All news (223)
Linking of the Swiss and European emissions trading systems: big step forward
16.08.2017
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Media release
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.
President Leuthard in Copenhagen for working meeting
07.08.2017
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Media 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
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Media 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
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Media 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
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Media release
Mission EU Brussels
Switzerland-EU relations: Federal Council sets priorities and agenda
28.06.2017
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Media 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.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of information with 41 states and territories
16.06.2017
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Media 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
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Media release
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.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on European Border and Coast Guard
17.05.2017
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Media release
DEA
During its meeting on 17 May 2017, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the adoption and implementation of the EU regulation on the new European Border and Coast Guard Agency. This regulation forms the basis for reinforcing the protection of external borders and returns of illegally staying third-country nationals in the Schengen area.
Entry into force of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe
17.05.2017
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Media 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.
Switzerland and Croatia commend quality of bilateral relations
25.04.2017
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Media 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
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Media 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.
