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.

Federal Council wants Switzerland to join six European research infrastructures

13.04.2022 — Press release DEA
On 13 April, the Federal Council submitted the Dispatch on Switzerland's access to six European research infrastructure networks to Parliament. Access to these networks will enable Swiss researchers to participate actively and on an equal footing.

Ukraine: Adoption of further EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus

13.04.2022 — Press release DEA
On 13 April, the Federal Council took the decision to adopt the new EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Amendments to the corresponding ordinances are being prepared. Furthermore, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) has imposed financial sanctions and travel restrictions on a further 200 individuals.

Ignazio Cassis meets President Egils Levits of Latvia in Lugano

11.04.2022 — Press release EDA
During their meeting in Lugano, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis and his Latvian counterpart Egils Levits discussed bilateral relations between Switzerland and Latvia, the war in Ukraine and European policy. Afterwards, the two presidents visited the Museo Rainis e Aspazija, which commemorates the time spent in exile by the Latvian intellectuals in Switzerland at the start of the 20th century.

German-speaking foreign ministers address joint appeal to Russia

08.04.2022 — Press release EDA
At the invitation of Liechtenstein's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the annual meeting of foreign ministers from the five German-speaking countries took place today in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Their discussions focused on the current situation in Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences, and the humanitarian crisis created by the Russian attack on Ukraine. The five German-speaking foreign ministers jointly appeal to Russia to immediately end all use of force in Ukraine and to withdraw its troops unconditionally.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to meet Bulgarian president and EU research commissioner in Sofia

07.04.2022 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), will inaugurate the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) in Sofia on 11 April. During this visit, he will also hold talks on research, innovation and education in the context of Swiss-Bulgarian and Swiss-European cooperation.

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.

Coronavirus: Restrictions on entry to be gradually relaxed from 11 May

29.04.2020 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council plans to gradually relax the restrictions on entry imposed as a result of the coronavirus crisis in step with the gradual reopening of the economy. From 11 May onwards, applications submitted by workers from the EU/EFTA and third countries before 25 March will be processed (the backlog will be reduced). From this date, it should also be possible for family members of Swiss citizens and EU citizens to enter Switzerland. Border controls, however, will remain in place. The Federal Council has tasked the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) with preparing these measures to ease the lockdown.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for coordinated easing of COVID-19 restrictions

21.04.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met by videoconference earlier today, 21 April, with his counterparts from the other German-speaking countries. He called on neighbouring countries and the EU to proceed in a coordinated manner to ease COVID-19 restrictions as quickly as possible. He also thanked his counterparts for the excellent cooperation which made the repatriation flights to bring Swiss and foreign citizens home possible.

Swiss travellers abroad should register on the "Travel Admin App”

19.03.2020 — Press release EDA
Earlier this week, the Federal Council called on Swiss travellers to return home quickly. In order to better support those who are still blocked abroad, they should register on the "Travel Admin App" of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

Bundesrat verschärft Massnahmen gegen das Coronavirus zum Schutz der Gesundheit und unterstützt betroffene Branchen

13.03.2020 — Press release EDA
Um die Ausbreitung des Coronavirus in der Schweiz einzudämmen und um die Bevölkerung und die Gesundheitsversorgung zu schützen, hat der Bundesrat an seiner Sitzung vom 13. März 2020 weitere Massnahmen beschlossen: Er verbietet ab sofort und bis Ende April Veranstaltungen mit mehr als 100 Personen, in Restaurants, Bars und Diskotheken dürfen sich maximal 50 Personen aufhalten. Damit kann das gegenseitige Abstandhalten einfacher eingehalten werden. An den Schulen darf bis am 4. April vor Ort kein Unterricht stattfinden. Die Einreise aus Italien wird weiter eingeschränkt. Der Bundesrat stellt zudem bis zu 10 Milliarden Franken als Soforthilfe zur Verfügung, um die wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen der Pandemie rasch und unbürokratisch abzufedern.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Paris

10.03.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), paid an official visit to Paris from 9 to 10 March 2020. Talks with his French counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, focused on bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and international current affairs. Measures adopted by the international community to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus were also discussed.

