Press release

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.

Switzerland's election to the UN Security Council

09.06.2022 — Press release EDA
On 9 June 2022, the UN General Assembly elected Switzerland as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024. During its term, Switzerland will use its strengths to promote peace and security and position itself as a neutral bridge-builder, and promote its interests through direct contact with the major players on the international stage. Switzerland will be able to use its seat on the Security Council to promote its stance more strongly and thus exert influence on international developments as a credible partner.

Philip Jaffé elected for second term on UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

06.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Professor Philip D. Jaffé has been re-elected to the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the period 2023–27. The committee consists of 18 independent experts whose mission is to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The election by the states parties to the CRC took place in New York on 6 June 2022.

Federal Councillor Alain Berset to attend Milan Design Week

03.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Alain Berset will travel to Milan on Monday, 6 June, for the opening of Milan Design Week, where he will meet with various Swiss designers who will be gathering together for the first time under the same roof at the House of Switzerland Milano.

Federal Council presents priorities for serving on the UN Security Council to the Foreign Affairs Committees

25.05.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2023–24 period, with the election taking place on 9 June. On 25 May 2022, the Federal Council discussed the priorities for Switzerland's two-year term, which will now be presented to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committees (FACs) for consultation.

Confiscation proceedings in connection with 2014 Ukraine revolution

25.05.2022 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 25 May 2022, the Federal Council decided to launch administrative confiscation proceedings for assets frozen in Switzerland following the Ukrainian revolution of February 2014. Switzerland is thus providing support to Ukraine, which is facing certain difficulties in its efforts to confiscate these assets. These difficulties have been compounded since the start of the war in Ukraine. Today’s decision is unrelated to the sanctions imposed against Russia in 2022.

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.

Switzerland's election to the UN Security Council

09.06.2022 — Press release EDA
On 9 June 2022, the UN General Assembly elected Switzerland as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024. During its term, Switzerland will use its strengths to promote peace and security and position itself as a neutral bridge-builder, and promote its interests through direct contact with the major players on the international stage. Switzerland will be able to use its seat on the Security Council to promote its stance more strongly and thus exert influence on international developments as a credible partner.

Philip Jaffé elected for second term on UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

06.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Professor Philip D. Jaffé has been re-elected to the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the period 2023–27. The committee consists of 18 independent experts whose mission is to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The election by the states parties to the CRC took place in New York on 6 June 2022.

Federal Councillor Alain Berset to attend Milan Design Week

03.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Alain Berset will travel to Milan on Monday, 6 June, for the opening of Milan Design Week, where he will meet with various Swiss designers who will be gathering together for the first time under the same roof at the House of Switzerland Milano.

Federal Council presents priorities for serving on the UN Security Council to the Foreign Affairs Committees

25.05.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2023–24 period, with the election taking place on 9 June. On 25 May 2022, the Federal Council discussed the priorities for Switzerland's two-year term, which will now be presented to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committees (FACs) for consultation.

Confiscation proceedings in connection with 2014 Ukraine revolution

25.05.2022 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 25 May 2022, the Federal Council decided to launch administrative confiscation proceedings for assets frozen in Switzerland following the Ukrainian revolution of February 2014. Switzerland is thus providing support to Ukraine, which is facing certain difficulties in its efforts to confiscate these assets. These difficulties have been compounded since the start of the war in Ukraine. Today’s decision is unrelated to the sanctions imposed against Russia in 2022.

Projet de rapport sur la diversité culturelle en Suisse

29.02.2012 — Article DEZA

En ratifiant la Convention de l'UNESCO sur la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles, la Suisse acceptait d'établir tous les quatre ans un rapport sur la situation nationale en matière de diversité culturelle. Le premier d'entre eux sera livré en avril 2012.

Swiss Cooperation with Mali: Definition of the common perspectives for 2012-2015

09.02.2012 — Article DEZA

On 2 and 3 February 2012 in Bamako, Switzerland and its cooperation partner Mali met to take stock of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries and to launch their new strategy for the years 2012 to 2015. This new strategy formulates Swiss cooperation’s major points of thrust in this west African country over the next four years. The Memorandum of Understanding signed on this occasion paves the way to a new period of cooperation between Mali and Switzerland and defines their common perspectives for the coming years.

ADEA’s 2012 Triennale: Stepping up education and training for Africa’s sustainable development

08.02.2012 — Article DEZA

The ADEA Triennale on education and training in Africa brings together a range of people working for education on the continent: government ministers, representatives of bilateral and multilateral agencies, members of research networks, NGOs, the private sector and socio-professional organisations. Adapting education systems to the challenges of sustainable development is the focus of the broad dialogue. The event takes place from 12-17 February 2012 in Ouagadougou and is organised by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), a longstanding partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

«A Future Worth Choosing» – Final report of the UN High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability

06.02.2012 — Article DEZA

After a year and a half of intensive work, the United Nations High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability has published its final report entitled “Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing”. It contains 56 specific recommendations for achieving the goal of development that is truly sustainable. The recommendations focus on a growing economy which reduces poverty and social disparities and respects the natural limits of our planet.

The Horn of Africa: The delegate for Humanitarian Aid on a fact-finding mission about the current crisis

24.01.2012 — Article DEZA

Thousands of people are still living in appalling conditions in the Horn of Africa – in squalid accommodation, without clean drinking water and without access to schooling. Manuel Bessler, the delegate of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, visited Somalia and Kenya in January 2012 to see the situation for himself. What he saw there confirmed him in his conviction that the Horn of Africa must remain a focus of Switzerland’s humanitarian aid.

The President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey in talks with the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy

09.11.2011 — EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, for talks in Zurich on 9 November 2011. The topics of the discussion included the Swiss-EU relations, the debt crisis in the eurozone, co-operation on tax issues, and selected international issues.

Kidnapping of two Swiss citizens – statement by the FDFA

29.07.2011 — EDA
The FDFA has noted various new information published in the media regarding the two Swiss citizens kidnapped in Pakistan. The FDFA does not comment on such information.

Switzerland to strengthen its presence in Benghazi

11.07.2011 — EDA
Switzerland strengthens its presence in Benghazi, and sends a diplomat to the East Libyan city for the purpose of opening a liaison office. This will be in addition to the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit programme office which has already been up and running for the last four months.

Switzerland ready to send aid to Japan

11.03.2011 — EDA
It is with great consternation that the Federal Council has learned of the natural disaster in the northeast of Japan. Switzerland is ready to send emergency aid to the area, and has already submitted a corresponding offer to the Japanese government.

Report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” (last modification, the 18.02.2011)

10.02.2011 — EDA
On Thursday, 10 February 2011, Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey presented the report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” to the Swiss Press Club in Geneva. Supported by Switzerland and by the Swedish government, the report compiles a list of 10 recommendations whose objective is to contribute to building peace and to reducing the conflicts in the Middle East thanks to a sustainable trans-border management of water in the region.

50 years

06.01.2011 — EDA
6 January 2011 marks 50 years of Switzerland representing American interests in Cuba. Switzerland accepted the mandate in 1961 following the Cuban revolution which led to the break-off of relations between Cuba and the US.