Switzerland takes over the Presidency of the Alpine Convention from France

10.12.2020 — Press release DEA
Switzerland, represented by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, took over the Presidency of the Alpine Convention from France at the 16th Alpine Conference on 10 December 2020. During its two-year incumbency, Switzerland will focus on climate protection and the modal shift policy in the Alpine region, and will work closely with other Alpine States to achieve its aims.

Switzerland – UK: Federal Council approves Agreement on mobility of service suppliers

04.12.2020 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council approved on 4 December 2020 an agreement between Switzerland and the UK on the mobility of service suppliers. The agreement provides reciprocal, facilitated market access for service suppliers to close a looming gap after the agreement on the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK) will cease to apply as of 1 January 2021. The conclusion of this agreement is part of the Federal Council's "mind-the-gap" strategy following the UK’s exit from the EU.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Spanish Foreign Minister in Bern

20.11.2020 — Press release EDA
On 20 November 2020, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, met with Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Arancha González Laya. The talks focused on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, relations with the European Union and bilateral relations between Switzerland and Spain. The Spanish minister's visit was also an opportunity to discuss multilateral commitments and International Geneva.

President Sommaruga takes part in video conference on Portugal’s upcoming EU presidency

17.11.2020 — Press release DEA
President Simonetta Sommaruga took part in separate hour-long video conferences with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister António Costa. Portugal assumes the presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2021. The talks held yesterday and today focused on European policy, overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, climate and environmental issues, bilateral relations and railway investment.

Ignazio Cassis receives French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in Bern

16.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today in Bern with France's Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. The talks centred on French-Swiss cooperation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral relations and European policy. Current international affairs were also discussed.

Ministerial session of the Council of Europe: Ignazio Cassis stresses the importance of close cooperation between states

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
"In these unusual times, close cooperation between our states is the only adequate response to the difficulties we are currently facing," stated Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 130th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE). Under Greece's chairmanship, the foreign ministers at the session adopted the 'Athens Declaration', reaffirming their existing commitments to respond effectively to public health crises while respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law – the CoE's founding values. Key representatives also met to celebrate 70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Meeting of the Swiss-EU Joint Committee for Research and Innovation

27.10.2020 — Press release DEA
The 25th meeting of the Joint Committee for Research and Innovation between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) / Euratom took place on 27 October. Discussions focused on implementation of the existing agreement between Switzerland and the EU on Horizon 2020, the Euratom programme and the international fusion reactor ITER.

23rd meeting of the Swiss-EU Joint Committee on Free Movement

22.10.2020 — Press release DEA
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 23rd meeting of the Swiss – EU Joint Committee on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) was held today by video conference. The delegations from Switzerland and from the European Union and its member states discussed various matters relating to the AFMP’s application and development. The two partners stressed the importance of their close cooperation in managing the public health crisis.

Official visit to Norway: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Oslo for talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide

15.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 15 October 2020 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met in Oslo with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. Mr Cassis and Ms Eriksen Søreide praised the excellent relations between Switzerland and Norway. In addition to bilateral relations, their talks focused in particular on the two countries' relations with the EU and their close cooperation within EFTA and the UN.

Federal Council appoints Livia Leu as new State Secretary and approves adjustments to the structure of the FDFA

14.10.2020 — Press release DEA
Livia Leu, who is currently Switzerland's ambassador in Paris, will assume the leadership of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA) with immediate effect and will take up the post of chief negotiator for negotiations with the EU. She will receive the title of State Secretary. The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 14 October 2020. It also agreed to adjustments to the structure of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). From 1 January, the European Affairs and Political Affairs directorates will be merged under a single State Secretariat headed by Livia Leu as the FDFA State Secretary.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to make official visits to Oslo and Copenhagen

13.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will visit Norway on 15 October and Denmark on 15 and 16 October. In Oslo, Mr Cassis will meet with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. In Copenhagen, he will meet with the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Rasmus Prehn, and Minister for Finance Nicolai Wammen for bilateral talks.

