Press releases

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Switzerland takes on protecting power mandate for Ecuador and Venezuela

19.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the request of the Ecuadorian government, Switzerland will represent Ecuador's interests in relation to Venezuela. On 19 December 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis signed the applicable agreement with Ecuador's ambassador to Switzerland, Verónica Bustamante Ponce. In taking on this role, Switzerland is ensuring that diplomatic and consular channels between the two countries remain open. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed following the Venezuelan presidential elections in July 2024. Diplomatic tensions between the two countries had been building prior to this.

Switzerland submits candidature to chair OSCE in 2026

19.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Today, Switzerland’s official candidature for the 2026 OSCE chairpersonship was transmitted by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to the current OSCE chair, Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg. Numerous countries have approached Switzerland to assume the chairpersonship for a third time. Given the particularly difficult geopolitical times that currently prevail, which also pose major challenges for the OSCE, the Swiss candidature underscores the fact that the only way to bring about peaceful and sustainable solutions to crises is through dialogue and cooperation.

New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure

18.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.

Federal Council adopts updated National Action Plan to support businesses in respecting human rights

13.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 13 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted the revised National Action Plan (NAP) 2024–27 on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This revised plan aims to address regulatory and other challenges, while supporting businesses in improving their human rights due diligence practices.

Federal Council adopts Digital Switzerland Strategy 2025

13.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 13 December, the Federal Council adopted the updated Digital Switzerland Strategy for 2025 and selected new focus themes, thereby setting its current priorities.

Lebanon: Switzerland sends water and sanitation support

11.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Since September 2024, developments in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel have led to the displacement of thousands of people inside Lebanon, depriving them of access to drinking water in particular. Faced with this situation, Switzerland has decided to provide additional expertise and equipment to support ongoing activities in the Bekaa Valley. The aim is to maintain equitable access to water for those affected.

Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber elected Human Rights Council president

09.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Jürg Lauber, who currently heads the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organisations in Geneva, has been elected to preside over the Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2025. The HRC is the UN's main human rights body. In October, Switzerland was re-elected to the council by the General Assembly for the 2025–27 period after an absence of six years.

Strategy for communication abroad: trust, innovation and Europe/G20 as priorities for 2025–28

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 6 December 2024, the Federal Council approved the Strategy for Communication Abroad 2025–28. The strategy outlines the thematic and geographical priorities for the coming years, with a focus on trust, innovation, and Europe and the G20 states. The objective is to strengthen Switzerland's image abroad, thereby helping the country safeguard its interests in the most effective way possible.

UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Humanitarian aid often takes place in contexts affected by UN sanctions. On 6 December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting out humanitarian exemptions for all UN financial sanctions. The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and on humanitarian work. It protects the civilian population – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's membership of the Council in 2023–24. Switzerland, together with the United States, put the resolution to the vote in the Security Council.

Strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation: Ignazio Cassis makes official visit to Rome

29.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
During his two-day visit to Rome, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opened the 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy, together with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The two officials praised this platform, which was designed to further enhance bilateral relations. In Rome, the head of the FDFA also participated in the international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Various other bilateral meetings with UN agencies were also on the agenda.

Dispatch on the Neutrality Initiative: Federal Council recommends rejection without counterproposal

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 27 November 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative 'Safeguarding Swiss neutrality' (Neutrality Initiative). It recommends that the Federal Assembly reject the initiative without a counterproposal. The Federal Council is of the opinion that enshrining a rigid understanding of neutrality in the Federal Constitution is not in Switzerland's interests and would restrict its room for manoeuvre in foreign policy terms.

Ignazio Cassis holds meeting with Maroš Šefčovič on 27 November 2024 in Bern

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, has met with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission's vice-president for interinstitutional relations and foresight. The exchange, which was held on 27 November in Bern, allowed the two politicians to take stock of the Swiss-EU negotiations and discuss the next steps, with the shared objective of concluding negotiations ideally by the end of the year.

