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Greater cooperation with Slovakia

19.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland and Slovakia have signed a bilateral agreement on 19 September 2023 on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Switzerland will support programmes in Slovakia in the areas of vocational training, sustainable tourism and healthcare amounting to CHF 44.2 million. This means that all 13 bilateral implementation agreements for the second Swiss contribution to strengthen cohesion are under wraps.

International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends that Switzerland speed up the restructuring of its energy system

11.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
The International Energy Agency (IEA) considers Switzerland's energy policy to be on the right track, but that progress is too slow. It therefore recommends that Switzerland press ahead more quickly with converting its energy system. The federal government, in cooperation with the cantons, should speed up the licensing procedures for energy infrastructures. Climate policy measures effective from 2030 onwards should also be defined as quickly as possible in order to achieve the net zero emissions target by 2050. Furthermore, the IEA suggests that energy efficiency measures be consistently taken into account in all relevant Swiss policies. According to the IEA, integration into the European electricity market by means of an electricity agreement would strengthen both Switzerland's and the EU member states' security of electricity supply.

Swiss aid operation in Greece concluded

11.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss deployment to fight forest fires and support Greece after the floods came to an end on Sunday evening, 10 September 2023. In the initial phase, the team supported the Greek authorities in fire-fighting operations for five days with Swiss army helicopters. In the second phase, the team focused on the flooded areas of central Greece. Three Super Puma helicopters were used to transport people and distribute material. Today, Monday, the helicopters and their crews as well as the Swiss Humanitarian Aid rapid response team returned to Switzerland.

Greece: Swiss relief operation refocused on flooding

07.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss operation to fight forest fires in Greece was completed on Thursday evening, 7 September 2023. The fires were brought under control. The Greek authorities have now appealed to Switzerland to adapt its relief operation to provide assistance to the areas affected by flooding. Switzerland is therefore continuing its humanitarian relief operation and, starting tomorrow, will be the first country to support the Greek authorities in tackling the flooding in the Thessaly region. Three Swiss Armed Forces helicopters have been deployed to transport people and supplies.

VPET system takes centre stage in Europe

05.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
The European skills competitions are an important showcase for achievements in vocational and professional education and training (VPET), as well as a platform for cultivating international contacts. Rémy Hübschi, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, will travel to Gdansk, Poland, from 6 to 9 September for EuroSkills 2023. The trip will focus on exchange about various VPET topics with education ministers from other European countries, watching the competitions and attending the reception for the Swiss EuroSkills team.

Two new multidisciplinary research and innovation projects in the space sector

01.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
On 31 August the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research announced the selection of two research and innovation projects as part of national activities in the space sector. Selected through a call launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in 2022, these MARVIS (Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Ventures in Space) projects stand out for their multidisciplinary nature and their potential for developing specialist skills in the field of space, as well as their potential to generate results that can be incorporated into the activities of the European Space Agency (ESA).

Wildfires in Greece: Switzerland dispatches army helicopters

01.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
Wildfires continue to rage across Greece. In response to requests for help from the Greek authorities, Switzerland is dispatching three army helicopters and personnel to reinforce fire-fighting operations on the ground.

Die Schweiz und Deutschland arbeiten bei Wettbewerbsfragen enger zusammen

31.08.2023 — Press releases Europa
Das im November 2022 unterzeichnete Abkommen über die Zusammenarbeit der Wettbewerbsbehörden zwischen der Schweiz und Deutschland wird am 1. September 2023 in Kraft treten. Das Abkommen erlaubt der Schweizer Wettbewerbskommission und dem deutschen Bundeskartellamt eine effiziente Durchsetzung des Wettbewerbsrechts in grenzüberschreitenden Sachverhalten.

Ukraine: Switzerland implements new sanctions against Belarus

30.08.2023 — Press releases Europa
On 30 August, the Federal Council decided to adopt further sanctions against Belarus to bring Switzerland in line with the latest measures adopted by the European Union (EU) on 3 August. The changes will come into effect at 6pm on 30 August. More than 40 individuals and entities were added to the sanctions list on 15 August.

Thematic sanctions: Federal Council to pursue current practice

30.08.2023 — Press releases Europa
On 30 August 2023, the Federal Council decided not to adopt the sanctions imposed by the EU as part of its human rights sanctions regime in connection with the Navalny and Kara-Murza cases. In the future, the Federal Council will continue to decide on a case-by-case basis wether to adopt measures from the EU’s thematic sanctions regimes.