Ignazio Cassis receives Czech Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček in Bern: bilateral and European relations on the agenda

05.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 6 October Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček at the Lohn Manor. The meeting focused on the strength of Swiss-Czech bilateral relations and included discussions on possible areas for further collaboration. Mr Cassis and Mr Petříček also addressed a number of European and international issues. Switzerland and the Czech Republic maintain excellent economic relations and enjoy close cultural and social ties.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to attend a meeting of European labour ministers

14.02.2022 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin is to attend an informal meeting of EU ministers for work, employment and social affairs in Bordeaux on Tuesday, 14 February. The meeting will focus on the impact of digitalisation and climate change on the labour market.

Close Swiss-Austrian relations reaffirmed: President of the Swiss Confederation Cassis receives Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in Zofingen

14.02.2022 — Press release EDA
Today, Monday 14 February 2022, Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer began his first official visit to Switzerland, where he was welcomed by President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis. Switzerland's Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter also took part in the official talks and the joint lunch. The chancellor's visit marks the third high-level Swiss-Austrian meeting this year and demonstrates the neighbouring countries' desire to further strengthen their relations. The visit took place in Canton Aargau's town Zofingen – a symbol of the historical ties between the two states.

Meeting of the Joint Swiss–EU Committee for Research and Innovation

04.02.2022 — Press release DEA
On 4 February, the 26th meeting of the Joint Committee for Research and Innovation took place between Switzerland and the EU/Euratom. The meeting focused on Switzerland's association to Horizon 2020, the Euratom Programme, and its participation in the construction of the international fusion reactor ITER. Highlighted at the meeting was Switzerland's significant contribution to the success of these programmes and projects and their positive impact.

Swiss-EU relations: President Ignazio Cassis meets with civil society representatives in Bern

31.01.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis met with representatives from the business and scientific community in Bern this evening, as well as with organisations with an interest in European relations. The aim of the meeting was to have an open discussion on specific proposals made in recent months by civil society on relations between Switzerland and the EU.

President Cassis discusses bilateral and international issues with President Steinmeier, Chancellor Scholz and Foreign Minister Baerbock

20.01.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin on Thursday, 20 January. The talks focused on the bilateral relations between the two countries, and on current challenges in Europe and worldwide.

President Cassis to meet President Steinmeier, Chancellor Scholz and Foreign Minister Baerbock in Berlin

18.01.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis is travelling to Berlin this week, where he will be received by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, 20 January. Also on the agenda that day are first meetings with the new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and the new foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock.

50th anniversary of International Lake Constance Conference: President Cassis to strengthen cross-border cooperation

14.01.2022 — Press release EDA
On Friday, 14 January, the German, Austrian, Liechtenstein and Swiss representatives of the cantons and federal states that are a part of the International Lake Constance Conference (IBK) met on Mount Säntis to celebrate the Conference's 50th anniversary. President Ignazio Cassis also attended the event. The aim of the IBK is to promote cross-border cooperation in the Lake Constance area and to strengthen relations between the four neighbouring countries and regions near the border.

President Cassis on first visit to Vienna

13.01.2022 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 13 January 2022, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, travelled to Vienna for his first official visit. There he was received by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and exchanged views with Chancellor Karl Nehammer and the president of the Austrian National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka. Talks focused on bilateral relations, namely the strategic partnership that the two countries adopted last year, as well as on relations between Switzerland and the EU. Other major topics discussed were pan-European and international challenges. The trip to Vienna marks a decades-old tradition of each new Swiss and Austrian president making their first trip abroad to each other’s country, a sign of the friendly relationship between Switzerland and its Alpine neighbour.

President Ignazio Cassis to visit Vienna and Berlin

11.01.2022 — Press release EDA
In the next ten days President Ignazio Cassis will meet with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Liechtenstein's Prime Minister Daniel Risch. The visit to Vienna on Thursday continues a decades-old tradition of each new Swiss and Austrian president making their first trip abroad to each other’s country. Talks will focus on the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and Switzerland's European policy.

