Entry into force of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe

17.05.2017 — Press release DEA
On 17 May 2017 the Federal Council confirmed that the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe (Eastern Europe Cooperation Act) will come into force on 1 June 2017. The act was passed by Parliament on 30 September 2016.

Visit to Bern by the Danish foreign minister: strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Switzerland and Denmark

03.05.2017 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter met Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen on Wednesday 3 May 2017 during an official visit to Bern. Both countries have expressed the wish to strengthen their exchanges and cooperation, in particular with regard to relations with the EU, security in Europe – specifically within the framework of the OSCE and the Council of Europe – and cooperation at the multilateral level and in the context of Africa.

Switzerland steps up cooperation with the EU in the fields of humanitarian aid and civil protection

28.04.2017 — Press release EDA
The frequency and magnitude of disasters have increased significantly in recent years. Switzerland and the EU have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in order to respond more effectively to emergencies in Europe and worldwide. On 28 April 2017, the two partners signed an administrative agreement to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices.

Switzerland and Croatia commend quality of bilateral relations

25.04.2017 — Press release DEA

Bern - During an official visit by President Doris Leuthard to the Zagreb on Tuesday, 25 April, Switzerland and Croatia commended the quality of their bilateral relations, established in 1992. European policy was also a major theme of the talks between President Leuthard and President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.         

President Leuthard meets Estonia’s heads of state and government in Tallinn

10.04.2017 — Press release DEA

Bern - On her visit to Estonia on Monday, President Doris Leuthard was received by Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid. She also met with Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser and Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Kadri Simson. The subjects discussed during the working meetings included bilateral relations between Switzerland and Estonia, the priorities of the Estonian EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2017, and relations between Switzerland and the EU.        

Tax proposal 17 on schedule

10.04.2017 — Press release DEA
The steering body comprised of members from the Confederation and the cantons has completed a first round of hearings on tax proposal 17 with political parties, cities, communes, churches and the private sector. There is a broad consensus on the need for this project and on its objectives.

Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann meets UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox

31.03.2017 — Press release DEA
On 31 March, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met Liam Fox, the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade, for a working meeting on the future shape of bilateral economic relations following Brexit. The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) also met with Andrea Leadsom, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Situation in Europe and aid for people in crisis situations – Federal Councillor Burkhalter discusses specific measures with Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel

30.03.2017 — Press release DEA

Bern, The direct contact and mutual understanding and trust that marks bilateral relations between Switzerland and Germany also constitutes the basis for deepening cooperation. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discussed the joint commitment of both states in the areas of peace and security and the tackling of acute hunger crises with the new German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Berlin. The two ministers also addressed the situation in Europe, Switzerland’s policy towards the EU and aspects of bilateral relations during their first official meeting.        

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.

Tax proposal 17 to preserve tax competitiveness: Start of an optimised proposal

02.03.2017 — Press release DEA
The Federal Department of finance is forging ahead with work on a new corporate taxation proposal entitled tax proposal 17 (TP17). It was decided during the steering body's kick-off meeting that cities and communes would be closely involved in preparing the new version.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics for 4th quarter 2016 - Increase in the number of commuters

23.02.2017 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, (FSO) – The number of foreign cross-border commuters working in Switzerland increased by 11,300 persons (+3.7%) in 2016. Just over half of the cross-border commuters (54.9%) were resident in France, around a quarter (22.6%) were resident in Italy and a fifth in Germany (19.3%). In Ticino, the proportion of commuters out of all employed persons was highest at 27.1%. These are the findings of the Cross-border Commuter Statistics, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on a quarterly basis.    

Federal Council wants to swiftly draw up a new tax proposal

22.02.2017 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 22 February 2017, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to draw up the substantive parameters for a new tax proposal by mid-2017 at the latest following the vote on corporate tax reforms. The objective remains that of strengthening Switzerland's competitiveness.

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

16.06.2016 — Press release DEA

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 DEA
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 DEA
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 DEA
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 DEA
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 DEA

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 DEA

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.

Federal Council submits draft legislation to manage immigration

04.03.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern, On Friday the Federal Council submitted to Parliament several pieces of draft legislation to implement the constitutional provisions on immigration. The Federal Council is continuing to push for a mutually agreed solution with the EU. Since it has not yet been possible to reach an agreement with the EU, however, as announced, the Federal Council is now proposing a unilateral safeguard clause to control immigration that will allow it to fix annual limits if immigration exceeds a certain level. To better utilise the resident workforce, the Federal Council also wants it to be easier for people from the asylum system who are allowed to remain in Switzerland to find employment. At the same time it approved an amendment to the Foreign Nationals Act which prevents foreign jobseekers from accessing social welfare. The Federal Council also adopted the dispatch on the extension of the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) to Croatia. Ratification of the Croatia protocol is a requirement for Switzerland to continue to take part in the Horizon 2020 framework programme for research.

Swiss Labour Force Survey in 4th quarter 2015: labour supply – 0.5% increase in the number of employed persons; unemployment rate based on ILO rises to 4.7%

18.02.2016 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.5% between the 4th quarter 2014 and the 4th quarter 2015. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased in Switzerland from 4.1% to 4.7%. The EU's unemployment rate based on the ILO definition decreased from 10.0% to 9.1%. These are the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Federal Council adopts Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20

17.02.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern - A world without poverty and in peace, for sustainable development. This is the goal of the Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20, which the Federal Council submitted to Parliament today. The dispatch covers development cooperation strategy, including economic and trade-policy measures, and in particular strengthens humanitarian emergency aid and Switzerland's contribution to conflict resolution. Civilian peacebuilding is also incorporated into the strategy for the first time. By combining these means effectively, Switzerland will address current emergencies and help to alleviate crises, conflicts, climate change, poverty, inequality and lack of economic prospects and prevent the accompanying displacement of populations.

Federal Council adopts Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy for 2016–19

17.02.2016 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council has adopted the report on the foreign policy priorities for 2016–19. Four strategic priorities have been defined for the next legislative period. The Federal Council wishes to establish a well-regulated, partnership-based and expandable relationship with the EU and to strengthen global partnerships. Priority is also given to Switzerland's commitment to peace and security and to sustainable development and prosperity. The Federal Council also aims to expand the range of public services available to the Swiss community abroad and travellers.

Negotiations on linking of Swiss and EU emission trading schemes concluded

25.01.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern - Negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on linking their emissions trading schemes have concluded. Bruno Oberle, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment (until the end of 2015), Dominique Paravicini, Deputy Director of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA), and Jos Delbeke, Director General of the EU’s Directorate-General for Climate Action, have initialled the agreement. The expansion of the international CO2 market by linking national or regional emissions trading schemes can provide an effective means of combating climate change.

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.