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.

Close ties form basis for intensified cooperation: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets Finland's Foreign Minister Timo Soini

10.07.2015 — Press release EDA
During his stay in Helsinki, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter held bilateral discussions with Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the meeting focused on Switzerland's policy regarding the EU as well as the crisis in Ukraine and possibilities for rebuilding European security.

Launch of first European nanomedicine characterization lab

02.07.2015 — Press release DEA
Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, is part of the «European Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratory», a European project funded by the EU framework program «Horizon 2020». Its goal is to reach a level of international excellence in nanomedicine characterization for diseases like cancer, diabetes, inflammatory diseases or infections. This competence will be made accessible to all organizations developing candidate nanomedicines prior to their submission to regulatory agencies to get approval for clinical trials and, later on, for marketing authorization.

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.

Close partnership at bilateral and multilateral levels: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter holds political talks in Liechtenstein

26.06.2015 — Press release EDA
On his working visit to Liechtenstein, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter today met Prime Minister Adrian Hasler and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture Aurelia Frick. The two sides emphasised the close, friendly relations between the two countries, this being reflected in the wide range of issues that were discussed.

27. Treffen des Gemischten Landverkehrsausschusses Schweiz–EU

26.06.2015 — Press release EDA
Der Gemischte Landverkehrsausschuss Schweiz–EU traf sich am Freitag in Brüssel zum 27. Mal. Die Schweizer Delegation wurde vom Direktor des Bundesamtes für Verkehr (BAV), Peter Füglistaler, angeführt. Sie informierte die Delegation der EU namentlich über den Entscheid des Bundesrates zur leistungsabhängigen Schwerverkehrsabgabe (LSVA).

Official working visit to Switzerland by the Slovak foreign minister

25.06.2015 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 25 June 2015, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter received Slovakia ’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miroslav Lajčák, for an official visit to Switzerland. In addition to bilateral relations, the main agenda item was Switzerland’s policy on the European Union (EU). Slovakia will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2016. Talks also covered various regional and multilateral issues as well as current international affairs. Afterwards, Mr Lajčák paid the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, a courtesy visit.

The Federal Council notes the results of the consultation on continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe

24.06.2015 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has taken note of the results of the consultation on continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe, which remains in force until the end of May 2017. Its renewal would enable the continuation of cooperation with those states of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union that are not members of the European Union. The corresponding dispatch to Parliament is expected to be submitted by the end of February 2016 at the latest.

Official working visit to Bern by Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs

23.06.2015 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter received this Tuesday the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, for an official working visit to Bern. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, Iceland's and Switzerland's policies on the European Union (EU), and various current international issues.

Next step in Copernicus, the European Global Monitoring for Environment and Security system

22.06.2015 — Press release DEA
On 23 June the European Space Agency ESA launches Sentinel-2A, the second in a series of missions forming the space component of the Copernicus programme, Europe’s Global Monitoring for Environment and Security system.

Third series of corporate tax reforms ready for parliamentary deliberation

05.06.2015 — Press release DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Corporate Tax Reform Act III. The reform aims to strengthen Switzerland as a business location, focusing on innovation, value creation and jobs. The proposed measures are compatible with the current international standards and will increase legal and planning certainty for companies. At the same time, the reform ensures that companies will make an appropriate contribution to the tax revenue of the federal government, the cantons and the communes also in the future.

Countdown running: Exactly a year to the opening of the Gotthard base tunnel

01.06.2015 — Press release DEA
In a year’s time, the Gotthard base tunnel will be inaugurated. At 57 kilometres in length, it will be the world’s longest tunnel. Today in Lucerne, transport minister Doris Leuthard started the countdown to the ceremony. On 1 June 2016, the official state occasion will take place, and the following weekend, a large-scale celebration will be held to thank the public.

Focus on European policy and bilateral issues during presidential visit to Bulgaria

02.11.2017 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 2 November, President Doris Leuthard, held the now traditional talks with the future EU Council presidency. The themes addressed during the discussions with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Prime Minister Bojko Borissov and further members of the government included European policy, as well as bilateral and international issues.

