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State Secretary Martina Hirayama attends Eureka Ministerial Conference

23.06.2022 — Press release DEA
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the Eureka Ministerial Conference in Lisbon (Portugal) on 22 June. Eureka is an initiative of 47 countries aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation projects in market-oriented research and development independent of the EU’s framework programmes. State Secretary Hirayama also took the opportunity to talk with German education minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, UK science minister George Freeman and South Korean deputy trade minister Soosung Hwang.

Confederation arranges for implementation of OECD minimum tax rate in Switzerland

23.06.2022 — Press release DEA
In order to implement the OECD/G20 project on taxing the digital economy, the Federal Council is proposing a supplementary tax. Based on the results of the consultation, the Confederation should receive 25% of the receipts from the supplementary tax and use the funds for the benefit of Switzerland as a business location. The remaining 75% will go to the cantons and communes.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart

23.06.2022 — Press release EDA
During his visit to Stuttgart, the President of the Confederation met with the Minister-President of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. The meeting focused on Switzerland's relations with the European Union and their impact on close cross-border relations between Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg. The war in Ukraine was also discussed.

EFTA-Ministerkonferenz in Island

18.06.2022 — Press release DEA
Die Staatssekretärin für Wirtschaft Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch wird am 20. Juni 2022 an der Ministerkonferenz der Europäischen Freihandelsassoziation (EFTA) in Island teilnehmen. Hauptgesprächsthemen auf Ministerebene sind aktuelle und zukünftige Freihandelsprozesse sowie die militärische Aggression Russlands in der Ukraine, die seit Langem ein Freihandelspartner der EFTA ist.

Federal Council intends to step up exploratory talks with the EU

17.06.2022 — Press release EDA
At its European policy retreat on 17 June 2022, the Federal Council was briefed on the status of the exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU. The Federal Council decided on this basis to step up the exploratory talks with the EU. It also took note of the final report on the removal of regulatory differences between Swiss and EU law. The scope for action and possible solutions identified in the final report will be taken into consideration in further exploratory talks with the EU.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová on a State Visit to Switzerland

19.05.2022 — Press release DEA
On Thursday, 19 May, President Zuzana Čaputová became the first head of state of the Slovak Republic to pay a State Visit to Switzerland. The Swiss government, headed by President Ignazio Cassis, welcomed the Slovak president at the start of the visit on Bundesplatz in Bern. Besides bilateral relations, official talks focused in particular on the war in Ukraine. Other topics on the agenda included European policy and climate and environmental issues.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová to pay state visit to Switzerland

13.05.2022 — Press release EDA
President Zuzana Čaputová of Slovakia will pay a state visit to Switzerland next week. Switzerland and the Slovak Republic share many similarities and enjoy a close relationship. President Čaputová is the first Slovak head of state to visit Switzerland and will be received with full military honours. The Federal Council hopes that the visit will further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Swiss president visits the Vatican to meet the Pope and attend swearing-in of Swiss Guard

02.05.2022 — Press release EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis will travel to the Vatican on 6 May 2022, where he will take part in the swearing-in of the new Swiss Guard and meet Pope Francis and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the secretary for relations with states. The Swiss president's visit will also be an opportunity to present the new Swiss embassy to the Holy See.

Zurich – Lugano – Milano: trip of Switzerland's President Ignazio Cassis champions sustainable innovation

29.04.2022 — Press release EDA
Today, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, accompanied by authorities from Zurich and Ticino, launched Innovation Day, which spotlighted the network of innovation within Switzerland and beyond its borders as part of a train trip. Pursuing the axis of Zurich, Ticino and Milan, he visited Innovation Park in Dübendorf and Tecnopolo Ticino in Manno. At the end of the trip, the president was received at House of Switzerland Milano for its inauguration. There, he had an exchange with Italy's foreign minister, Luigi di Maio, and minister for technological innovation, Vittorio Colao.

Switzerland and the UK deepen partnership

28.04.2022 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 28 April, President Ignazio Cassis met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss in London. President Cassis was also invited to pay a courtesy visit to Queen Elizabeth II. Switzerland and the United Kingdom signed a joint declaration on the further development of their bilateral partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of science. They confirmed the launch of exploratory talks to modernise the existing trade agreement. Key topics of discussion included Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and its consequences, as well as Switzerland's and the UK's relations with the European Union.

Switzerland to represent Liechtenstein consular interests at four new locations

26.04.2022 — Press release EDA
From 1 May 2022, Switzerland will also represent the consular interests of the Principality of Liechtenstein at selected locations where Liechtenstein itself operates a representation. This is another sign of the close relations that exist between the two countries. On 18 March 2022, the Federal Council gave its approval for the conclusion of an agreement with Liechtenstein.

Presidential visit to UK to focus on Swiss-British partnership and European security

25.04.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis will travel to London this week where he will meet with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Minister Elizabeth Truss on Thursday, 28 April. The two sides will discuss ways of deepening bilateral relations. Other topics on the agenda include Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and its consequences, as well as the policies of Switzerland and the UK with regard to Europe.

