State Secretary Hirayama attends informal EU ministerial meeting on competition in research and innovation

22.07.2022 — Press release DEA
State Secretary Martina Hirayama attended the informal meeting of ministers responsible for research and innovation from the EU member states in Prague (Czech Republic) on 21 and 22 July. The event, which takes place twice a year, focused on two different policy debates, namely synergies in the funding of research and innovation in Europe, and possible measures in the area of research and innovation in response to Russia's military aggression in Ukraine. State Secretary Hirayama also held bilateral talks with the representatives from Romania, Finland, Norway and Lithuania.

Official visit to Greece by State Secretary Martina Hirayama to focus on education, research, innovation and archaeology

19.07.2022 — Press release DEA
On 19 July, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, held official talks in Athens with the Minister for Development and Investment, Adonis Georgiadis, and with the Minister for Education and Religious Affairs, Niki Kerameus. She also visited the excavation site of the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG), which has received federal support since 2008.

Personenfreizügigkeit: Zuwanderung dämpft Arbeitskräftemangel

07.07.2022 — Press release DEA
Die Auswirkungen der Covid-Krise auf den Arbeitsmarkt sind weitgehend überwunden. Der Wiederaufschwung hat in verschiedenen Wirtschaftszweigen Arbeitskräfteengpässe nach sich gezogen. Die Zuwanderung von Arbeitskräften aus dem Ausland hilft mit, diese zu entschärfen. Die Personenfreizügigkeit bleibt zur bedarfsgerechten Deckung der Arbeitskräftenachfrage wichtig, wie der diesjährige Bericht des Observatoriums zum Freizügigkeitsabkommen unter anderem am Beispiel des Berufsfelds der IT zeigt.

Switzerland and EU sign memorandum of understanding on second Swiss contribution

30.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and the EU signed earlier today in Brussels a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. State Secretary Livia Leu, who was in Brussels for exploratory talks, signed the MoU on behalf of Switzerland. The signing of this MOU marks another important milestone towards a swift implementation of the contribution.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama in Brussels

28.06.2022 — Press release DEA
On 28 June, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, opened the SwissCore Annual Event in Brussels. During her visit, the State Secretary also held talks with Flemish Minister Jo Brouns and representatives of the Faroe Islands.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama attends Eureka Ministerial Conference

23.06.2022 — Press release DEA
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the Eureka Ministerial Conference in Lisbon (Portugal) on 22 June. Eureka is an initiative of 47 countries aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation projects in market-oriented research and development independent of the EU’s framework programmes. State Secretary Hirayama also took the opportunity to talk with German education minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, UK science minister George Freeman and South Korean deputy trade minister Soosung Hwang.

Confederation arranges for implementation of OECD minimum tax rate in Switzerland

23.06.2022 — Press release DEA
In order to implement the OECD/G20 project on taxing the digital economy, the Federal Council is proposing a supplementary tax. Based on the results of the consultation, the Confederation should receive 25% of the receipts from the supplementary tax and use the funds for the benefit of Switzerland as a business location. The remaining 75% will go to the cantons and communes.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart

23.06.2022 — Press release EDA
During his visit to Stuttgart, the President of the Confederation met with the Minister-President of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. The meeting focused on Switzerland's relations with the European Union and their impact on close cross-border relations between Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg. The war in Ukraine was also discussed.

EFTA-Ministerkonferenz in Island

18.06.2022 — Press release DEA
Die Staatssekretärin für Wirtschaft Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch wird am 20. Juni 2022 an der Ministerkonferenz der Europäischen Freihandelsassoziation (EFTA) in Island teilnehmen. Hauptgesprächsthemen auf Ministerebene sind aktuelle und zukünftige Freihandelsprozesse sowie die militärische Aggression Russlands in der Ukraine, die seit Langem ein Freihandelspartner der EFTA ist.

Federal Council intends to step up exploratory talks with the EU

17.06.2022 — Press release EDA
At its European policy retreat on 17 June 2022, the Federal Council was briefed on the status of the exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU. The Federal Council decided on this basis to step up the exploratory talks with the EU. It also took note of the final report on the removal of regulatory differences between Swiss and EU law. The scope for action and possible solutions identified in the final report will be taken into consideration in further exploratory talks with the EU.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová on a State Visit to Switzerland

19.05.2022 — Press release DEA
On Thursday, 19 May, President Zuzana Čaputová became the first head of state of the Slovak Republic to pay a State Visit to Switzerland. The Swiss government, headed by President Ignazio Cassis, welcomed the Slovak president at the start of the visit on Bundesplatz in Bern. Besides bilateral relations, official talks focused in particular on the war in Ukraine. Other topics on the agenda included European policy and climate and environmental issues.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová to pay state visit to Switzerland

13.05.2022 — Press release EDA
President Zuzana Čaputová of Slovakia will pay a state visit to Switzerland next week. Switzerland and the Slovak Republic share many similarities and enjoy a close relationship. President Čaputová is the first Slovak head of state to visit Switzerland and will be received with full military honours. The Federal Council hopes that the visit will further strengthen ties between the two countries.

