Press releases

Population Survey on Development Policy: Development Cooperation deeply embedded

25.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
A clear majority of the Swiss population views development assistance as an effective strategy in combating world-wide poverty and tackling development problems. Urgent action is deemed necessary in the areas of enhancing fair trade and addressing global issues. These were the results of a representative population survey commissioned by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss Alliance of Development Organizations (Alliance Sud).

Federal Council to Put UBS Agreement to Parliament for Approval; Switzerland intends to fulfill its obligations under international law

24.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council is to put the Administrative Assistance Agreement between Switzerland and the USA, dated August 19, 2009, to Parliament for formal approval. It instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) Wednesday to prepare the corresponding Federal Council Message. The move will allow Switzerland to fulfill its obligations under international law, and bring a final resolution to its legal and sovereignty dispute with the USA.

The Federal Council proposes a new law on the restitution of assets of illicit origin

24.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
In the context of the prolongation of the freeze on the Duvalier assets, which the Federal Council decided on 3 February 2010, today the Federal Council has decided to submit the draft Federal Act on the restitution of assets of illicit origin to a consultation procedure. The Duvalier assets could be first case to which the law would apply once it enters into force. For this to happen however it must first be passed by Parliament. With this draft law, Switzerland confirms its leading position worldwide in the restitution of assets of illicit origin.

Strengthening of cooperation with Serbia

24.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Serbia about assistance in intellectual property matters

Reform of the European Court of Human Rights: joint declaration reached in Interlaken

19.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
In the framework of its Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, on 18 and 19 February 2010 Switzerland organised a Ministerial Conference in Interlaken in order to decisively spur the reform of the overburdened European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). By issuing a joint declaration the representatives of the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe confirm their intention to secure the long-term future of the ECHR.

Combating the Food Crisis is the primary Objective

18.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
At the Annual Media Conference held in Bern, the SDC acquainted the audience with the priority activities planned for 2010. Making a contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and enhancing food security are vested with a prominent role.

Federal Councillor Calmy–Rey meets the Spanish and Libyan Foregin Ministers in Madrid

18.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today met her Spanish and Libyan counterparts in Madrid. Spain currently holds the presidency of the EU Council of ministers. They discussed the differences between Switzerland and Libya as well as visa issues.

Water Security in the Middle East

17.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
An international workshop on Water Security in the Middle East was held at Montreux on February 15-16., attracting participation of 60 leading policymakers, including members of Parliament, former Cabinet Ministers, research senior leaders of Water Commissions and heads of research institutions from across the Middle East.

Almost 685,000 Swiss nationals living abroad

17.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
The number of Swiss nationals living abroad rose in 2009 by 8,798 to 684,974. In 2000, 580,396 Swiss nationals were living abroad. The increase is caused mainly by the number of persons with dual nationality, which has risen from 405,921 to 493,468.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter signs Swiss-EU bilateral agreement

15.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, a new Swiss-EU bilateral agreement was signed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Ms Androulla Vassiliou, the EU Commissioner for Culture, Education, Multiligualism, and Youth and Mr Ángel Gabilondo Pujol, Spanish Minister of Education and representative of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This bilateral agreement will enable Switzerland to officially take part in EU education, training and youth programmes.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey in the Democratic Republic of Congo

10.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, Wednesday, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey had talks at ministerial-level in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The discussions centred around bilateral relations, Francophonie, and development cooperation, specifically in regard to healthcare. Afterwards the head of the FDFA travelled to the province of South Kivu to visit programmes run by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Interlaken Conference: Switzerland spurs the reform of the European Court of Human Rights

10.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Ministerial Conference planned by Switzerland for Thursday and Friday of next week, 18 and 19 February, in Interlaken aims at decisively encouraging the reform of the chronically overburdened European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In this way Switzerland confirms its traditional commitment to protect human rights and ensures in the long term the future of the ECHR.

