Federal Councillor Maurer visits Bulgaria

05.01.2018 — Press release Europa
On 5 January, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov in Sofia for a working visit.

Statement by President Doris Leuthard on the EU’s decision regarding stock market equivalence

21.12.2017 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council has addressed the issue of stock market equivalence on a number of occasions. In recent days and weeks, Switzerland has made approaches at various levels. It has made its position clear, in particular to member states, the Commission and the Commission president. That position is that Switzerland fulfils the conditions for recognition of stock market equivalence every bit as much as the other third countries that have been granted indefinite recognition. Switzerland therefore considers this limited recognition to be a clear case of discrimination. The linking of this technical dossier with institutional issues is extraneous and unacceptable.

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.

Switzerland and Portugal to work together more closely on digitalisation

28.11.2017 — Press release Europa

Switzerland and Portugal reaffirmed their close ties during President Doris Leuthard’s visit to Lisbon and defined areas in which cooperation could be further intensified, with the priority on digitalisation. The main topics of discussion during the official talks on Tuesday, 28 November, were European policy, economic relations and cooperation on education and research.

Switzerland's eGovernment on track

27.11.2017 — Press release Europa

On 27 November 2017, the European Commission published the 14th eGovernment Benchmark report. Switzerland has improved year on year in almost all areas examined. There is need for improvement in the expansion of key technical modules.

President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard receives President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker

23.11.2017 — Press release Europa
President Doris Leuthard met with the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker today in Bern. Ms Leuthard, who was accompanied by Federal Councillors Alain Berset and Ignazio Cassis, and Mr Juncker reiterated the importance and diversity of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). They drew a positive assessment of the progress made this year in several areas and agreed on the next steps. Ms Leuthard and Mr Juncker also reiterated their desire to develop the bilateral approach.

Federal Council approves amendment of international customs transit procedure

22.11.2017 — Press release Europa

During its meeting on 22 November 2017, the Federal Council approved the draft resolution of the EU-EFTA Joint Committee to amend the Convention on a common transit procedure (CTP). It will enter into force on 1 January 2018.

Freight Transport 2016 - Railways continue to regain market share

21.11.2017 — Press release Europa

In 2016 rail goods transport regained market share from road transport for the fourth successive year. Transport performance by rail increased by 0.9% compared with the previous year while transport performance in road goods transport fell by 1.5%. These are some of the findings of the goods transport statistics produced by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Central Mediterranean Region: Better Protection of Refugees and Migrants and the Fight against Smugglers

13.11.2017 — Press release EDA
There is a need for stronger protection of refugees’ and migrants’ basic rights. This is a central theme of the declaration adopted in Bern on 13 November 2017 by the representatives of thirteen European and African countries situated on both sides of the Central Mediterranean Sea. The representatives met for the third meeting of the Central Mediterranean Contact Group, which was also attended by representatives of the EU, the UNHCR, the IOM and the ICRC. The participants intend to address the challenges posed by the alarming situation along the migration route to North Africa by strengthening the prevention of migrant smuggling, combating human trafficking and supporting the voluntary return of migrants to their countries of origin.

Official working visit of Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann in Brussels

03.11.2017 — Press release Europa

Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), is attending the annual meeting of the ministers of economic affairs and of finance of EFTA and the EU (ECOFIN) in Brussels on 7 November 2017. He is also meeting two Vice Presidents of the European Commission, Andrus Ansip and Jyrki Katainen.

Confederation and the cantons adopt common strategy on exchanges and mobility

02.11.2017 — Press release Europa
The exchange and mobility strategy aims to make exchanges and mobility a natural part of education pathways, career trajectories and extracurricular activities. The aim is to reinforce exchange and mobility programmes both from a qualitative and quantitative standpoint.

Focus on European policy and bilateral issues during presidential visit to Bulgaria

02.11.2017 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 2 November, President Doris Leuthard, held the now traditional talks with the future EU Council presidency. The themes addressed during the discussions with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Prime Minister Bojko Borissov and further members of the government included European policy, as well as bilateral and international issues.

Switzerland and EU sign an agreement on participation in EUTM Mali

28.04.2014 — Press release EDA
Today, Switzerland and the European Union have signed an agreement on Switzerland’s participation in the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali). The agreement will enable Switzerland to support EUTM Mali with civilian expertise.