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Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to San Marino

29.09.2020 — Press release EDA
On 1 October, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take part in the investiture of the two captains regent, the joint heads of state of the Republic of San Marino. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs was invited as official speaker at the ceremony. The official visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral and international issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis holds official working meeting with Foreign Minister Katrin Eggenberger in Vaduz

25.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met on 25 September 2020 with Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger during an official visit to the Principality of Liechtenstein. The two foreign ministers discussed cross-border and bilateral relations as well as European and international issues. That evening, Mr Ignazio Cassis will give a speech on Swiss foreign policy to a group of business leaders. Mr Ignazio Cassis also met with H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein.

Coronavirus: No quarantine for persons entering from border regions

11.09.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 11 September, the Federal Council decided on the quarantine rules for persons entering Switzerland from neighbouring countries: only those regions of neighbouring countries where the infection rate is over the limit will be added to the list of countries and areas with an increased rate of infection, not the entire country. Border regions may be exempted from inclusion on the list. In so doing, the Federal Council is responding to the rapid rise in infection numbers, while still taking account of the close interaction between Switzerland and neighbouring regions. The revised ordinance will come into force on 14 September. At the same time, the list of risk areas will be updated.

State Secretary Hirayama at the informal EU ministerial meeting on research and innovation

21.07.2020 — Press release DEA
State Secretary Martina Hirayama participated by videoconference in the informal meeting of the ministers for research and innovation of the EU member states on 21 July 2020. The biannual event focused on the dialogue about joint research and innovation activities to foster a sustainable and sovereign Europe, in particular in the context of global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Switzerland’s participation highlighted its commitment to the European Research Area and emphasised that it attaches great importance to generating and sharing knowledge at the international level.

Personenfreizügigkeit im Jahr 2019: Arbeitsmarkt weiterhin ausgeglichen

29.06.2020 — Press release DEA
Die Zuwanderung aus dem EU/EFTA-Raum in die Schweiz belief sich 2019 auf 30 700 Personen und ging damit im Vergleich zu 2018 leicht zurück, wie das SECO in seinem 16. Bericht des Observatoriums zum Freizügigkeitsabkommen Schweiz–EU festhält. Diese Entwicklung geht mit einem hohen Beschäftigungsgrad und einer rückläufigen Arbeitslosigkeit einher. Das inländische Arbeitskräftepotenzial wird zunehmend besser ausgeschöpft. Die Zuwanderung trägt zur Arbeitsmarktflexibilität bei und Personen, die im Familiennachzug eingewandert sind, integrieren sich gut in den Arbeitsmarkt.

Resumption of mobility and bilateral and cross-border cooperation at heart of Federal Councillor Cassis’ Geneva visit

26.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Today in Geneva, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Minister of State, attached to the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. During this final stage of Mr Cassis' 'border tour', after visits to Ticino and Kreuzlingen, the main talking points were the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation during the coronavirus crisis and the resumption of mobility across the Franco-Swiss border. European policy issues were also discussed.

Kreuzlingen: Ignazio Cassis stresses importance of open borders

17.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today in Kreuzlingen, on the Swiss side of Lake Constance, with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, Liechtenstein's Foreign Minister Katrin Eggenberger, Deputy Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Thomas Strobl and representatives of the International Lake Constance Conference Günther Eberle, Director of the State Government Office of Vorarlberg, and Walter Schönholzer, President of the Cantonal Council of Thurgau. The talks focused on the reopening of borders within Europe, cooperation during the coronavirus crisis and other European policy issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio in Ticino

16.06.2020 — Press release DEA
Following the reopening of borders within Europe, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has met the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio in Ticino. Together with his Italian counterpart, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) highlighted the good cooperation between Switzerland and Italy in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed solidarity and encouragement to the people living on either side of the Italian-Swiss border.

Coronavirus: Switzerland to lift COVID restrictions regarding all EU/EFTA states

12.06.2020 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 12 June, the Federal Council took note of the decision taken by the FDJP to lift the entry restrictions that currently apply between all Schengen States as of 15 June, as was announced last week. Controls at Swiss borders with these states will end on this date and full free movement of persons will be restored with all EU/EFTA states and with the United Kingdom.

Coronavirus: Switzerland to reopen its borders with all EU/EFTA states on 15 June

05.06.2020 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter informed the Federal Council at its meeting on 5 June that the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP intends to lift the existing entry restrictions applicable with regard to all EU/EFTA states and the United Kingdom as of 15 June.

Coronavirus: Easing of travel restrictions between Austria, Germany and Switzerland

15.05.2020 — Press release DEA
Bern-Wabern, 15.05.2020 - The borders between Switzerland, Germany and Austria are to open again for unmarried couples in long-term cross-border relationships, and for those wishing to visit relatives or attend important family events. Restrictions will also be lifted for people who own a property for personal use, tend allotments, or maintain agricultural or hunting land or woodland. People needing to take care of animals may also cross the border.

Coronavirus: Am 27. September 2020 findet eine eidgenössische Volksabstimmung statt

29.04.2020 — Press release DEA
Der Bundesrat hat entschieden, dass am 27. September 2020 über fünf eidgenössische Vorlagen abgestimmt werden soll: die Begrenzungsinitiative, das Jagdgesetz, die Steuerabzüge für Kinder, den Vaterschaftsurlaub und die Beschaffung neuer Kampfflugzeuge. Zudem hat er entschieden, den geltenden Fristenstillstand für eidgenössische Volksbegehren nicht über den 31. Mai hinaus zu verlängern.

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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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