Federal Council reaffirms support for three international humanitarian organisations

16.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 16 April 2025, the Federal Council decided to allocate a total of almost CHF 250 million to support the operations of Switzerland's three main humanitarian partners for 2025 and 2026. The funding will benefit the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is thus reaffirming its support for key humanitarian organisations that provide urgently needed assistance worldwide.

'From Heidi to High Tech': the Swiss pavilion opens its doors at Osaka World Expo 2025

13.04.2025 — Press releases EDA

The Swiss pavilion was inaugurated on Sunday 13 April in the presence of the president of the National Council, Maja Riniker. An immersive exhibition entitled 'From Heidi to High Tech' showcases Switzerland's diversity and outstanding features: from its iconic Alpine heritage to its status as a world centre for innovation and cutting-edge technology. Presence Switzerland, which is part of the FDFA General Secretariat, is responsible for Switzerland's presence in Osaka. FDFA General Secretary Markus Seiler also attended the inauguration of the World Expo in Osaka, representing the FDFA.

Switzerland–EU: Federal Council approves EU Programmes Agreement

10.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved the EU Programmes Agreement (EUPA) along with the associated protocols on education, research, innovation and health. It also authorised Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to sign the agreement. Signature of the EUPA will enable Swiss association in Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme to be applied retroactively from 1 January 2025. The agreement will come into effect following ratification of the Switzerland-EU package

Federal Council reaffirms its support for UNDP

09.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF 31.8 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CHF 2 million to the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), thereby reaffirming Switzerland's support for sustainable development, the fight against poverty and multilateralism. The UNDP and UNCDF play a key role in implementing the 2030 Agenda, supporting governments in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Swiss–US relations: Federal Council establishes steering body

09.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council took the decision to set up a project structure responsible for steering Swiss–US relations. The body, which will be led by the head of the FDFA, will operate until the end of 2025 and involve all departments.

Ignazio Cassis to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum

08.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which will be held in Turkey from 11 to 13 April. Mr Cassis will have discussions on geopolitical challenges during the forum, including a meeting with the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. Prior to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Mr Cassis will visit the Turkish capital Ankara to attend an event marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship between Switzerland and Turkey.

Switzerland gains ground in promoting its human rights priorities

04.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
After six weeks of work, the first session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) chaired by a Swiss national has drawn to a close at the UN in Geneva. Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber led the deliberations of the 58th session of the HRC, during which the 47 member states, including Switzerland, discussed several critical global challenges, including those in Ukraine, the Middle East and Syria. On the latter, steps on a possible path towards peace and stability were taken. Efforts to abolish the death penalty – one of Switzerland's priorities – also continued to make headway.

Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva: Switzerland calls for joint efforts by all actors to achieve goals of 2030 Agenda

03.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
How can we move forward with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in a time dominated by crises and conflict? This was the focus of the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development on 2 and 3 April 2025. As explained by the head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda Markus Reubi, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be implemented if all actors work together. This includes states, regions, cities, civil society, and the academic and business communities.

Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes

02.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 2 April, the chief negotiators from Switzerland and the European Union initialled an agreement in Brussels on Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes. The agreement comes into force once the overall Switzerland-EU package has been ratified, but could already be applied provisionally after the signing, which is due to take place in November.

Earthquake in Myanmar: FDFA releases CHF 2.5 million and steps up its support

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
The number of dead and injured continues to rise following the earthquake in Myanmar. The disaster has worsened an already precarious humanitarian situation, exacerbated by an armed conflict that has lasted several years. To meet these new needs, Switzerland is releasing CHF 2.5 million and is making specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) available to UN agencies.

Working meeting between Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Bern on Tuesday. This is the first visit to Switzerland by Austria's new minister for European and international affairs. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, European policy and security, and current international affairs.

Humanitarian office in Kabul opens

31.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is once again represented in Afghanistan. A team of experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) has opened a Swiss humanitarian office in Kabul. This local presence will facilitate targeted support for the Afghan population in need. The humanitarian office is using the premises of the former Swiss cooperation office that was closed after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

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.