Press release

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Switzerland renews partnership with UN organisations

29.06.2022 — 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 — 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 — 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 — Press release EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

State Secretary Martina Hirayama in Brussels

28.06.2022 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Path to reconstruction passes through Lugano – President Cassis presents plans for URC2022

20.06.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 20 June, at their traditional meeting, President Ignazio Cassis and the government of Ticino held discussions on preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022). High-level delegations from around 40 countries and 20 international organisations have been invited to attend the conference, which will take place in Lugano on 4 and 5 July. President Cassis briefed the media today in Bellinzona together with Ticino Cantonal Councillor Norman Gobbi, Police Commander Matteo Cocchi and representatives from the armed forces and fedpol.

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.

Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano: comprehensive security measures

10.06.2022 — Press release EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2022) being held in Lugano on 4 and 5 July 2022 will focus on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The conference is taking place against the backdrop of heightened international tensions and comprehensive security measures are therefore needed. At its meeting on 10 June 2022, the Federal Council decided that the conference qualifies as an exceptional event. This means that the federal government will contribute to the security costs incurred by the canton of Ticino. The Federal Council also decided to deploy up to 1,600 military personnel on an ancillary basis, with air policing provided by the Swiss Armed Forces.

Media (2939)

Visit to Bern by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

16.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Mr Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, paid an official visit to the federal authorities in Bern on 16 March 2009.

Strong Swiss Presence at the 5th World Water Forum

16.03.2009 — Press release EDA
From 16 to 22 March 2009, some 20,000 participants from all over the world will be meeting in Istanbul for the 5th World Water Forum with the objective of seeking solutions to the water problems of the 21st century. The Swiss delegation will be led by Martin Dahinden, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Bruno Oberle, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

Switzerland to adopt OECD standard on administrative assistance in fiscal matters

13.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has announced today that Switzerland intends to adopt the OECD standard on administrative assistance in tax matters in accordance with Art. 26 of the OECD Model Tax Convention. The decision will permit the exchange of information with other countries in individual cases where a specific and justified request has been made. The Federal Council has decided to withdraw the corresponding reservation to the OECD Model Tax Convention and to enter into negotiations on revising double taxation agreements. Swiss banking secrecy remains intact.

Swiss Confederation to set out its position in the court action against UBS in the USA

13.03.2009 — Press release EDA
In the civil action against UBS in the USA, the Federal Council is to instruct an American law firm to draft an amicus curiae brief explaining Switzerland’s legal position with a view to giving added emphasis to Switzerland’s sovereign interests.

Yearly consultations of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission in Bern

13.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Representatives of Switzerland, Sweden and Poland, Member States of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) in Korea, met in Bern on 13 March 2009 for their yearly consultations. Discussions focused on current tasks of the NNSC and recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. The NNSC Member States reasserted their long-term commitment to contribute to a permanent peace solution on the Korean Peninsula.

Attack in Sri Lanka

11.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has taken note with dismay and sadness of the news of the suicide attack yesterday near a mosque in Akuressa in the south of Sri Lanka, which caused the deaths of 15 people and wounded dozens more, including members of the government. Switzerland condemns in the strongest possible terms this terrorist attack and all such indiscriminate attacks directed against the civilian population of Sri Lanka. It expresses its deep condolences and solidarity with the Sri Lankan authorities and to the families and friends of the victims.

Vietnamese medals awarded to Eawag scientists

10.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Four Eawag scientists today received official medals from the Vietnamese government for their achievements in the areas of drinking water quality and sanitation. The medals were awarded in recognition of “outstanding contributions to education and training in Vietnam”. With financial support from the Swiss government, the scientists succeeded in strengthening capacity at two research centres in Northern Vietnam and improving the quality of local water supplies and wastewater management.

Banking secrecy remains intact - improved international cooperation in the case of tax offences

06.03.2009 — Press release EDA
At its meeting today the Federal Council noted that the protection of the privacy of bank customers (banking secrecy) from unwarranted state intervention remains intact. However, the Federal Council wishes to improve cooperation with other countries in the area of tax offences. In addition it is prepared to enter into dialogue with third countries on the taxation of savings income. The criticism directed towards Switzerland by various countries due to its banking secrecy was resolutely rejected by the Federal Council. In addition, the Federal Council today appointed a group of experts to provide support in an advisory capacity. The group will be chaired by Ambassador Manuel Sager.

The FDFA is worried by the expulsion of humanitarian actors from Darfur

05.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The FDFA deplores the fact that the Sudanese authorities have decided to expel humanitarian actors from Darfur in response to the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court, published on 4 March 2009, to issue an arrest warrant for the Sudanese president.

Interest sections for Georgia and Russia start work

04.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The interest sections of the Swiss representations in Moscow and Tbilisi will start work tomorrow Thursday 5 March 2009. As of that date, Switzerland will represent Georgia's interests in Russia and those of Russia in Georgia.

Extension of the final prolongation of the freezing of Mobutu

25.02.2009 — Press release EDA
On 12 December 2008, the Federal Council decided to prolong the freezing of the assets of the late president Mobutu and of his entourage (approx. CHF 7.7 million) to 28 February 2009. The purpose of this prolongation was to enable the lawyer of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) to initiate proceedings in Switzerland to block the assets and to enable the competent legal authority to decide how to deal with the case. A criminal complaint was filed with the Federal State Prosecutor by the RDC on 23 January 2009. As the examination of the case is a time-consuming task, the Federal Council considered it necessary to order a further extension to the final freezing, i.e. until 30 April 2009.

Visit by the director general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to Berne

24.02.2009 — Press release EDA
The director general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Mr Francis Gurry was received in Bern today by a delegation of the FDFA and the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. The discussions focused mainly on governance within the organisation, the strengthening of the global regime for the protection of intellectual property rights and questions concerning the host state.

Other news (299)

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

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