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Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Vienna: signing of memorandum of understanding on new strategic partnership between Switzerland and Austria

10.06.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Austria on 11 June. In Vienna, together with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, he will sign a memorandum of understanding on the strategic partnership between the two countries. The following day, Mr Cassis will take part in the Europa-Forum Wachau and meet with Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

President Parmelin hails Slovenia trip a success

09.06.2021 — Press release DEA
Swiss President Guy Parmelin met with President Borut Pahor during his visit to Slovenia on Wednesday 9 June. He also held talks with Prime Minister Janez Janša, Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Počivalšek and Speaker of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič. Discussions focused on bilateral matters, including the development of economic relations, and issues of European policy. Slovenia will assume the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July.

Erstes Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Handelsabkommen Schweiz–Vereinigtes Königreich

08.06.2021 — Press release DEA
Am 1. Januar 2021 trat das Handelsabkommen zwischen der Schweiz und dem Vereinigten Königreich (UK) in Kraft. Der zuständige Gemischte Ausschuss hielt am 8. Juni 2021 sein konstituierendes Treffen ab. Dabei wurden zentrale Themen für die Handelsbeziehungen zum Vereinigten Königreich wie die Ursprungskumulation und die Weiterentwicklung des Abkommens diskutiert.

European policy: Federal Council sets out next steps for second Swiss contribution

04.06.2021 — Press release EDA
The unblocking of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states is part of the Federal Council's European policy agenda, with a view to pursuing the bilateral approach. At its meeting on 4 June, the Federal Council decided to prepare a dispatch on the unblocking of the corresponding framework credits. The dispatch will be submitted to Parliament in the autumn session.

No signing of Swiss–EU institutional agreement

26.05.2021 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 26 May, the Federal Council undertook an overall evaluation of the outcome of the negotiations on the institutional framework agreement (InstA). It concluded that there remain substantial differences between Switzerland and the EU on key aspects of the agreement. The conditions are thus not met for the signing of the agreement. The Federal Council today took the decision not to sign the agreement, and communicated this decision to the EU. This brings the negotiations on the draft of the InstA to a close. The Federal Council nevertheless considers it to be in the shared interest of Switzerland and the EU to safeguard their well-established cooperation and to systematically maintain the agreements already in force. It therefore wishes to launch a political dialogue with the EU on continued cooperation. Meanwhile, it has tasked the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) to consider how autonomous amendments to Swiss legislation might contribute to the stabilisation of Swiss–EU relations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó

20.04.2021 — Press release EDA
On Tuesday 20 April 2021, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, for an official working meeting in Bern. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, Hungary's upcoming chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and the socio-political and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Science diplomacy and cross-border cooperation focus of German-speaking foreign ministers' meeting in Lugano

16.04.2021 — Press release EDA
At the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the annual meeting of foreign ministers from the five German-speaking countries took place today in Lugano. The talks focused on cross-border cooperation, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, science diplomacy in digital foreign policy and other topics of European and international interest.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives new Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein Dominique Hasler

15.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Today, for the first time, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received Dominique Hasler, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of the Principality of Liechtenstein. This is the first official working visit of Liechtenstein's new foreign minister in Switzerland. It focused on cross-border and bilateral relations as well as European and international issues.

Europe was the main continent of residence for Swiss citizens abroad in 2020

30.03.2021 — Press release DEA
At the end of 2020, more than one in ten Swiss citizens lived abroad. Almost two thirds lived in Europe, notably in France. Their number increased by 0.7% compared with 2019. The increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over was the most marked (+2.8%). Overall, the share of women remained greater than that of men, according to the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland - UK: Federal Council launches consultation on Services Mobility Agreement

17.02.2021 — Press release DEA
On 17 February, the Federal Council opened consultation proceedings 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). The consultation runs until 30 April.

Einfuhrzölle auf landwirtschaftliche Verarbeitungsprodukte: Anpassung der Referenzpreise auf den 1. März 2021

16.02.2021 — Press release DEA
Der Gemischte Ausschuss des Freihandelsabkommens Schweiz-EU von 1972 hat am 12.02.2021 beschlossen, die im Protokoll Nr. 2 des Freihandelsabkommens über bestimmte landwirtschaftliche Verarbeitungserzeugnisse festgelegten Referenzpreise auf den 1. März 2021 anzupassen. Auf das gleiche Datum werden die Zölle auf Importe dieser Produkte aus Drittländern aktualisiert.

Appointment of the Swiss delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

12.02.2021 — Press release EDA
On 22 January 2021, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis appointed the 12 members of the Swiss delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (hereafter the Congress) for the period 2021–26. The candidatures were proposed by the Conference of Cantonal Governments, the Swiss Union of Cities and the Association of Swiss Communes. Following formal validation by the Congress Bureau on 12 February 2021, the new delegation can now begin its work in preparation for the renewal session from 23 to 25 March.

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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.

Number of cross-border commuters has grown steadily since the turn of the millennium

24.06.2021 — Press release DEA
At the end of 2020, some 343 000 cross-border commuters were working in Switzerland. This was twice as many as 25 years ago. Nearly all of them came from a neighbouring country and worked in a border canton. Although the canton of Geneva had the highest absolute number of these workers, their percentage share in total employment was largest in the canton of Ticino. These are some of the findings from the “Cross-border commuters in Switzerland 1996-2020” publication from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Bilateral affairs and Swiss–EU relations high on the agenda for Ignazio Cassis' visit to Paris

18.06.2021 — Press release EDA
On 17 June, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met France's Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris. Talks focused on Swiss–EU relations and relations between Switzerland and France. Various international issues of current concern were also discussed.

Ignazio Cassis to meet Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris

16.06.2021 — Press release EDA
On Thursday 17 June, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Paris to meet with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. Talks will focus on Swiss–EU relations and relations between Switzerland and France.

President Parmelin in Sweden for bilateral exchange

14.06.2021 — Press release DEA
President Guy Parmelin was received by King Carl XVI Gustaf at the start of his visit to Sweden on Monday, 14 June 2021. He then met separately with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation Ibrahim Baylan and Minister for Higher Education and Research Matilda Ernkrans, and paid a courtesy visit to Speaker of the Riksdag Andreas Norlén. The innovation agencies of Switzerland and Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding to further deepen their cooperation, which has been ongoing since 2013.

Council of Europe Ministerial Conference: Switzerland advocates for the protection of journalists

11.06.2021 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga is concerned by the continued deterioration of working conditions experienced by journalists and media professionals. At the Council of Europe’s virtual Ministerial Conference on Media and Information Society on 11 June, she stressed Switzerland’s willingness to reverse this trend and support measures to strengthen freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Europe.

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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.

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