Swiss–EU relations: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with representatives of civil society in Bern

05.11.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis hosted a dinner in Bern this evening for representatives from business, academia and organisations with an interest in Europe. The aim of this gathering was to hold an open discussion on Swiss–EU relations.

Provisional application of the new social security convention with the United Kingdom as of 1.11.2021

01.11.2021 — Press release DEA
The new social security convention with the United Kingdom will be applicable provisionally from 1 November 2021. It coordinates the social security systems of the two contracting states as the CH-EU Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons is no longer applicable as a result of Brexit.

Migration cooperation at centre of Federal Councillor Keller-Sutter’s working visit to Greece

22.10.2021 — Press release DEA
During a working visit to Greece, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter met Minister of Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi and Deputy Minister for Citizen Protection Eleftherios Oikonomou on 22 October. The head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) also visited a shelter for unaccompanied minor girls in Athens and the Mavrovouni camp on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Horizon Package 2021-2027: Federal Council enables direct financing and examines further measures

20.10.2021 — Press release DEA
Switzerland is currently a non-associated third country in terms of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe” and related programmes and initiatives. Under this status, researchers and innovators in Switzerland can participate in roughly two thirds of the programme. However, they do not receive funding from the European Commission. On 20 October, the Federal Council instructed the EAER to provide direct funding to the players concerned and approved the necessary credit reallocations. In addition, it has instructed the EAER, in cooperation with the FDF, to examine possible complementary and replacement measures to strengthen Switzerland's standing as a location for research and innovation.

Horizon Europe: Federal Council submits transitional measures to Parliament for non-accessible programme components

17.09.2021 — Press release DEA
Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country in Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and related programmes and initiatives until further notice. Under this status, researchers in Switzerland can still participate in most collaboration projects, but are excluded from individual projects. On 17 September, the Federal Council therefore decided to initiate transitional measures until Switzerland achieves its stated aim of full association.

FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu in Brussels for working meetings

17.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On 17 September 2021, FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met various members of the European Commission and the European External Action Service in Brussels for talks focusing on relations between Switzerland and the EU.

Science diplomacy: Switzerland supports dialogue to create research centre in south-eastern Europe

13.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On Monday 13 September, Switzerland hosted a high-level conference in Bern as part of the South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST) project. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the conference alongside seven ministers and representatives from ten countries of south-eastern Europe. The SEEIIST project seeks to develop a regional centre of excellence in south-eastern Europe for biomedical research into cancer therapy. At the event, the head of the FDFA restated Switzerland's readiness to facilitate dialogue between the various partner countries for the creation of such a facility.

Resumption of high-level personal contacts with Romania

09.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 9 September, the Romanian president Klaus Iohannis met with President Guy Parmelin during an official visit to Switzerland. The discussions at Lohn Manor were also attended by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu. The talks focused on economic and scientific cooperation, the European policies of both countries and international security issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis guest speaker at Hungarian Ambassadors' Conference

24.08.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will be a guest speaker at the Hungarian Ambassadors' Conference in Budapest on 27 August. In his address, he will outline the guidelines and thematic focus areas of Switzerland's foreign policy strategy. Mr Cassis will also meet in Budapest with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó and Minister of Justice Judit Varga, whose portfolio includes EU affairs.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on new frontier workers agreement with Italy

11.08.2021 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 11 August 2021, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the new frontier workers agreement between Switzerland and Italy. The agreement significantly improves the current regulation on the taxation of frontier workers and contributes to maintaining the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

European policy: Federal Council submits dispatch on approving second Swiss contribution

11.08.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council's European policy agenda includes approving the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states with a view to continuing the bilateral approach. At its meeting on 11 August, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch to this effect to be brought before Parliament as soon as possible.

Wildfires in Greece – Switzerland sends support helicopters and firefighting crews

06.08.2021 — Press release EDA
Wildfires are currently raging across several regions of Greece. Responding to a call for assistance by the Greek authorities, Switzerland is dispatching three helicopters and firefighting crews to help contain the fires.

