Switzerland and Portugal to work together more closely on digitalisation

28.11.2017 — Press release DEA

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 DEA

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 DEA
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 DEA

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 DEA

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 DEA

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 DEA
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.

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.

Luxembourg foreign minister Jean Asselborn in Bern for talks

10.10.2017 — Press release EDA
Luxembourg and Switzerland have close, long-standing relations. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Grand Duchy’s first diplomatic representation in Switzerland, the foreign minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, visited Bern on 10 October 2017 to hold talks with Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police. The discussions focused on aspects of European policy, migration foreign policy, European security policy, the fight against terrorism and cooperation within the United Nations.

Strengthening ties between Switzerland and Italy: Didier Burkhalter and Angelino Alfano meet in Lugano on the margins of the Switzerland-Italy Dialogue Forum

09.10.2017 — Press release EDA
The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Didier Burkhalter, visited Lugano on Monday, 9 October 2017 for a working meeting with Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Angelino Alfano. Prior to discussing a series of pressing bilateral and multilateral issues, Mr Burkhalter and Mr Alfano opened the Forum for Dialogue between Italy and Switzerland, an initiative that seeks to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote an interchange of ideas in the political, economic, financial and cultural spheres.

Direct democracy and foreign policy shape Switzerland's image in 2014

15.12.2014 — Press release DEA
Like the 9 February referendum on the mass immigration initiative, Switzerland's many popular votes in 2014 have consistently captured the attention of foreign media. There has also been extensive coverage of the international conferences that have been hosted in Geneva, as well as of Switzerland's Chairmanship of the OSCE. This coverage has given Switzerland's good offices and peacebuilding efforts a much higher profile. The Swiss financial sector continues to be subject to criticism, although there have been signs of improvement this year. In the sporting arena, Switzerland's image has benefited from the national football team's strong performance in Brazil, and the Swiss victory in the Davis Cup. Finally, Switzerland continues to enjoy considerable popularity, as demonstrated by its excellent rankings in international image indices.

Visegrad-Gipfel: Schweiz verstärkt Dialog und Zusammenarbeit mit der Slowakei, Tschechien, Polen und Ungarn (de)

09.12.2014 — Press release DEA
Bei seinem Treffen mit den Premierministern Robert Fico (Slowakei), Bohuslav Sobotka (Tschechien), Ewa Kopacz (Polen) und Viktor Orban (Ungarn) im Rahmen des Visegrad-Gipfels in Bratislava hat Bundespräsident Didier Burkhalter mit seinen Gesprächspartnern eine Erklärung verabschiedet, die einen regelmässigen Meinungsaustausch vorsieht und die Entwicklung gemeinsamer Initiativen etwa in den Bereichen Bildung, Forschung oder wirtschaftlicher Zusammenarbeit fördern möchte. Bundespräsident Burkhalter nutzte seinen Aufenthalt in Bratislava ausserdem für bilaterale Gespräche mit dem slowakischen Präsidenten Andrej Kiska, Premierminister Robert Fico und Aussenminister Miroslav Lajcak.

End of commitment period for enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania

08.12.2014 — Press release DEA
The commitment period of the enlargement contribution for Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the EU in 2007, ended on 7 December. In all, 13 thematic funds and 28 projects totalling CHF 257 million were approved. The Swiss commitment aims to eradicate social and economic disparities in the enlarged European Union (EU).

Federal Council takes note of final report of group of experts on "further development of financial market strategy"

05.12.2014 — Press release DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council took due note of the final report of the group of experts on the further development of the financial market strategy. It will now analyse the report and draw its conclusions. In the future, an advisory board comprised of representatives from academia, the private sector and authorities should assess the fundamental challenges and the future prospects for the financial centre, and submit recommendations to the Federal Council where necessary.

Meeting of the European Space Agency’s Council at Ministerial level

02.12.2014 — Press release DEA
Important decisions regarding the development of the next-generation of European launcher, Europe’s space exploration strategy and the evolution of ESA were taken at today’s European Space Agency Ministerial Council in Luxembourg. Switzerland is co-president of the Ministerial Council until 2016 and the next meeting will take place on Swiss territory. Today’s meeting was co-chaired by Mauro Dell’Ambrogio, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, meets the Maltese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella

04.11.2014 — Press release DEA

Bern, 04.11.2014 - The President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) met the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta on Tuesday for an official working visit at the Watteville House in Bern. The meeting was an opportunity to take stock of various international and multilateral issues and of the development of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Malta. A memorandum of understanding was signed.

Optimierung Flankierende Massnahmen: Schulung für Vollzugsorgane

03.11.2014 — Press release DEA

British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, pays visit to Bern

22.10.2014 — Press release DEA
Relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the activities of the OSCE, the situation in Ukraine and policy on the EU took centre-stage at the talks between the British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, and the President of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, who received his guest on Wednesday for a working lunch at the Von Wattenwyl House.

British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, pays visit to Bern

22.10.2014 — Press release EDA
Relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the activities of the OSCE, the situation in Ukraine and policy on the EU took centre-stage at the talks between the British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, and the President of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, who received his guest on Wednesday for a working lunch at the Von Wattenwyl House.

Switzerland and EU member states sign understanding on business taxation

14.10.2014 — Press release DEA
Today in Luxembourg, Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and representatives of the 28 EU member states signed a mutual understanding in the form of a joint statement on business taxation, thereby putting an end to a controversy which has put a strain on relations between Switzerland and the EU for almost ten years. The signing took place on the fringes of the joint meeting of the economics and finance ministers of the EU and their counterparts from the EFTA countries.

President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter receives Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev

13.10.2014 — Press release DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Bukhalter, received the President of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, on Monday 13 October 2014 during the latter’s official visit to Switzerland. Talks focused on relations and cooperation between Switzerland and Bulgaria, notably in the field of vocational education and training. The meeting, also attended by Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga, included discussions on Swiss policy on Europe, Switzerland's contribution to EU enlargement and various topical international issues, especially those related to the OSCE, which Switzerland is chairing in 2014.

Update of the agreement with the EU on the simplification of customs formalities and on customs security measures

10.10.2014 — Press release DEA
Today, the chairperson of the joint committee signed decree no. 1/2014 on the amendment of Annex I to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the simplification of customs formalities and on customs security measures. The decree was approved by the Federal Council on 8 October 2014 and entered into force the day after it was signed.

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.