UK’s withdrawal from the EU: bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU continue to apply

31.01.2020 — Press release DEA
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union at midnight on 31 January 2020 will not change the relationship between Switzerland and the UK in the near future: the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU will continue to apply to the UK until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 (which may be extended). Switzerland can use the transition period to continue to work out together with the UK their future relationship as part of the Swiss “Mind the Gap” strategy.

Federal Council delegation meets new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Davos

20.01.2020 — Press release DEA
A delegation of the Federal Council led by President Simonetta Sommaruga today met with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Ms Sommaruga was accompanied at the meeting, which took place during the WEF Annual Meeting, by federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Karin Keller-Sutter. Talks focused on the state of bilateral relations between Switzerland the EU, particularly with regard to the institutional agreement. They also discussed joint efforts to tackle climate change. Cooperation in the field of migration should be continued.

Switzerland's enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania comes to a close

20.01.2020 — Press release EDA
Over the last ten years, Switzerland has provided CHF 257 million from its enlargement contribution to support projects in Bulgaria and Romania. The two countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007. The contribution aimed to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and within Bulgaria and Romania. The 93 projects, which came to a close in December 2019, have achieved good results. Switzerland's support contributes to greater stability in Europe, which is also in the country's interests.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg

16.01.2020 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis today received his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Bern for his first official trip abroad. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and international affairs.

CHEOPS launched successfully – the search for a ‘twin Earth’ has begun!

18.12.2019 — Press release DEA
The CHEOPS mission is being jointly led by the European Space Agency ESA and Switzerland. Following the successful launch, and once routine tests of the satellite in orbit have been completed, operations are set to begin at the end of March 2020 and last around four years. The scientific community the world over is eagerly awaiting the data gathered on exoplanets, underlining the major importance of the contribution made by Swiss scientists.

State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti represents Switzerland at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid

16.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Roberto Balzaretti, State Secretary and head of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA) at the FDFA, represented Switzerland at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid on 15 and 16 December 2019. As well as attending the plenary session, Switzerland sought to engage in bilateral exchanges with delegates from several European and Asian countries.

Federal Council initiates consultation on extended European border and coast guard

13.12.2019 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 13 December 2019, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on the adoption and implementation of the revised EU regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) will thus be given a more robust mandate to work with the national authorities to better protect the external borders.

Linking of emissions trading schemes: Agreement ratified by Switzerland and EU

09.12.2019 — Press release DEA
The Agreement on the linking of the Swiss and EU emissions trading schemes (ETS) has been ratified by the representatives of both parties and will come into force on 1 January 2020. Linking the Swiss ETS with that of the EU will be beneficial for both environmental policy and the economy. From 2020 onwards, companies in the Swiss ETS will be able to trade emission allowances in the larger EU emissions market. In addition, emissions from civil aviation will be included in the Swiss ETS, as is already the case in the EU. The linking of the two schemes marks the first ETS linking between states anywhere in the world.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on the agreement between Switzerland and the UK on citizens’ rights

06.12.2019 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 6 December, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the agreement guaranteeing the existing rights of Swiss and UK citizens after the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The agreement is part of the Federal Council’s ’Mind the Gap’ strategy.

Adaptation of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics with the European Union

02.12.2019 — Press release DEA
During its 5th meeting held at Luxembourg on 2 December 2019, the Swiss-EU statistics committee adopted a decision concerning the revision of Annex A of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics. This revision, which results from a decision of the Federal Council from 22 May 2019, thus makes it possible to continue the good statistical collaboration between Switzerland and the EU. The new Annex A comes into force with immediate effect.

Croatia’s EU Council presidency the focus of President Maurer’s visit

29.11.2019 — Press release DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer travelled to Croatia on Friday, 29 November 2019, to visit President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and other leading Croatian politicians. In the first six months of 2020, Croatia will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time. The discussions held during the visit thus focused on European policy issues.

ESA Ministerial Council Meeting: Switzerland to participate in new programmes and play a leading role in the removal of space debris

28.11.2019 — Press release DEA
On 27 and 28 November 2019, State Secretary Martina Hirayama attended the European Space Agency’s ESA Ministerial Council meeting in Seville (“Space 19+”). At this meeting, which brought together the ministers in charge of space affairs from the 22 ESA Member States, the Council conferred on ongoing programmes, new initiatives, and agreed on the Agency’s budget for the next three years.

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.