State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal EU Ministerial Meeting on Competition in Research and Innovation

20.07.2021 — Press release DEA
On 19 July 2021, State Secretary Martina Hirayama took part in an informal meeting of ministers responsible for research and innovation in the EU member states. At the biannual event, held this time in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, the participants discussed the implementation of the goals of the new European Research Area at national and European level. They also addressed the question of how Europe would like to shape cooperation in the area of research and innovation with its international partners. Switzerland’s presence and input at this meeting underscored its active commitment to maintaining a strong European Research Area.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Mission of Switzerland in Brussels and meets EU commissioners for informal exchange

20.07.2021 — Press release EDA
On 19 and 20 July Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), visited the Mission of Switzerland to the European Union in Brussels. He exchanged views with staff there and gained an overview of the tasks at hand and those lying ahead. Mr Cassis also engaged in an informal exchange of views with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, and EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

Horizon Europe: Switzerland currently with third country status

14.07.2021 — Press release DEA
Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country in the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, until further notice. Researchers in Switzerland can still participate in calls for proposals under the status, albeit to a limited extent, and receive funding directly from the Confederation. However, participation in individual projects, in particular in future calls for proposals from the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the European Innovation Council, is no longer possible. The Federal Council’s stated aim remains Switzerland’s full association to Horizon Europe.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Vilnius for Ukraine Reform Conference and bilateral talks

08.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the Ukraine Reform Conference 2021 (URC) in Vilnius from 6 to 8 July. At the end of this year's conference, Switzerland officially assumed the chair of the URC2022 in Lugano. During the conference, Mr Cassis met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba. To mark two anniversaries in Swiss–Lithuanian relations, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also met with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in Vilnius.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Estonia to mark double anniversary and discuss digitalisation

06.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Following the first leg of his visit to the Baltic States in Latvia, today Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, travelled to Estonia where he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets and Parliamentary Speaker Jüri Ratas. Their talks focused on digitalisation, European policy and Switzerland's candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council in the period 2023–24. Mr Cassis also visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis starts Baltic tour with official visit to Latvia

05.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has begun his trip to the Baltic States with an official visit to Latvia. This year, Switzerland is celebrating a double anniversary with all three Baltic countries: the centenary of their independence and 30 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Mr Cassis was received in Riga on 5 July by Latvian President Egils Levits, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs and Parliamentary Speaker Ināra Mūrniece. Talks focused on European policy. Latvia is the first stop on Mr Cassis' trip to the region. He will then pay an official visit to Estonia followed by Lithuania, where he will also take part in the Ukraine Reform Conference.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania and take part in Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius

01.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will make an official visit to the Baltic states from 4 to 8 July 2021. He will travel to Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. He will also participate in the Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on 7 and 8 July. The talks will focus on European policy, bilateral cooperation and the challenges currently facing the international community. Mr Cassis is attending the Reform Conference in preparation for Switzerland's upcoming chairmanship in 2022.

Switzerland - UK: Federal Council adopts dispatch on Services Mobility Agreement

30.06.2021 — Press release DEA
On 30 June, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on the agreement between Switzerland and the UK on the mobility of service providers (Services Mobility Agreement, SMA). The agreement ensures reciprocal facilitated access for service providers between Switzerland and the UK following the expiry of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP).

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer meets Ireland's Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, in Dublin

28.06.2021 — Press release DEA
On 28 June 2021 in Dublin, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met the Irish Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, for an exchange on bilateral and multilateral tax issues.

Third meeting of the Italian-Swiss joint committee for cooperation in the area of science

28.06.2021 — Press release DEA
On June 28, 2021, the third meeting of the Italian-Swiss joint committee for cooperation in the area of science met took place in a virtual format. The meeting included both a bilateral discussion between Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, and Maria Cristina Messa, Italian Minister for University and Research, and an in-depth exchange between the respective high-level delegations of both countries on existing and future scientific cooperation.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer meets Hungary's Minister for Finance, Varga Mihály, in Budapest

25.06.2021 — Press release DEA
On 25 June 2021 in Budapest, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met the Hungarian Minister for Finance, Varga Mihály, for an exchange on bilateral and multilateral tax issues.