'Geneva, city of peace', Europe and referendums: Switzerland seen from abroad in 2021

16.12.2021 — Press release EDA
Political topics dominated foreign media coverage of Switzerland in 2021. The highlight of the year was the summit between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva. Here, Switzerland presented itself as a bridge-builder. In contrast, developments in Swiss-EU relations attracted negative attention. Two referendums also received a lot of international coverage. Switzerland continues to enjoy a generally very good reputation abroad, according to the Nation Brand Index (NBI).

Cross-border cooperation between France, Germany and Switzerland: Upper Rhine intergovernmental commission meets for 30th time

13.12.2021 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 13 December 2021, the Franco-German-Swiss Intergovernmental Commission for the promotion of cross-border cooperation in the Upper Rhine region met for its 30th session. With Germany chairing the online session, the parties discussed numerous cross-border issues, including the pandemic, transport matters and frontier workers.

Technische Handelshemmnisse Schweiz-EU: Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses hat stattgefunden

01.12.2021 — Press release DEA
Am 1. Dezember 2021 hat die 16. Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Abkommen über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen (MRA) stattgefunden. Die Gespräche konzentrierten sich auf die Umsetzung des Kapitels über Medizinprodukte.

Emissions trading scheme: acquisition of aviation data in 2018

02.06.2017 — DEA
The integration of greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector into the emissions trading scheme (ETS) is a necessary step in order to link the Swiss and European schemes. At its session on 2 June 2017 the Federal Council approved the Ordinance governing the acquisition and reporting of data from the aviation sector. In line with the intention of the European Union, it is only domestic flights in Switzerland or flights from Switzerland to member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) that are concerned.

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.

Withholding tax agreement with United Kingdom to be terminated

14.11.2016 — DEA
The withholding tax agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be terminated on 1 January 2017. The agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the automatic exchange of information in tax matters will enter into force on that date. On 14 November 2016, Switzerland and the United Kingdom signed a corresponding agreement in London to ensure a smooth transition between the two models.

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU - EU's reply

26.10.2016 — Article DEA

EU's reply letter of the 19.10.2016 (PDF, 1 Page, 110.9 kB)

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

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).

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)

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 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.

United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union

24.06.2016 — Article DEA

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. A list of answers to frequently asked questions is available on the website of the DEA.

• FAQ Brexit
• Press Release FDFA: Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens

Everything ready for the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel

01.06.2016 — DEA
With the gathering this morning of the one thousand randomly selected representatives of the public for the first trips through the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT), the opening festivities for the world's longest railway tunnel have begun. For the festival involving half a dozen heads of state and government, everything is ready. More than 2,000 individuals from the army, police, federal government, Swiss Federal Railways, AlpTransit Gotthard (ATG) and private companies are in action. In addition, 300 media professionals have been accredited from around 20 nations, including the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Kuwait and Chile as well as Switzerland's neighbouring countries.

Meeting of transport ministers in Lugano

31.05.2016 — DEA
Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard met the transport ministers of the Alpine countries today as part of the Zurich Process. The conference was held in Lugano this year to mark the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Transport ministers from the Alpine countries meet regularly to discuss issues of transport safety as well as the modal shift policy. The presidency passed from Slovenian infrastructure minister, Peter Gašperšič, to his Italian colleague Graziano Delrio.

Switzerland to support the reform of the civilian security sector in Mali and Ukraine

13.04.2016 — DEA
Today, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have signed two agreements on Switzerland's participation in EUCAP Sahel Mali, the EU's civilian mission for the reform of the security sector in Mali, and in EUAM Ukraine, the EU advisory mission for civilian security sector reform in Ukraine. These two agreements form the basis for the secondment of Swiss civilian experts to these missions.