Press releases

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Switzerland to host high-level conference on peace at the Bürgenstock resort in June 2024

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 10 April 2024, the Federal Council took note of the results of the exploratory phase of the high-level conference on peace in Ukraine. The conditions are now in place for the conference to be able to initiate a peace process. The first step is to develop a common understanding among the participating states with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The conference is scheduled for June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden.

OSCE conference: Switzerland calls for concrete measures to combat antisemitism

09.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe convened this year's Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE region in Malta on 8 and 9 October. It marked the 20th anniversary of the OSCE's Berlin declaration against antisemitism and highlighted the sharp rise in antisemitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The participating states underlined the need for interfaith and intercultural dialogue to bridge divides between communities. Switzerland, which was represented by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler at the conference, called for the swift implementation of concrete short- and long-term measures against antisemitism.

What is peace? The main theme of the International Cooperation Forum 2024

08.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 11 and 12 April 2024, President of the Confederation Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take part in the third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) in Basel. 'What is Peace?' will be the guiding theme for discussions between representatives from politics, academia, the private sector and civil society. The goal of the IC Forum is to identify new avenues for promoting peace.

Human rights at heart of current crises discussed at 55th session of Human Rights Council

05.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva focused on the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. The session began on 26 February, with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and around 100 high-level dignitaries in attendance. It ended on Friday 5 April.

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

28.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
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.

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: Federal Council sees no need to change direction at this time

27.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
On the basis of a new comprehensive reassessment, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 27 March 2024, that there is currently no reason to change its position on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which entered into force in 2021. It has therefore reaffirmed the conclusion it reached in 2018 and 2019 and has decided that Switzerland will not join the TPNW for the time being. The Federal Council's conclusion is based both on the assessment made in 2018–19 and recent security policy developments in Europe and globally. The Federal Council considers Switzerland's commitment to a world without nuclear weapons, pursued within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to be a more effective approach.

Presentation of credentials

26.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

Middle East: UN Security Council calls for immediate ceasefire

25.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 25 March, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the situation in the Middle East. The Council calls for an immediate ceasefire for the remainder of Ramadan, which should lead to a lasting sustainable ceasefire. The resolution was submitted to the Security Council for a vote by Switzerland together with the nine other non-permanent Council members as co-penholders.

Federal Councillor Cassis in East Africa: talks focus on bilateral relations and the regional security situation

21.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, officially concluded his multi-day trip to East Africa today with a visit to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, following earlier stops in Ethiopia and Djibouti. Mr Cassis' talks with the presidents and foreign ministers of the three countries focused on bilateral relations, regional challenges and opportunities, and multilateralism. The trip also provided important insights for the new Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy that is currently being drawn up.

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.

Summit for Democracy: opportunities and risks of AI for democracy

18.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
The third edition of the Summit for Democracy is scheduled to be held in the Republic of Korea from 18 to 20 March under the banner of 'Democracy for Future Generations'. Ambassador Simon Geissbühler delivered a statement at Monday's ministerial meeting which focused on the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on democracy.

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.

Media (3288)

Federal Council consults foreign affairs committees on aid payments to Middle East

24.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 24 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to proceed with the planned use of CHF 56 million of humanitarian funding earmarked for the Middle East. The FDFA has been instructed to consult with the foreign affairs committees on this matter. A decision on the disbursement of the Swiss contribution to UNRWA will be made at a later date.

Ignazio Cassis receives Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern

23.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern today. Their discussions focused on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Switzerland's European policy, current international affairs and the security situation. Both ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting global peace.

Palestine's application for full membership of the United Nations

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.

Switzerland strengthens humanitarian demining capacities in Ukraine

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 17–18 April, representatives from more than 50 countries and organisations gathered at an international workshop in Kyiv to discuss measures for identifying and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. Good coordination of national activities and international support is crucial to ensure that this work can progress swiftly and effectively. The workshop was co-organised by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Switzerland, whose delegation at the conference was led by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, has a long history of supporting humanitarian demining through the GICHD and other organisations. Clearing the country of mines is a key prerequisite for Ukraine's recovery.

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel leads third strategic partnership dialogue between Switzerland and US

17.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received a US delegation for political consultations in Bern on 17 April. The delegation was led by Assistant Secretary James O'Brien, who is in charge of European and Eurasian affairs at the US Department of State. On the agenda were the many ongoing or recently concluded bilateral negotiations, particularly in the area of taxation, which are concrete examples of the dynamism of bilateral relations.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

IC Forum 2024: 1000 people come together in Basel to discuss the theme of peace

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) concluded today in Basel. Over 1,000 representatives from politics, business, science, and civil society gathered alongside President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, FDFA head Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde to discuss the theme of peace promotion. Discussions centred on three core values: critical dialogue, trust, and innovation, all aimed at finding new pathways for tangible and sustainable progress. A highlight of the 2024 forum was the Swiss IC Awards, recognising innovative peace-building projects by Swiss companies.

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.

Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 17 to 19 April 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will also take place as part of this gathering. In addition, the two Federal Councillors will take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings.

Conflicts and crises lead to increase in ODA in 2023

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
In 2023, Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.64 billion, equivalent to 0.60% of its gross national income (GNI), more than a quarter of which came from asylum-related costs in Switzerland. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.43%.

Federal Council to support recovery in Ukraine with CHF 5 billion by 2036

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has been providing humanitarian aid and supporting the economic development and longer-term reconstruction of Ukraine since the war broke out in February 2022. This support builds on the existing cooperation with the country and is to be intensified over the next twelve years, as decided by the Federal Council at its meeting of 10 April 2024. It plans to allocate a total of CHF 5 billion to this end by 2036. As a first step, around CHF 1.5 billion is to be drawn from the international cooperation budget by 2028. This amount clearly demonstrates Switzerland's solidarity with the people affected by the war in Ukraine and will increase stability on the European continent.

Federal Council renews its contribution to the Green Climate Fund

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will continue to support the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a total contribution of CHF 135 million over the next four years. The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 10 April 2024. The GCF helps developing countries take concrete action to achieve the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In particular, it funds initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

Other news (300)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

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.

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