Ignazio Cassis signs agreement in Slovenia on implementation of second Swiss contribution

28.08.2023 — Press releases EDA
During a visit to Slovenia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today signed an agreement on the implementation of Switzerland's second contribution in Ljubljana. The agreement provides for the financing of projects aimed at improving Slovenia's energy efficiency and developing its renewable energy resources. Mr Cassis also attended the Bled Strategic Forum, where he took part in a panel discussion on the future of multilateralism.

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

28.07.2023 — Press releases Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, took part in the informal meeting of research and innovation ministers from the EU member states in Santander (Spain) on 27 and 28 July. The talks focused on European science diplomacy and the further strategic planning of Horizon Europe (2021–2027). On the fringes of the meeting Ms Hirayama held bilateral discussions with her counterparts from Germany, Romania, Estonia, Austria and the host country Spain.

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President Amherd to visit Hungary, holder of next EU Council presidency

15.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
In a few days’ time President Viola Amherd will travel to Hungary, which will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year. The main topics for discussion at meetings with President Tamás Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Speaker of the National Assembly László Kövér on Friday, 19 April, will include bilateral relations between Switzerland and Hungary, European policy and the security situation in Europe. On Thursday, 18 April, Ms Amherd will give a speech on these topics at Andrássy University in Budapest.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Croatia

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

Launch of the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE: Computers heat buildings

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Zero heat waste: This is the goal of a dozen European companies and research institutions, including Empa, in the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE. The focus is on buildings with extensive IT loads. All waste heat from these systems is to be integrated and utilized in the buildings.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama visits Poland with science delegation

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 9 and 10 April, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (ERI), met with Polish government representatives in Warsaw. She opened the kick-off event of the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme. The visit to Warsaw will strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland in the ERI sector.

Horizon package: Federal Council to finance transitional measures in 2024

10.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 10 April, the Federal Council decided on transitional measures for the 2024 calls for proposals under the European Union's Horizon package 2021-2027 (Horizon Europe, Euratom programme, ITER and Digital Europe Programme). A maximum amount of CHF 650 million has been set aside for this purpose. This allocation is drawn from funding earmarked by Parliament at the end of 2020 for Switzerland's participation in the Horizon package. The Federal Council remains committed to achieving Swiss association to the Horizon package as soon as possible.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin meets with Slovenia’s Minister for Economic Affairs Matjaž Han

10.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 10 April, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin received Slovenia’s Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han. The excellent economic relations between Switzerland and Slovenia were at the centre of the exchange in Bern.

Discussions between the National Cyber Security Centre and the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI)

03.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Florian Schütz, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will meet with his French counterpart, Vincent Strubel, Director General of the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), on 3 April to discuss cybersecurity issues and strengthen relations between the two countries.

More and more Swiss nationals are living abroad, especially in Europe (last modification, the 28.03.2024)

28.03.2024 — Press releases Europa
At the end of 2023, 813 400 Swiss nationals were living abroad. This number has increased since 2022 (+13 400 people or +1.7%). Almost two-thirds of the Swiss abroad live in Europe and more than a quarter in France, but many also live on other continents.

Swiss life satisfaction is highest in Europe – yet inequalities persist

26.03.2024 — Press releases Europa
In European comparison, life satisfaction in Switzerland is consistently high and in 2022 was the highest of all European countries. The overall standard of living also remained high in European comparison. However, almost one in ten people had difficulty making ends meet and 4.9% of the population had to go without important goods, services and social activities for financial reasons. The poverty rate was 8.2%. These are some of the findings from the 2022 Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland and Denmark strengthen relations in higher education, research and innovation

20.03.2024 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Denmark’s Minister of Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund signed a memorandum of understanding in Copenhagen on 20 March to enhance cooperation between the universities, researchers, innovation stakeholders and funding bodies of both countries.

President Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen open negotiations between Switzerland and the EU

18.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, 18 March, President Viola Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen officially opened negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) in the presence of the chief negotiators from both sides. While in Brussels, Ms Amherd also met with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice President of the European Commission. In addition to bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU, geopolitical and security policy challenges facing Europe were also discussed.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to East Africa

14.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya from 17 to 22 March 2024. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations and regional geopolitical issues. Possible avenues for a peace process in Ukraine will also be explored. The Greater Horn of Africa is one of the most dynamic regions in the world, but is also one of the most fragile and severely affected by conflict. Mr Cassis will meet with the presidents and foreign ministers of all three countries. A meeting is also scheduled with the chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. The AU joined the G20 earlier this year.

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Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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.

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