Slovak President Andrej Kiska pays official visit to Switzerland

21.10.2016 — Press release Europa
The Slovak president, Andrej Kiska, arrived in Switzerland for an official visit on Friday, 21 October. In the morning he toured the ETH Zurich with President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann. Later the Slovak president was received with military honours at the Lohn country residence. The official talks focused on the themes of European policy and bilateral relations, particularly from an economic perspective, and also covered education, research and innovation. Slovakia currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer receives Slovakian Finance Minister

19.10.2016 — Press release Europa
This afternoon, Finance Minister Ueli Maurer received his Slovakian counterpart, Peter Kažimír, in Bern. The talks focused on an exchange on the macroeconomic situation in Europe and the most important international financial and tax issues.

Federal Council receives Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

17.10.2016 — Press release Europa
On Monday, 17 October, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann greeted Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Geneva at the start of his state visit to Switzerland. The two presidents then went on to visit the Campus Biotech research centre. In the afternoon Portugal’s head of state was received by the full Federal Council in Bern. The main themes covered during the official discussions included cooperation in the fields of education and research, energy, environmental and climate policy, and European policy issues.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter receives Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström

11.10.2016 — Press release Europa
Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Didier Burkhalter received the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström for a working visit today. The talks, held at Hôtel DuPeyrou in Neuchâtel, covered bilateral relations and EU policy. Cooperation between Switzerland and Sweden in international forums and topical international issues were also on the agenda for discussion.

Implementation of the Mass Immigration Initiative: quick ratification of the Croatia protocol possible

30.09.2016 — Press release Europa
At its meeting on 28/29 September 2016 the ETH Board made key decisions in order to invest in strategic research areas which are crucial for Switzerland. It also discussed the current implementation status of the Mass Immigration Initiative. In the view of the ETH Board, the National Council’s recent decision lays the foundations for the Croatia protocol to be quickly ratified by the Federal Council so that Switzerland could remain within Horizon 2020.

Federal Council amends Heavy Vehicle Charge Ordinance

23.09.2016 — Press release Europa
During its meeting today, the Federal Council amended the tariffs for vehicles which are subject to the mileage-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA). The new tariffs will enter into force on 1 January 2017. In this way, the decisions to promote the shift of transalpine goods transport which the Federal Council took in principle with the 2015 report on the transfer of traffic will be implemented.

President Schneider-Ammann meets European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Zurich

19.09.2016 — Press release Europa
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met with the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, in Zurich on Monday to discuss the current state of relations between Switzerland and the European Union. One of the main topics was the implementation of Article 121a of the Federal Constitution on immigration. In the evening, the two presidents attended an event to mark the 70th anniversary of the historic speech on Europe given by Winston Churchill in Zurich.

New funding programme to serve as launch pad for Swiss start-ups

14.09.2016 — Press release Europa
This autumn, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Education (SERI) will open an ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) in Switzerland. In addition to technical expertise and business-development support, ESA BIC Switzerland will also provide start-ups with up to EUR 500,000 in funding, which makes this a very interesting programme for young Swiss companies. The programme aims to support innovation in the space industry and the transfer of space technology to other fields.

President receives British Minister of State for Trade Policy

14.09.2016 — Press release Europa
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann today met the British Minister of State for Trade Policy, Lord Price. The meeting focused on the state of bilateral economic relations. Discussions also covered the outcome of the UK referendum to leave the EU, and its impact on the country’s future trade policy. The two partners agreed that bilateral economic relations should be maintained and strengthened. The bilateral dialogue should be intensified in the coming months.

President Schneider-Ammann holds official talks with Maltese president and prime minister

10.09.2016 — Press release Europa
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann concluded his visit to Malta on Saturday by meeting Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. He was received for a state visit on Friday by the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. The Republic of Malta will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2017.

The Federal Council extends the interim solution for Erasmus+ until the end of 2017

07.09.2016 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council has extended the 2014–2016 interim solution for Swiss participation in individual projects of the European mobility programme Erasmus+ by one year, thus providing interested Swiss nationals the opportunity to participate in European mobility and cooperation projects until the end of 2017.

Federal Councillor Maurer at meeting of German-speaking finance ministers

23.08.2016 — Europa
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).

Federal Council approves new Strategy for Communication Abroad

06.07.2016 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council approved Switzerland’s Strategy for Communication Abroad 2016–19 at its meeting today. Under the motto 'Strengthening the strengths', the strategy focuses on the priority areas for Switzerland’s communication abroad in the coming years. Its aim is to promote a positive and nuanced perception of Switzerland abroad and so help the country to safeguard its interests at an international level.

