and in line with the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has however decided not to initial the institutional agreement for the time being, in particular in view of outstanding issues relating to the accompanying measures and the Citizens' Rights Directive. It will launch consultations on the draft agreement. The goal of these consultations will be to reach a consolidated position in order to seek further dialogue with the EU if necessary. The Federal Council will consider the status of these consultations in spring 2019.

EU grants 14 million to Swiss Researchers

06.12.2018 — Press release DEA
An ERC Grant is the most prestigious award for excellent European research projects. A team with three researchers from the ETH Domain had also applied for such a grant. Today, Gabriel Aeppli from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, Henrik Rønnow from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne EPFL and Nicola Spaldin from ETH Zurich, together with their colleague Alexander Balatsky from Nordita, Stockholm University, received the contract signed by the EU confirming the extraordinary 14 million euro funding. With this funding, they will join their expertise to look into the heart of materials. Using the large research facilities at PSI, they plan to uncover new quantum effects which up to now have been overlooked or could not be seen by previously employed methods. They will also design new materials with useful quantum properties. Such new properties could be of use for data processing or data storage in the future and thus become the backbone of future electronics for the benefit of our Society.

Switzerland–EU: Consultations on free movement of persons to intensify

21.12.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern - President Simonetta Sommaruga met European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the Council Jean Asselborn for a working meeting in Brussels on Monday. The three agreed to continue and intensify consultations on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Both sides aim to reach a mutually acceptable solution that complies with both the Swiss Constitution and the Agreement on Free Movement.

Switzerland to strengthen its partnership with Austria at the consular level

03.12.2015 — Press release DEA
Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met on Thursday with Sebastian Kurz, Austria's Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the margins of the 22nd OSCE Ministerial Council meeting held in Belgrade on 3 and 4 December. They signed a new consular agreement between Switzerland and Austria that will allow the two countries to step up their cooperation at various levels. In addition, Mr Burkhalter and Mr Kurz discussed a number of bilateral and international issues, including security in Europe and the Middle East, the migration crisis and relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU).

Towards a single charger for mobile telephones

25.11.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern - From summer 2017, all mobile telephones sold on the Swiss market will be compatible with a universal charger. The Federal Council today accepted the revision of two ordinances on telecommunications and electrical equipment. It is a question of harmonising the technical requirements in Switzerland with those of the European Union.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of information in tax matters between Switzerland and EU

25.11.2015 — Press release DEA
Today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the agreement regarding the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters with the EU and submitted it to Parliament for approval. The agreement was the subject of a consultation procedure from 27 May 2015 to 17 September 2015. Most of the participants welcomed the proposal.

Swiss Labour Force Survey and its derivative statistics in 3rd quarter 2015: labour supply – 1.1% increase in number of employed persons; unemployment rate based on ILO definition at 4.9%

12.11.2015 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.1% between the 3rd quarter 2014 and the 3rd quarter 2015. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased slightly in Switzerland from 4.8% to 4.9%. The EU's unemployment rate based on the ILO definition decreased from 9.8% to 9.0%.

Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann on working visit to meet British Minister of State for Trade and Investment

02.11.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), travelled to London on 2 November for a working visit where he met the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Maude, for talks on reducing bureaucracy, the economic situation of both countries and of Europe, as well as bilateral economic relations. Relations between The relations of both states with the European Union were also a topic of discussion. In addition, the head of the EAER used the visit to London as an opportunity to officially launch a programme for start-ups and discuss European issues with a number of think tank representatives.

President Grybauskaité of Lithuania on official visit to Switzerland

06.10.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern - On Tuesday, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, received the President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaité, for an official visit to Switzerland. The talks focused on bilateral relations and European policy (for Switzerland in particular on progress with implementing the article on immigration in the Federal Constitution), on the situation in Ukraine and the refugee crisis in Europe. Switzerland and Lithuania have friendly relations and have become increasingly close in recent years.

New mandatory international OECD standards with regard to corporate taxation, including for Switzerland

05.10.2015 — Press release DEA
Switzerland supports international efforts to achieve greater transparency and a level playing field with regard to the taxation of multinationals. As a member of the OECD, it actively participated in the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project, the final outcomes of which were published today. The Federal Council has instructed the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to deliver analyses and proposals for implementing the outcomes.

Students at Swiss higher education institutions 2013: Analysis report – 17% higher education students from abroad

29.09.2015 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel - The proportion of international students at Swiss higher education institutions is 17%. With 19%, the universities show a higher percentage than the universities of applied science (14%) and the universities of teacher education (7%). The majority of these students come from neighbouring countries and are more dependent on financial support from their families than domestic students. The Federal Statistical Office's new publication examines these and many other issues.

Population change in Switzerland in 2014 – Net migration declined slightly in comparison with 2013

29.09.2015 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel - Switzerland's population grew by 1.2% in 2014. This growth is due to positive net migration, an increase in births and a decrease in deaths. All cantons were affected by this trend. The increase in the number of Swiss nationals continues to be mainly due to naturalisations. These are the final results of the population and households statistics from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Sciex programme: Research training placements in Switzerland spur scientific and economic development in eastern Europe

25.09.2015 — Press release EDA
A ceremony to mark the end of the Scientific Exchange Programme between the New Member States and Switzerland (Sciex), which has offered over 500 researchers from ten new EU member states research training placements in Switzerland since it was launched in 2009, was held today at ETH Zurich. Part of Switzerland’s contribution to the enlarged EU was allocated to fund the fellowship programme in recognition of the fact that enhancing the capacity of scientists in central and eastern Europe to conduct research is a critical factor in the region's economic development.

Migration, Europe and commitment in fragile states: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in political talks in Stockholm

15.09.2015 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter was in Stockholm today meeting with Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström and Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin. The bilateral talks centred on the refugee problem, Switzerland's policy regarding the European Union (EU), aspects of development cooperation and various bilateral issues.

Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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.