Media (3435)

New Swiss ambassadors

21.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
As part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council, personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

Presentation of credentials

18.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials.

Conference on the protection and promotion of national minorities in Switzerland

17.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 17 March 2025, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider opened the fifth conference in Bern on the protection and promotion of national minorities in Switzerland. The event provided a platform for exchange between Swiss authorities, the Council of Europe, minority and non-governmental organisations plus the scientific community. The main focus was on embedding Italian and Romansh more deeply in everyday life, protecting the itinerant lifestyle of the Swiss Yenish and Sinti as well as stronger measures against racism and intolerance in education.

Syrian crisis: Switzerland pledges CHF 60 million to support future of Syria and countries in region

17.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
The direction of future developments in Syria remains uncertain since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024. In view of the scale of needs there, Switzerland reaffirms its support. At the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, held by the EU on 17 March 2025, the director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi, announced a contribution of CHF 60 million.

Review of Switzerland's UN Security Council seat

14.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the Federal Council meeting of 14 March 2025, the FDFA reported on Switzerland's first membership of the UN Security Council (2023–24), a two-year term of office marked by geopolitical tensions. In spite of these challenging conditions, Switzerland was able to make an impact and contribute to advancing its foreign policy goals.

Federal Council decides to impose additional freeze on assets of Bashar al-Assad's entourage

07.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
During its meeting on 7 March 2025, the Federal Council decided to impose an additional freeze on the assets of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his entourage. The Assad government fell last December after 24 years of rule. With this measure, the Federal Council wants to ensure that, regardless of developments in the area of sanctions, no funds of the former Assad government can flow out of Switzerland.

Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider travels to New York for the UN Commission on the Status of Women

06.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
The 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will open in New York on 10 March. This edition is of particular significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, currently the most comprehensive international plan to strengthen gender equality and the rights of women and girls. The Swiss delegation will be led by Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the minister responsible for gender equality.

The Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions scheduled for 7 March will not take place

06.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions on the implementation of the Fourth Convention (protection of civilians in wartime) in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, will not take place. Profound differences between the high contracting parties to the Geneva Conventions emerged during an extensive consultation process. Switzerland, as the depositary state, therefore concluded that a significant number of the high contracting parties did not support such a conference, and has decided against holding one.

Business, innovation and sustainability: the International Cooperation Forum 2025 debates the future of international cooperation

28.02.2025 — Press releases EDA
The fourth International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum), which focused economic development, ended today at ETH Zurich. Participants including federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis discussed the importance of local initiatives and cooperation between the private and public sectors. The IC Award was also presented to three Swiss companies for their innovations in the field of development cooperation. Over 1,500 people took part in the forum, both in person and online.

Europe, Ukraine, multilateralism, BRICS: Federal Council approves Foreign Policy Report 2024

26.02.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 26 February 2025, the Federal Council approved the Foreign Policy Report 2024. The report sets out the progress that has been made in achieving the 28 objectives of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. A special thematic focus section examines the influence of the BRICS group of states (including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on the world order and outlines Switzerland's strategy for relations with those states.

Economic development takes centre stage at the International Cooperation Forum 2025 in Zurich

25.02.2025 — Press releases EDA
The fourth edition of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum) will take place at ETH Zurich on 27 and 28 February 2025. Together with representatives from politics, business, research, philanthropy and NGOs, federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis will be looking for innovative ways to promote economic development in developing and partner countries. More than 1,500 people from over 120 countries are expected to attend in Zurich or participate online.

Human rights – the bedrock of our society

24.02.2025 — Press releases EDA
In Geneva this Monday, the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) has begun its 58th session with Switzerland back in the Council, and chaired for the first time by a Swiss diplomat. During the high-level segment, opened by the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the head of Swiss diplomacy urged states to act with unity and determination to ensure respect for human rights, eighty years after the creation of the United Nations.

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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