Taxes retained on behalf of the EU in 2015 amount to CHF 169,3 million

01.07.2016 — Press release Europa
The gross revenue generated from the system of tax retention on interest payments made in Switzerland to EU taxpayers amounted to CHF 169,3 million for the tax year 2015. It was CHF 317 million in 2014.

President Schneider-Ammann receives Georgian Prime Minister Kvirikashvili

28.06.2016 — Press release Europa

Bern - On Monday, 27 June, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann received Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in Bern for an official working visit. Later that day, the president and prime minister attended the EFTA Ministerial Meeting at which a free trade agreement was signed with Georgia. Bilateral talks focused on efforts to promote peace in the Caucasus and Switzerland’s cooperation strategy for the South Caucasus region.

Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens

24.06.2016 — Press release Europa

Bern, 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. There is, however, a high level of demand for information from Swiss citizens in Switzerland and abroad. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA has made additional staff available on the FDFA Helpline to answer calls regarding the impact of the United Kingdom's decision on Swiss citizens. The FDFA Helpline can be contacted on 0 800 24-7-365 and is available around the clock, including at weekends.

President Schneider-Ammann meets Slovakian president and prime minister

20.06.2016 — Press release Europa
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann travelled to Slovakia on Monday for a state visit where he was received in Bratislava by President Andrej Kiska. He also met the Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico, economic affairs minister, Peter Žiga, and education minister, Peter Plavčan. In view of the fact that the visit is taking place shortly before Slovakia assumes the rotating presidency of the EU Council for the first time on 1 July, and a few days before the UK referendum, talks focused on European policy issues. The two presidents also attended the Business and Innovation Forum Slovakia-Switzerland 2016.

Federal Councillor Leuthard in Berlin and Rotterdam for Gotthard base tunnel events

16.06.2016 — Press release Europa

Bern, 16.06.2016 - In the next few days, Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard will be attending two events focusing on the Gotthard base tunnel. The “Soirée Suisse Gottardo” will be held on 17 June 2016 in Berlin, and Switzerland is to host a special event in Rotterdam on 20 June 2016 within the framework of the Transeuropean Transport Networks Conference (TEN-T Days).

Combining interests and values: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter speaks about innovative foreign policy approaches at the Entrepreneur Day in Liechtenstein

09.05.2016 — Press release Europa
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), spoke at the 'Entrepreneur Day Liechtenstein, Rheintal, Vorarlberg' about how Switzerland addresses current challenges and what it can do to help shape the future. Mr Burkhalter also used his visit to the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein to hold bilateral talks with Liechtenstein's Foreign Minister, Aurelia Frick, and Deputy Prime Minister Thomas Zwiefelhofer.

Working meeting with the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn

14.04.2016 — Press release Europa
On 14 April 2016, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter met in Bern with the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, for a working breakfast to discuss bilateral relations, matters related to European policy and current international issues. Mr Asselborn, who is visiting Switzerland for several days, will also be meeting with Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga.

Peace, security and immigration: Switzerland and Germany's foreign ministers meet in Berlin

06.04.2016 — Press release Europa
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met with Germany's foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin today for official talks. They discussed the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy towards the EU, security issues, policy measures to support peace and bilateral topics. It was decided that the FDFA and the German Federal Foreign Office would cooperate more closely in future to train mediators.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström discuss article on immigration and bilateral matters

05.04.2016 — Press release Europa
Today, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter held bilateral talks with the Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström in Stockholm. The main topic of the meeting was Switzerland's policy towards the EU, in particular progress with the implementation of the new article in the Federal Constitution on immigration.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer receives Luxembourg's Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna

15.03.2016 — Press release Europa

Bern, This afternoon, Finance Minister Ueli Maurer received his Luxembourg counterpart Pierre Gramegna in Bern. The talks focused on an exchange on the macroeconomic situation in Europe and the most important international financial and tax issues.

Swiss-EU relations at the focus of visit to Malta and Slovakia by the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

09.03.2016 — Press release Europa

Bern, The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Didier Burkhalter, met with his Maltese counterpart George W. Vella on Wednesday in Valletta. The two foreign ministers mainly discussed the issue of Switzerland's relationship with the European Union (EU) and the political situation in the Mediterranean region. The Federal Councillor then gave a speech at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies on mediation and Switzerland's policy of providing good offices.

EU and Swiss regulators sign confidentiality arrangement

22.07.2015 — Article Europa

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 — Europa
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 Europa

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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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.