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Federal Councillor Amherd to meet with European defence ministers in Brussels

12.10.2023 — Press releases Europa
The Framework Nations Concept (FNC), a multinational initiative for the joint development of defence capabilities, is celebrating its tenth anniversary. As initiator of the FNC, Germany has invited ministers to a meeting in Brussels to honour the cooperation programme. Federal Councillor Viola Amherd will attend the meeting with her European counterparts and exchange views on the current security situation, in particular the war in Ukraine and the attacks by Hamas in Israel.

President Berset to attend third meeting of the European Political Community

03.10.2023 — Press releases Europa
President Alain Berset will attend the third meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in the southern Spanish city of Granada on 5 October. The meeting will be attended by representatives from 47 states including Switzerland, and from the institutions of the European Union.

Ukraine: Switzerland tightens sanctions in connection with the supply of Iranian drones to Russia

29.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
On 29 September, the Federal Council adopted further sanctions in connection with the supply of Iranian drones to Russia. This aligns Switzerland with the European Union, which has adopted new measures in response to the use of Iranian drones in Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. The new measures will come into force at 6pm on 29 September.

Federal Council presents draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27

29.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 29 September 2023, the Federal Council adopted the draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. This strategy outlines Switzerland's stance in a rapidly evolving global landscape and establishes key foreign policy priorities and objectives for the upcoming legislative period. The draft will be submitted to the cantons and the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation before the final version is adopted in early 2024.

Focus on security policy in run-up to EPC summit

27.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA, together with the European Council on Foreign Relations and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, held a workshop today in Geneva on the role of the European Political Community (EPC) in the European security architecture. Switzerland is actively involved in the EPC as a platform for dialogue and cooperation in Europe. The workshop took place in the run-up to the next EPC summit in Granada, Spain.

Switzerland participates in high-level event on the future of work and social dialogue

22.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
The head of SECO's Labour Directorate, Boris Zürcher, took part in a high-level event organised by the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council. The meeting took place on 21 and 22 September in Santiago de Compostela. The focus of the meeting was on the future of work and social dialogue in relation to the green and digital transitions.

President Alain Berset receives Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti

22.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
President Berset received the prime minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, for a courtesy visit on Friday, 22 September. The talks were devoted in particular to the situation in northern Kosovo and the process led by the European Union (EU) to normalise relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

Greater cooperation with Slovakia

19.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland and Slovakia have signed a bilateral agreement on 19 September 2023 on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Switzerland will support programmes in Slovakia in the areas of vocational training, sustainable tourism and healthcare amounting to CHF 44.2 million. This means that all 13 bilateral implementation agreements for the second Swiss contribution to strengthen cohesion are under wraps.

International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends that Switzerland speed up the restructuring of its energy system

11.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
The International Energy Agency (IEA) considers Switzerland's energy policy to be on the right track, but that progress is too slow. It therefore recommends that Switzerland press ahead more quickly with converting its energy system. The federal government, in cooperation with the cantons, should speed up the licensing procedures for energy infrastructures. Climate policy measures effective from 2030 onwards should also be defined as quickly as possible in order to achieve the net zero emissions target by 2050. Furthermore, the IEA suggests that energy efficiency measures be consistently taken into account in all relevant Swiss policies. According to the IEA, integration into the European electricity market by means of an electricity agreement would strengthen both Switzerland's and the EU member states' security of electricity supply.

Swiss aid operation in Greece concluded

11.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss deployment to fight forest fires and support Greece after the floods came to an end on Sunday evening, 10 September 2023. In the initial phase, the team supported the Greek authorities in fire-fighting operations for five days with Swiss army helicopters. In the second phase, the team focused on the flooded areas of central Greece. Three Super Puma helicopters were used to transport people and distribute material. Today, Monday, the helicopters and their crews as well as the Swiss Humanitarian Aid rapid response team returned to Switzerland.