Luxembourg foreign minister Jean Asselborn in Bern for talks

10.10.2017 — Press release EDA
Luxembourg and Switzerland have close, long-standing relations. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Grand Duchy’s first diplomatic representation in Switzerland, the foreign minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, visited Bern on 10 October 2017 to hold talks with Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police. The discussions focused on aspects of European policy, migration foreign policy, European security policy, the fight against terrorism and cooperation within the United Nations.

Strengthening ties between Switzerland and Italy: Didier Burkhalter and Angelino Alfano meet in Lugano on the margins of the Switzerland-Italy Dialogue Forum

09.10.2017 — Press release EDA
The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Didier Burkhalter, visited Lugano on Monday, 9 October 2017 for a working meeting with Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Angelino Alfano. Prior to discussing a series of pressing bilateral and multilateral issues, Mr Burkhalter and Mr Alfano opened the Forum for Dialogue between Italy and Switzerland, an initiative that seeks to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote an interchange of ideas in the political, economic, financial and cultural spheres.

Switzerland signs European declaration on eGovernment

06.10.2017 — Press release DEA

On Friday, 6 October 2017, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer signed a declaration on eGovernment jointly drawn up by the EU and EFTA in the context of the Ministerial eGovernment Conference in Estonia. The declaration contains five core principles for eGovernment and is intended to be a guide for further development.                

Illegal pharmaceuticals: Investigators from the European therapeutic products agencies meet in Switzerland

08.09.2017 — Press release DEA

Cross-border cooperation is crucial for efficiently combating the manufacture of and trading in illegal pharmaceuticals. Some 80 experts from authorities in 26 countries attended a meeting of the Working Group of Enforcement Officers (WGEO) in Montreux. The two-day meeting was organised by Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products.

Federal Council initiates consultation on tax proposal 17

06.09.2017 — Press release DEA

During its meeting on 6 September 2017, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on tax proposal 17 (TP17). The proposal will make a significant contribution to having an appealing location and thus to added value, jobs and tax receipts. The reform will additionally meet international requirements concerning corporate tax law. 

President Leuthard in Copenhagen for working meeting

07.08.2017 — Press release DEA
President Doris Leuthard held talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on Monday, 7 August. In addition to bilateral relations between the two countries, the main subjects discussed were Switzerland’s policy towards the European Union (EU) and global climate policy.

Taxes retained on behalf of the EU in 2016 amount to CHF 74,8 million

10.07.2017 — 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 74,8 million for the tax year 2016. It was CHF 169,3 million in 2015.

Ten years of the European Research Council: positive record from Swiss perspective

06.07.2017 — Press release DEA
An event was held in Geneva on 6 July to mark the tenth anniversary of the European Research Council (ERC). The ERC awards valuable grants to excellent scientists across all disciplines to carry out pioneering research at institutions in an EU member state or associated state. Scientists active in Switzerland have been particularly successful with their applications for ERC grants. State Secretary Mauro Dell’Ambrogio praised the pioneering role of the ERC and its importance for the entire European research area – as well as for Switzerland.

Switzerland-EU relations: Federal Council sets priorities and agenda

28.06.2017 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 28 June 2017, the Federal Council set out its priorities for Switzerland's relationship with the European Union. It acknowledged the social and economic importance of the bilateral path, which allows the country to prosper while maintaining its independence. The government reiterated its intention to maintain and build on this relationship, particularly in regard to market access. It plans to assess the situation in the next few months based on the tangible outcomes obtained following the resumption of talks on outstanding dossiers. To this end it has scheduled a number of phases for next autumn.

Swiss enlargement contribution: 10 country programmes in central and eastern Europe come to a successful close

19.06.2017 — Press release EDA
The 10-year implementation period for Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the 10 central and eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 came to an end on 14 June 2017. Under the contribution, Parliament approved a total of CHF 1 billion to implement 210 projects which have helped reduce economic and social disparities among broad sections of the population living in the EU. In so doing, Switzerland has demonstrated its solidarity with these countries and has been able to consolidate ties with the new EU member states in a number of areas, including Swiss businesses.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of information with 41 states and territories

16.06.2017 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 16 June 2017, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information (AEOI) with 41 states and territories. Implementation is planned for 2018, and the first sets of data should be exchanged in 2019. Switzerland is boosting its international position by extending its AEOI network to most of the G20 and OECD states, as well as other important financial centres around the world.

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.