EU and Swiss regulators sign confidentiality arrangement

22.07.2015 — Article DEA

Arrangements will improve oversight of medicines for better protection of public and animal health.

Contribution to the enlarged EU: signing of bilateral framework agreement with Croatia

30.06.2015 — DEA
On 30 June 2015 in Zagreb, Switzerland and Croatia signed the bilateral framework agreement which regulates the substance and implementation of the Swiss enlargement contribution to Croatia. Switzerland has allocated CHF 45 million to support projects in Croatia, in particular in the fields of water treatment, supply of drinking water, research and vocational education and training.

Popular vote Ecopop

30.11.2014 — Article DEA

In a popular vote held on 30 November 2014, 74.1% of the Swiss people and all the cantons have rejected the popular initiative «Stop overpopulation – safeguard our natural environment» (Ecopop initiative).

Switzerland takes further step towards introduction of automatic exchange of information

19.11.2014 — DEA
Today, the Federal Council approved a declaration on Switzerland joining the multilateral agreement on the automatic exchange of information in tax matters. This international agreement, which was developed within the framework of the OECD, forms a basis for the future introduction of the cross-border automatic exchange of information. The question regarding the countries with which Switzerland should introduce this exchange of data is not affected by the signing of the multilateral agreement; it will be presented to Parliament separately at a later stage.

French President François Hollande to pay a state visit to Switzerland in 2015

30.10.2014 — DEA
During President Didier Burkhalter’s working visit to Paris on Thursday, the French president, François Hollande, accepted the Federal Council’s invitation to pay a state visit to Switzerland. The visit will take place next year. During their discussions, the two presidents addressed the status of Basel-Mulhouse airport. Mr Burkhalter and Mr Hollande stressed the importance of the airport’s binational character for the region as a whole.

Federal Council approves the Horizon 2020 package

22.10.2014 — DEA
In its meeting today, the Federal Council approved the agreement on Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon 2020 research programme. The agreement covers Switzerland’s partial association to the programme between 15 September 2014 and 31 December 2016. It allows researchers from Switzerland to take full part in selected parts of Horizon 2020 and to apply for the sought-after grants provided by the European Research Council. The agreement provides for Switzerland’s full association to Horizon 2020 between 2017 and 2020, provided a solution can be found to the issue of the free movement of persons.

Automatic exchange of information in tax matters: Federal Council adopts negotiation mandates with partner states

08.10.2014 — DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adopted definitive negotiation mandates for introducing the new global standard for the automatic exchange of information in tax matters with partner states. The competent parliamentary committees and the cantons were consulted on the mandates in recent months. Negotiations with partner states should commence shortly.

German Chancellor Merkel assures President of the Swiss Confederation Burkhalter that Germany will play a constructive part in the dialogue on EU policy

18.02.2014 — DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter, informed German Chancellor Angela Merkel today about the outcome of the popular vote on the mass immigration initiative and the next steps to be taken by the Federal Council to implement the new constitutional provision on immigration. Ms Merkel assured Mr Burkhalter that Germany would play a constructive part in the aspects of the discussions that touch on EU policy. The meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier centred on the situation in Ukraine and the possible role of the OSCE, which is chaired by Switzerland in 2014, in defusing the crisis. Mr Burkhalter will travel from Berlin to Paris, where he will meet with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius this evening.

Fourth Round of Swiss-EU Negotiations on Linking of Emissions Trading Systems

09.07.2013 — DEA
The fourth round of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union on the linking of their respective CO2 emissions trading systems was held in Zurich on 8 July 2013. Further progress was made at the negotiations. The aim of completing the technical negotiations by the end of the year was corroborated.