All news (3615)
Swiss–EU agreements: Federal Council takes stock
19.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 19 February 2025, the Federal Council took stock of ongoing work on the consultation draft for the package to stabilise and further develop the bilateral approach with the European Union (EU). After being briefed on the process of formally vetting the agreements, as well as on the national implementing legislation and accompanying measures, the Federal Council determined which steps to take next.
Cooperation agreements and minorities: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Romania
18.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is scheduled to visit Romania from 19 to 21 February 2025. His agenda includes several bilateral meetings and the signing of cooperation agreements related to the second Swiss contribution to selected EU states. The theme of minorities will also be a common thread throughout the upcoming visit, with Mr Cassis taking part in a cultural event in Bucharest to mark the fifth edition of Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha) as well as in a debate in the city of Constanța on linguistic minorities.
Humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Switzerland provides CHF 3 million
14.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Due to the grave situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Switzerland is providing CHF 3 million in humanitarian aid. This support package will go mainly to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other partners on the ground who are already active in the areas of health, protection of the civilian population and emergency aid for displaced persons.
Political consultations in New Delhi to further strengthen bilateral relations
13.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The state secretary of the FDFA, Mr Alexandre Fasel, and his Indian counterpart, Mr Tanmaya Lal, met today in New Delhi for the 13th round of annual bilateral political consultations. These discussions marked an important stage in cooperation between the two countries, focusing on economic relations, environmental challenges and regional and international issues.
Support for reconstruction: Federal Council adopts 2025–28 country programme for Ukraine
12.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The 2025–28 country programme marks the start of a twelve-year federal support process for reconstruction, reform and sustainable development in Ukraine. At its meeting on 12 February, the Federal Council defined the priorities of the country programme, namely protection of the civilian population, peace, economic recovery and strengthening institutions. CHF 1.5 billion from the international cooperation budget has been earmarked up to 2028. Ambassador Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council's delegate for Ukraine, is responsible for implementing the country programme.
EFTA–Mercosur and bilateral relations: Ignazio Cassis concludes five-day visit to Latin America
08.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), visited Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil from 3 to 7 February. Finalising the EFTA–Mercosur free trade agreement and advancing Switzerland's economic interests were central to the Federal Councillor's discussions in these three countries. Other current foreign policy issues were also addressed.
Switzerland Helps Strengthen Emergency Healthcare in Moldova with a 8.3 million Swiss Francs Contribution through the CARE4Living Project
03.02.2025
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Press releases
Moldova
Chisinau, Moldova – 3.02.2025 – The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with Switzerland, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched the project “Continuity of care in case of catastrophic health events - CARE4Living”. Switzerland is contributing a total of 8.3 million CHF (167 million MDL) to support this initiative, allocating 5.5 million CHF to the World Bank and 2.8 million CHF to the World Health Organization. The first phase of the project will last until September 2028.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil
31.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil from 3 to 7 February 2025. As part of its Americas Strategy 2022–25, Switzerland aims to strengthen its political relations with the countries of the Americas in the areas of foreign policy, the economy, innovation and culture. The agenda for the trip includes the finalisation of the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement, Switzerland's economic interests, and bilateral relations between Switzerland and these three Latin American countries.
2030 Agenda implementation: FDFA assesses progress at federal and cantonal levels and in organisations

30.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Every four years, Switzerland presents to the other UN member states how it is progressing in implementing the 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In its country report, which will be presented in mid-2026, it will also draw on information from the cantons, communes and organisations from the business community, the financial centre, academia and civil society. All relevant actors have until the end of May 2025 to submit details of their activities via the 'SDGital2030' digital platform.
Development cooperation: FDFA and EAER implement Parliament's decisions

29.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its 29 January 2025 meeting, the Federal Council was informed about how the cuts to development cooperation decided on by Parliament will be implemented. In late December, Parliament made cuts of CHF 110 million to the 2025 budget and CHF 321 million to the 2026–28 financial plan for bilateral and multilateral development cooperation. The cuts do not affect humanitarian aid, peace promotion or support for Ukraine.
Negotiating mandate for recognition of electronic signatures
29.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Electronic signatures on documents should be recognised in Switzerland and in the European Union (EU). At its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) to draw up a corresponding mandate for negotiating with the EU, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Swiss expert becomes Special Representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office on South Caucasus
24.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Finland's foreign minister Elina Valtonen, has appointed Christoph Späti as the Special Representative of the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship for the South Caucasus. The Swiss expert, who most recently served as programme manager for the South Caucasus in the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), took up the post of Special Representative on 21 January 2025.