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

07.09.2016 — Press release DEA
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 — DEA
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).

Bundesrat Didier Burkhalter und Italiens Aussenminister Paolo Gentiloni tauschen sich über Vertiefung der Zusammenarbeit aus

22.08.2016 — Press release DEA
Die bilateralen Beziehungen zwischen der Schweiz und Italien sowie die Europapolitik standen im Zentrum des Gesprächs zwischen Bundesrat Didier Burkhalter und seinem italienischen Amtskollegen Paolo Gentiloni, welches am 22. August 2016 am Rande der diesjährigen Botschafter- und Aussennetzkonferenz in Genf stattfand. Die beiden Aussenminister beschlossen, sich insbesondere im Bereich der Europapolitik enger abzusprechen.

Swiss Labour Force Survey in 2nd quarter 2016: labour supply – 1.6% increase in number of employed persons; unemployment rate based on ILO definition rises slightly to 4.3%

18.08.2016 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.6% between the 2nd quarter 2015 and the 2nd quarter 2016. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased slightly from 4.2% to 4.3%. The EU's unemployment rate decreased from 9.5% to 8.6%. These are some of the survey results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Foreign ministers of German-speaking countries discuss European issues and advocate closer cooperation on European security

05.08.2016 — Press release DEA
Meeting today at Gutenberg Castle in Balzers (Liechtenstein), the foreign ministers of the five German-speaking countries decided to collaborate more closely on the prevention of violent extremism, cooperative security in Europe and other regions and the promotion of the German language. The ministers also underlined the importance of close, constructive relations between the members of the European Union and neighbouring countries like Switzerland.

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU

27.07.2016 — Article DEA

Swiss Government's letter of the 27.7.2016 (in French) (PDF, 1 Page, 216.6 kB)

Space for Europe – Citizens’ Debate in Luzern

26.07.2016 — Press release DEA
On 10 September 2016, citizens from the 22 Member States of the European Space Agency ESA will participate in the first Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe, in their respective countries. In the course of the day, citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about the significance of space and participate in the debate; proposing their views on all aspects of current and future space programmes.

President Schneider-Ammann meets European Commission President Juncker

16.07.2016 — Press release DEA
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on the fringes of the 11th ASEM Summit (Asia-Europe Meeting) in Mongolia on Saturday, 16 July. They discussed the state of ongoing talks between Switzerland and the European Union on a mutually acceptable solution to implementing Article 121a of the Federal Constitution with the framework of the existing Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of tax information with eight states and territories

06.07.2016 — DEA
Today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information with Iceland, Norway, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Japan, Canada and the Republic of Korea, and submitted it to Parliament for approval. The proposal met with widespread approval in the consultation.

Federal Council approves new Strategy for Communication Abroad

06.07.2016 — Press release DEA
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 DEA
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.

Federal Council extends transitional periods for financial market infrastructures

29.06.2016 — DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adjusted the Financial Market Infrastructure Ordinance. The transitional periods for financial market infrastructures were extended by a year in line with developments in the EU.

British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, pays visit to Bern

22.10.2014 — Press release DEA
Relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the activities of the OSCE, the situation in Ukraine and policy on the EU took centre-stage at the talks between the British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, and the President of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, who received his guest on Wednesday for a working lunch at the Von Wattenwyl House.

British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, pays visit to Bern

22.10.2014 — Press release EDA
Relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the activities of the OSCE, the situation in Ukraine and policy on the EU took centre-stage at the talks between the British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington, and the President of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, who received his guest on Wednesday for a working lunch at the Von Wattenwyl House.

Switzerland and EU member states sign understanding on business taxation

14.10.2014 — Press release DEA
Today in Luxembourg, Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and representatives of the 28 EU member states signed a mutual understanding in the form of a joint statement on business taxation, thereby putting an end to a controversy which has put a strain on relations between Switzerland and the EU for almost ten years. The signing took place on the fringes of the joint meeting of the economics and finance ministers of the EU and their counterparts from the EFTA countries.

