Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
22.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 November 2023, the Federal Council decided to propose a federal Act to Parliament banning Hamas in Switzerland. It instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) and the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to prepare the draft legislation. The Federal Council was also briefed on the audit carried out by the FDFA on financial flows to Switzerland's NGO partners under its cooperation programme for the region. The contracts with three Palestinian NGOs will be terminated. In view of the current dramatic situation in Israel and Gaza, the Federal Council calls for respect for international humanitarian law and in particular the protection of civilians.
22.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for 2023/24 for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.
21.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On Tuesday 21 November, federal councillors Alain Berset, president of the Swiss Confederation and Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received a courtesy visit from a delegation from Hungary headed by the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. The exchange centred on bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy objectives, Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024 and current international issues.
21.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel was received by the secretary-general of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Stefano Sannino, in Brussels on 21 November for the biannual consultations on foreign and security policy. In this context, Mr Fasel and Mr Sannino agreed to establish a structured dialogue on security and defence, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in this area. They also discussed the topic of cooperation and solidarity in response to current crises, and exchanged views on various multilateral issues.
20.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On behalf of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), two external studies have reviewed the implementation of the Swiss National Action Plan 2020–23 (NAP) on business and human rights and the corporate governance due diligence procedures carried out by Swiss companies. The FDFA and EAER will update the NAP for the following four years based on the studies' findings. By promoting human rights in business, the Confederation is making an important contribution to sustainable development.
16.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has pledged its support for the establishment of a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This commitment was announced today in Berlin, where Switzerland confirmed its membership in the core group of nations advocating for such a tribunal. Switzerland is firmly convinced that the aggression against Ukraine must not go unpunished.
15.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 15 November, the entire Federal Council welcomed the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte Macron, on a state visit. The military honours on the Bundesplatz were followed by official speeches and talks. Switzerland and France reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations and signed two memorandums of understanding. European policy and the current international situation were also key topics of the talks. The second day of the visit will be dedicated to cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and education, and to pan-European challenges.
13.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On Monday, 13 November 2023, State Secretary Alexandre Fasel travelled to London for the annual strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the United Kingdom. He met with Christian Turner, political director, and Peter Wilson, director general for Europe, at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The discussions centred on the intensive and diverse bilateral relations between Switzerland and the UK, current international affairs, and European matters. The primary objective of the discussions was to enhance political, economic and scientific cooperation between the two nations.
10.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 10 November 2023, the FDFA's Consular Directorate was awarded the Multilingualism Seal in Bern at a ceremony attended by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The award, conferred by the FORUM for Bilingualism foundation in Biel/Bienne, certifies the FDFA's commitment to multilingualism and the harmonious coexistence of Switzerland's different cultural and linguistic communities. The long-standing commitment of the FDFA and its head to multilingualism has produced positive results.
09.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council has invited President Emmanuel Macron of France and his wife, Brigitte Macron, on a state visit to Switzerland with a view to enhancing/ the long-standing diplomatic relations with France and advancing important bilateral topics. The state guest will be received on Wednesday, 15 November by the entire Federal Council with military honours on the Bundesplatz. This will be followed by official speeches in the lobby of the Federal Palace and political discussions in the Bernerhof. The second day of the visit will be devoted to cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and education, and pan-European challenges.
09.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Today Nepal is opening its 10,000th trail bridge. Switzerland has been providing support to help Nepal construct bridges since the 1960s. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will bring this successful long-term project to a close at the end of 2023. This means the Nepalese government will now assume full responsibility for funding and constructing bridges.
08.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 8 November 2023, the Federal Council reviewed the outcomes of internal discussions and the exploratory talks with the EU. On this basis, it decided to draw up a negotiating mandate. Before the end of the year, it will decide whether or not to adopt it and submit it to the foreign affairs committees (FACs) and the Conference of Cantonal Governments (CCG) for consultation.
12.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
President Viola Amherd met Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on Wednesday, 12 June. The talks in Bern focused on the countries’ close bilateral relations, European policy, the upcoming summit on peace in Ukraine and cooperation between Switzerland and Portugal at multilateral level.
12.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi in Bern on 12 June 2024. The discussions focused on the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities and Switzerland's support for the IAEA's work in Ukraine. The meeting is part of a series of high-level exchanges with the IAEA, and underscores the importance that Switzerland attaches to nuclear safety and security and to the IAEA as a whole, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine.
10.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has been supporting the recovery and reconstruction process in Ukraine since the start of the war. In line with this commitment, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will attend the third Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Berlin on 11 and 12 June 2024, following on from the URCs in Lugano (2022) and London (2023). The Berlin conference will focus, among other things, on private sector involvement, social aspects and the promotion of local and regional development.
10.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
90 states and organisations have so far registered to attend the summit on peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock (NW) on 15/16 June. The aim of the high-level meeting of heads of state and government is to develop a common understanding for a possible path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This will then form the basis for a peace process. On 10 June, President Viola Amherd, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Nidwalden Cantonal Councillor Karin Kayser-Frutschi, together with Stephan Grieder, head of operations and chief of the Nidwalden Cantonal Police, and Major General Daniel Keller, Commander of Territorial Division 2, gave a briefing on the state of preparations and security measures.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 7 June, the Federal Council decided to continue supporting Ukraine in the areas of digitalisation and e-governance, approving CHF 58.7 million for this purpose over the next four years. Switzerland is thus promoting democratic reforms in Ukraine through digitalisation and at the same time increasing the transparency of state-provided services. Both areas are of crucial importance for Ukraine to rebuild.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine will take place on 15 and 16 June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden. A major security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the event and those attending. At its meeting on 7 June 2024, the Federal Council decided to consider the summit an 'extraordinary event'. This means that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the canton of Nidwalden.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council appointed David Grichting as the new head of the Directorate for Resources (DR) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in its meeting on 7 June 2024. David Grichting currently heads the FDFA’s Consular Directorate (CD). He will take up his new post on 1 January 2025 succeeding to Tania Cavassini, who has been appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco by the Federal Council. The FDFA will appoint a selection committee to
to evaluate candidates to succeed David Grichting.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Erika Schläppi of Switzerland has been elected to an initial maiden term on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women for 2025–28. She will be the second Swiss woman to serve in this capacity.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
After 2010, 2014 and 2019, Switzerland has been elected for the fourth time to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025–26 term. ECOSOC is one of the UN's main bodies in the field of sustainable development.
04.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Heavy rain has caused flooding in northern Armenia, leading to considerable loss of life and destruction of property. Water and mud levels reached almost two metres in some areas and destroyed a large number of homes and infrastructure. At the request of the Armenian authorities, Switzerland is deploying specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to the affected areas. In particular, they will be responsible for assessing the structural soundness of bridges and other infrastructure. Switzerland has earmarked up to CHF 500,000 to support efforts on the ground.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 27 May 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, in Bern. The official working visit took place within the context of the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Niger. The talks focused on the prospects for normalisation in Niger and the challenges facing the region.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.