Interim solution for Erasmus+ in 2014

16.04.2014 — Press release Europa
Following the suspension of negotiations on Switzerland’s association to Erasmus+, the Federal Council tasked the EAER with drawing up an interim solution for 2014. This was approved at today’s Federal Council meeting. The interim solution gives priority to mobility activities and is based on the principle that Switzerland wishes to regain full associate country status.

Schweiz-EU: zehnte Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses für das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen

15.04.2014 — Press release Europa
Die Delegationen der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union (EU) haben sich am 15. April 2014 in Brüssel zur zehnten Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses des bilateralen Abkommens für das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen getroffen. Zentrale Themen waren das Inkrafttreten des revidierten WTO-Übereinkommens über das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen und die entsprechende Anpassung der nationalen Gesetzgebungen im Bereich des öffentlichen Beschaffungswesens.

Schweiz-EU: zehnte Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses für das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen

15.04.2014 — Press release EDA
Die Delegationen der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union (EU) haben sich am 15. April 2014 in Brüssel zur zehnten Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses des bilateralen Abkommens für das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen getroffen. Zentrale Themen waren das Inkrafttreten des revidierten WTO-Übereinkommens über das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen und die entsprechende Anpassung der nationalen Gesetzgebungen im Bereich des öffentlichen Beschaffungswesens.

New system for immigration: Federal Council discusses next steps

26.03.2014 — Press release Europa
On Wednesday, the Federal Council discussed next steps with regard to the various EU-policy dossiers, following the adoption of the "against mass immigration" initiative. It has mandated the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to enter into consultations with the European Union, in cooperation with the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) and in agreement with other departments concerned. In particular clarification must be obtained on how discrimination against Croatia can be avoided.

Participation in the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes

07.03.2014 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council has acknowledged the decision of the European Commission to suspend Switzerland’s association to the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes and instead give Switzerland third-country status from 2014. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) have been asked to draw up interim solutions for the three programmes.

Participation in the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes

07.03.2014 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has acknowledged the decision of the European Commission to suspend Switzerland’s association to the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes and instead give Switzerland third-country status from 2014. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) have been asked to draw up interim solutions for the three programmes.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics in 4th quarter 2013 – Rise in number of cross-border commuters continues

03.03.2014 — Press release Europa

Neuchâtel, According to the Cross-border Commuter Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the number of foreign nationals crossing the border to work in Switzerland rose by 3.8% during 2013. More than half of the cross-border workforce lives in France (52.4%). Approximately a quarter lives in Italy (23.7%) and a fifth in Germany (20.5%). The cross-border workforce still tends to work in lower-skilled jobs.

State Secretary Jacques de Watteville's working visit in Bern with Pascal Saint-Amans, Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration

03.03.2014 — Press release Europa

Bern, Today in Bern, State Secretary Jacques de Watteville and the Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, Pascal Saint-Amans, met for a working visit. They discussed the status of the OECD project on corporate taxation (BEPS, base erosion and profit shifting) and the work on developing the global standard for the automatic exchange of information. The Swiss delegation also included the Director of the Federal Tax Administration, Adrian Hug.drian Hug.

Preisausgleich beim Handel mit landwirtschaftlichen Verarbeitungserzeugnissen: Aktualisierung der Referenzpreise per 1. März 2014

21.02.2014 — Press release Europa
Die Referenzpreise gemäss Protokoll Nr. 2 des Freihandelsabkommens Schweiz-EU von 1972 über bestimmte landwirtschaftliche Verarbeitungserzeugnisse werden per 1. März 2014 aktualisiert. Die Vertreter der Schweiz und der EU im Gemischten Ausschuss des Freihandelsabkommens haben am 13. Februar 2014 dem entsprechenden Beschluss zugestimmt. Der Bundesrat hat die Unterzeichnung des Beschlusses zur Anpassung der Referenzpreise am 12. Februar 2014 genehmigt. Parallel zu den Referenzpreisen zur EU werden jene zu Drittländern angepasst.

Change in immigration system: Yes to popular initiative aimed at stopping mass immigration

09.02.2014 — Press release Europa
The Swiss population has adopted a popular initiative aimed at stopping mass immigration. This brings with it a change of system in Switzerland’s immigration policy. The new constitutional provisions require that immigration be restricted by means of quantitative limits and quotas. The Federal Council will set to work on implementing these without delay.

Working visit of Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to Greece

04.02.2014 — Press release Europa

Bern, 04.02.2014 - Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), paid a working visit to Athens today, where the focus was on talks with the Greek Finance Minister, Yannis Stournaras.

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.