President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter receives Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev

13.10.2014 — Press release DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Bukhalter, received the President of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, on Monday 13 October 2014 during the latter’s official visit to Switzerland. Talks focused on relations and cooperation between Switzerland and Bulgaria, notably in the field of vocational education and training. The meeting, also attended by Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga, included discussions on Swiss policy on Europe, Switzerland's contribution to EU enlargement and various topical international issues, especially those related to the OSCE, which Switzerland is chairing in 2014.

Update of the agreement with the EU on the simplification of customs formalities and on customs security measures

10.10.2014 — Press release DEA
Today, the chairperson of the joint committee signed decree no. 1/2014 on the amendment of Annex I to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the simplification of customs formalities and on customs security measures. The decree was approved by the Federal Council on 8 October 2014 and entered into force the day after it was signed.

Optimierung Flankierende Massnahmen: Schulung für Vollzugsorgane

09.10.2014 — Press release DEA
Am 9. Oktober 2014 fand in Gordola im Kanton Tessin eine Schulung für Vollzugsorgane der Flankierenden Massnahmen (FlaM) statt. Bundesrat Johann N. Schneider-Ammann sicherte den Vollzugsorganen im Rahmen der Veranstaltung Unterstützung zu. Regierungsrat Paolo Beltraminelli überbrachte die Grussworte der Tessiner Regierung.

Unofficial talks between State Secretary Mauro Dell’Ambrogio and Robert-Jan Smits, Director-General for Research at the European Commission

11.07.2014 — Press release EDA
Unofficial talks regarding Switzerland's participation in the Horizon 2020 research programme took place on the fringes of a visit by the European Commission's Director-General for Research and Innovation, Robert-Jan Smits, to CERN in Geneva on 10 July. No official proposal has been made by the European Commission on Switzerland's renewed participation.

Switzerland takes part in EU border control mission EUBAM Libya

04.07.2014 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have today signed an agreement on Switzerland's participation in the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya). This agreement provides the basis for deploying a Swiss civilian border control specialist to Libya on a one-year mission.

The Federal Council adopts a report on the European Social Charter

02.07.2014 — Press release EDA
On 2 July 2014, the Federal Council adopted a report on the revised European Social Charter, following a postulate tabled by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of States entitled: «Compatibility of the revised European Social Charter with the Swiss legal order». The report concludes that from a legal perspective it would currently be possible for Switzerland to satisfy the minimum conditions for ratification. The Federal Council will comment on the principle of ratifying the charter only at the next stage, once Parliament has taken note of the report.

Business taxation: Switzerland and EU initial mutual understanding to end talks

01.07.2014 — Press release EDA
Today in Bern, the heads of delegation of Switzerland and the European Union (EU) initialled a mutual understanding on business taxation. State Secretary Jacques de Watteville and his EU counterpart Heinz Zourek, Director General of the European Commission's Taxation and Customs Union Directorate-General, agreed on its final wording. The understanding brings an end to a dispute that has strained relations between the two parties for almost a decade.

Horizon 2020: Support for researchers in Switzerland

27.06.2014 — Press release DEA
Today the Federal Council approved interim measures in response to the unresolved situation regarding Switzerland’s association to Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The measures are designed to support researchers in Switzerland who are involved in projects and programmes financed under Horizon 2020 and who will no longer receive any funding from Brussels. The Federal Council’s stated aim remains for Switzerland to achieve full association to Horizon 2020 by the end of the year, if possible.

Horizon 2020: Support for researchers in Switzerland

27.06.2014 — Press release EDA
Today the Federal Council approved interim measures in response to the unresolved situation regarding Switzerland’s association to Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The measures are designed to support researchers in Switzerland who are involved in projects and programmes financed under Horizon 2020 and who will no longer receive any funding from Brussels. The Federal Council’s stated aim remains for Switzerland to achieve full association to Horizon 2020 by the end of the year, if possible.

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.