Press releases

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Hurricane Melissa in Caribbean: Switzerland supports efforts to restore essential services

13.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Some two weeks after it hit the region, the impact of Hurricane Melissa continues to severely disrupt daily life for people in Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has sent support in the form of specialists and equipment, and allocated CHF 1.3 million to help meet the needs of those affected in the three countries.

Ignazio Cassis to travel to Berlin

11.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be in Berlin from 13 to 14 November 2025. He will meet with the German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, and the minister for economic cooperation and development, Reem Alabali Radovan. The talks will focus on bilateral relations, European policy, geopolitical challenges, and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Switzerland and EU sign agreement on Swiss participation in EU programmes

10.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva signed the Switzerland-EU programmes agreement in Bern on 10 November 2025. This part of the Switzerland-EU package can be provisionally applied with retroactive effect from the beginning of 2025. Switzerland is thus associated to Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe programme. The agreement also paves the way for association to ITER, Erasmus+ and EU4Health.

Switzerland reaffirms support for International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund

07.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a key instrument to ensure that humanitarian aid is efficient, anticipatory and localised. The fund is run by the Geneva-based International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is providing the DREF with CHF 6 million for the 2025-26 period.

Immediate support for US peace plan in Middle East

05.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 5 November 2025, the FDFA informed the Federal Council of the short-term measures adopted to provide support to the US peace plan for the Middle East. Switzerland is providing technical expertise in the areas of international humanitarian law, disarmament and demining. It will be stepping up its humanitarian aid to Gaza, and also aims to strengthen the Palestinian Authority. To help implement these measures, the FDFA is releasing an additional CHF 20 million in funding.

80 years of UNESCO: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis takes part in General Conference in Uzbekistan

03.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 3 November 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the 43rd session of UNESCO's General Conference. This year's edition is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. In his speech, Mr Cassis emphasised UNESCO’s important role in tackling the global challenges related to new technologies and pointed out the significance of International Geneva and science diplomacy in this area.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel pays tribute to 50 years of trinational cooperation on the Upper Rhine

03.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
In Basel on Monday, 3 November 2025, State Secretary Alexandre Fasel attended the ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Franco-German-Swiss Intergovernmental Commission for the promotion of cross-border cooperation in the Upper-Rhine region. He paid tribute to the long-standing and successful cooperation in the three-country region as a model of active cross-border partnership in Europe.

Switzerland extends support to Caribbean in wake of Hurricane Melissa

31.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
In response to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, Switzerland is stepping up its humanitarian efforts in the region. The FDFA has released over CHF 1 million to help those affected in Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica and is deploying nine specialists to Cuba to support the Red Cross there with the relief operations on the ground.

State visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa: Switzerland and South Africa strengthen relations

29.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
The state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is serving as an opportunity for Switzerland and South Africa to strengthen relations. On Wednesday, 29 October, five documents on future cooperation were signed. Prior to that, the South African president was received by the full Federal Council. Official talks focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries at international level.

Ignazio Cassis in Iraq and Kuwait: new opportunities and partnerships

25.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's official visit to Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait ends today. Following his official visit to Jordan on 22 October, the head of the FDFA travelled to Iraq and Kuwait from 23 to 25 October. This trip to the Middle East gave the head of the FDFA an opportunity to discuss the geopolitical challenges facing the region, such as the situation in the Gaza Strip. These three official visits also highlight the new perspectives for political, economic and humanitarian cooperation in a region in motion.

Situation in Gaza at heart of discussions between Ignazio Cassis and Ayman Safadi in Amman

24.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Amman on 22 October for an official visit to Jordan. There he met with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, for in-depth discussions on regional political developments, the humanitarian situation in Gaza and bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Jordan. The conflict in the Middle East and the US's 20-point peace plan were at the heart of the talks.

Injured children to be evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment

24.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
As part of a humanitarian operation, Switzerland is evacuating an initial group of seven injured children from the Gaza Strip to Switzerland. The children and persons accompanying them will be hosted by seven Swiss cantons, where they will receive medical treatment at university and cantonal hospitals. They will also undergo an asylum procedure in Switzerland. The humanitarian operation has been jointly organised by several federal agencies and cantons, and is being carried out in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Swiss Air-Rescue Rega.

Media (3589)

OSCE press release: Meeting between OSCE Chairman Cassis and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow

06.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow today. This was the first visit by an OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to the Russian Federation since February 24, 2022.

OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Cassis to visit Moscow

04.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu will travel to Moscow on 5-6 February for meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov.

OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis in Ukraine

02.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
In his role as OSCE chairman-in-office, Ignazio Cassis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on 2 February 2026.

Federal Council adopts Anti-Corruption Strategy 2026–29

28.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 January, the Federal Council adopted its Anti-Corruption Strategy 2026–29. The strategy sets priorities for fighting corruption in areas of the Federal Administration that are particularly exposed and present an increased risk, and for reducing the vulnerability of Swiss businesses to corruption abroad. The strategy is mainly intended for the Federal Administration but also for target groups outside the Federal Administration.

AI Summit 2027: Switzerland indicates willingness to host event

28.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 January, the Federal Council confirmed Switzerland's intention to organise a summit on artificial intelligence (AI) in Geneva in 2027. A final decision will be taken at the next AI summit in Delhi in February.

Switzerland condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria

27.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland takes note of the fifth report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was mandated to identify the perpetrators of chemical weapons use in Kafr Zita in the Hama Governorate of Syria on 1 October 2016. Switzerland condemns the use of chemical weapons in the strongest terms and calls for those responsible to be held accountable.

Security and multilateral cooperation in today's changing world at the forefront of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' talks in Davos

22.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
During his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, focused his discussions on security and stability in Europe and the Middle East, multilateral cooperation and Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Switzerland assumes the presidency of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine in 2026 and 2027

16.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 1 January 2026, Switzerland assumed the rotating presidency of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). The CCNR defines the international regulations for free navigation on the Rhine and thus ensures, among other things, that ships can travel from Basel to Rotterdam or Antwerp or from there to Basel without restrictions or fees. Access to the largest European seaports, which is guaranteed under international law, is important for Switzerland's security of supply. In particular, the Swiss presidency will advocate the digitalisation, sustainability and safety of the critical infrastructure of Rhine navigation.

Federal Council programme announced for WEF Annual Meeting 2026

16.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) takes place in Davos next week, with four members of the Federal Council in attendance. President Guy Parmelin will open proceedings on Tuesday, 20 January, alongside the two interim co-chairs of the Board of Trustees, André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in Vienna

12.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna on 15 January 2026 to officially open Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In his capacity as chairman-in-office, Mr Cassis will present the focus, programme and special representatives of the Swiss chairpersonship. He will also meet with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, among others.

National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana

07.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
This coming Friday, 9 January, will be dedicated nationwide to remembering the victims of the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, showing solidarity with the injured and expressing sympathy for all those affected. On this day of mourning, President Guy Parmelin, together with Switzerland’s official religious communities, invites people across the country to observe a minute's silence and a moment of reflection. Church bells will ring throughout the country. A memorial service will take place in Martigny in the canton of Valais.

Federal Council freezes any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro

05.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 5 January 2026, the Federal Council decided to freeze any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro and other persons associated with him with immediate effect. In doing so, the Federal Council aims to prevent an outflow of assets. The asset freeze does not affect members of the current Venezuelan government. Should future legal proceedings reveal that the funds were illicitly acquired, Switzerland will endeavour to ensure that they benefit the Venezuelan people. The asset freeze is in addition to the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018 under the Embargo Act.

Other news (151)

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

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.

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.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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