Project submissions opened for Horizon Europe

25.06.2021 — Press release DEA
The European Commission has launched the calls for project proposals under Horizon Europe. Switzerland and the EU have not yet held negotiations on Switzerland's association to the programme. Researchers in Switzerland can nonetheless participate in the calls for proposals, albeit to a limited extent. If there is a delay or no association, Swiss researchers will have the possibility of receiving direct funding from the Confederation.

Emissions trading scheme: acquisition of aviation data in 2018

02.06.2017 — DEA
The integration of greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector into the emissions trading scheme (ETS) is a necessary step in order to link the Swiss and European schemes. At its session on 2 June 2017 the Federal Council approved the Ordinance governing the acquisition and reporting of data from the aviation sector. In line with the intention of the European Union, it is only domestic flights in Switzerland or flights from Switzerland to member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) that are concerned.

Official working visit to Brussels by Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann

30.03.2017 — DEA
On 30 March Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), met European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip, who is responsible for the digital single market, and the Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström. The main themes included cooperation in the field of digitalisation and bilateral trade relations, particularly updating the existing bilateral agreements.

Withholding tax agreement with United Kingdom to be terminated

14.11.2016 — DEA
The withholding tax agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be terminated on 1 January 2017. The agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the automatic exchange of information in tax matters will enter into force on that date. On 14 November 2016, Switzerland and the United Kingdom signed a corresponding agreement in London to ensure a smooth transition between the two models.

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU - EU's reply

26.10.2016 — Article DEA

EU's reply letter of the 19.10.2016 (PDF, 1 Page, 110.9 kB)

Swiss Government's letter of the 27.7.2016 (in French) (PDF, 1 Page, 216.6 kB)

Federal Councillor Maurer at meeting of German-speaking finance ministers

23.08.2016 — DEA
Today, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer attended the informal working meeting of German-speaking finance ministers in Vaduz. He discussed current financial and fiscal policy issues with his counterparts Wolfgang Schäuble (Germany), Hans Jörg Schelling (Austria), Adrian Hasler (Liechtenstein) and Pierre Gramegna (Luxembourg).

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU

27.07.2016 — Article DEA

Swiss Government's letter of the 27.7.2016 (in French) (PDF, 1 Page, 216.6 kB)

Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of tax information with eight states and territories

06.07.2016 — DEA
Today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information with Iceland, Norway, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Japan, Canada and the Republic of Korea, and submitted it to Parliament for approval. The proposal met with widespread approval in the consultation.

Federal Council extends transitional periods for financial market infrastructures

29.06.2016 — DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adjusted the Financial Market Infrastructure Ordinance. The transitional periods for financial market infrastructures were extended by a year in line with developments in the EU.

United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union

24.06.2016 — Article DEA

The electorate of the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum. The current regulations regarding Swiss citizens and companies will remain valid for the time being. A list of answers to frequently asked questions is available on the website of the DEA.

• FAQ Brexit
• Press Release FDFA: Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens

Everything ready for the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel

01.06.2016 — DEA
With the gathering this morning of the one thousand randomly selected representatives of the public for the first trips through the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT), the opening festivities for the world's longest railway tunnel have begun. For the festival involving half a dozen heads of state and government, everything is ready. More than 2,000 individuals from the army, police, federal government, Swiss Federal Railways, AlpTransit Gotthard (ATG) and private companies are in action. In addition, 300 media professionals have been accredited from around 20 nations, including the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Kuwait and Chile as well as Switzerland's neighbouring countries.

Meeting of transport ministers in Lugano

31.05.2016 — DEA
Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard met the transport ministers of the Alpine countries today as part of the Zurich Process. The conference was held in Lugano this year to mark the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Transport ministers from the Alpine countries meet regularly to discuss issues of transport safety as well as the modal shift policy. The presidency passed from Slovenian infrastructure minister, Peter Gašperšič, to his Italian colleague Graziano Delrio.

Switzerland to support the reform of the civilian security sector in Mali and Ukraine

13.04.2016 — DEA
Today, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have signed two agreements on Switzerland's participation in EUCAP Sahel Mali, the EU's civilian mission for the reform of the security sector in Mali, and in EUAM Ukraine, the EU advisory mission for civilian security sector reform in Ukraine. These two agreements form the basis for the secondment of Swiss civilian experts to these missions.