All news (3089)
Speech - Opening of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022)
04.07.2022
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Press release
EDA
Speech by Ignazio Cassis, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA - Check against delivery
President Cassis, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Shmyhal open URC2022
04.07.2022
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Press release
EDA
On Monday, 4 July, President Ignazio Cassis together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, via video link from Kyiv, and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in person in Lugano, opened the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) to launch the reconstruction process at the international level. The conference, which in addition to Switzerland and Ukraine, was attended by delegations from the European Union, 39 states and 16 international organisations, runs until Tuesday. In his opening speech, President Cassis outlined the objectives of URC2022.
Switzerland and EU sign memorandum of understanding on second Swiss contribution
30.06.2022
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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.
Switzerland renews partnership with UN organisations
29.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
Poverty, inequality, armed conflicts, pandemics and many other challenges can only be overcome if we join forces. The UN plays a central role in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Switzerland is part of these endeavours, which is why the Federal Council decided at its meeting of 29 June 2022 to contribute a total of CHF 316 million to four UN central development agencies for the period 2022–24.
New Swiss ambassadors
29.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for 2022 for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu holds bilateral talks in Serbia and Kosovo
28.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met with Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Serbia's State Secretary Nemanja Starović, and others in Pristina and Belgrade on 27 and 28 June. Their talks focused on Switzerland's bilateral relations with these two countries and Switzerland's broad-based activities in the Western Balkans. Switzerland supports the greater involvement of both states in Europe in various ways. In addition, promoting the stability and economic development of the Western Balkans is a key pillar of Switzerland's foreign policy.
Presentation of credentials
28.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials
State Secretary Martina Hirayama in Brussels
28.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
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.
President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart
23.06.2022
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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.
Private security services provided abroad in 2021: sixth annual report of the FDFA
22.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
In 2021, the FDFA received 157 declarations from companies based in Switzerland that provided private security services abroad. This figure is derived from the sixth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). Three review procedures were initiated. No activities were prohibited. 2021 was strongly influenced by the effects of the revised ordinance. As a result of the revision, the number of activities subject to the obligation to declare has decreased significantly. The Federal Council took note of the report at its meeting on 22 June 2022.
Confederation to help fund Foundation for the ICRC until 2031 centenary
22.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting of 22 June 2022, the Federal Council decided to contribute up to CHF 100 million to increase the capital of the Foundation for the International Committee of the Red Cross until 2031, the year it will mark its 100th anniversary.
Ukraine: Federal Council permits the exchange of cash for people seeking protection
22.06.2022
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Press release
EDA
From 27 June 2022, people with Protection Status 'S' will be able to exchange a limited amount of Ukrainian banknotes for Swiss francs in a one-off transaction at selected bank branches. The Federal Council approved a cash exchange solution during its meeting on 22 June 2022.