Greece: Swiss relief operation refocused on flooding

07.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss operation to fight forest fires in Greece was completed on Thursday evening, 7 September 2023. The fires were brought under control. The Greek authorities have now appealed to Switzerland to adapt its relief operation to provide assistance to the areas affected by flooding. Switzerland is therefore continuing its humanitarian relief operation and, starting tomorrow, will be the first country to support the Greek authorities in tackling the flooding in the Thessaly region. Three Swiss Armed Forces helicopters have been deployed to transport people and supplies.

VPET system takes centre stage in Europe

05.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
The European skills competitions are an important showcase for achievements in vocational and professional education and training (VPET), as well as a platform for cultivating international contacts. Rémy Hübschi, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, will travel to Gdansk, Poland, from 6 to 9 September for EuroSkills 2023. The trip will focus on exchange about various VPET topics with education ministers from other European countries, watching the competitions and attending the reception for the Swiss EuroSkills team.

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President Viola Amherd to hold talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz

13.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd will travel to Germany this week for talks with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the state of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Germany and the commitment of both countries to security and prosperity. The meeting with Chancellor Scholz is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 May, and the meeting with President Steinmeier for Thursday, 16 May.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend Council of Europe ministerial meeting in Strasbourg

13.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter meets with Luxembourg's Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth

07.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 7 May 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), received her Luxembourg counterpart Gilles Roth for a working visit. The ministers discussed global and European financial developments and the most important international financial and tax issues. As export-oriented economies with major financial centres, Switzerland and Luxembourg often pursue common interests and represent converging views in international bodies.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin in Greece

06.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
From 8 to 11 May, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will pay a visit to Greece. Official talks on economic and scientific topics are planned in Athens. On the island of Euboea, Mr Parmelin will visit an archaeological site of the École Suisse d'Archéologie en Grèce (ESAG), which is supported by the Confederation.

President Amherd to visit Italy and the Holy See

29.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Swiss President Viola Amherd will travel to Rome this week to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday, 3 May. She will then spend a long weekend visiting the Holy See. While at the Vatican, Ms Amherd will meet with Pope Francis and State Secretary Pietro Parolin and attend the swearing in ceremony for new recruits to the Pontifical Swiss Guard on Monday, 6 May. A meeting with Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto is planned for the following day.

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.

President Amherd meets the president and prime minister of Hungary prior to it assuming EU Council presidency

19.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On Friday, 19 April, President Viola Amherd met President Tamás Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Parliamentary Speaker László Kövér in Budapest to discuss bilateral relations, the European policy of both countries and the European security situation. Hungary will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year.

President Amherd to visit Hungary, holder of next EU Council presidency

15.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
In a few days’ time President Viola Amherd will travel to Hungary, which will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year. The main topics for discussion at meetings with President Tamás Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Speaker of the National Assembly László Kövér on Friday, 19 April, will include bilateral relations between Switzerland and Hungary, European policy and the security situation in Europe. On Thursday, 18 April, Ms Amherd will give a speech on these topics at Andrássy University in Budapest.

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.

Launch of the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE: Computers heat buildings

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Zero heat waste: This is the goal of a dozen European companies and research institutions, including Empa, in the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE. The focus is on buildings with extensive IT loads. All waste heat from these systems is to be integrated and utilized in the buildings.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama visits Poland with science delegation

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 9 and 10 April, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (ERI), met with Polish government representatives in Warsaw. She opened the kick-off event of the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme. The visit to Warsaw will strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland in the ERI sector.

Horizon package: Federal Council to finance transitional measures in 2024

10.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 10 April, the Federal Council decided on transitional measures for the 2024 calls for proposals under the European Union's Horizon package 2021-2027 (Horizon Europe, Euratom programme, ITER and Digital Europe Programme). A maximum amount of CHF 650 million has been set aside for this purpose. This allocation is drawn from funding earmarked by Parliament at the end of 2020 for Switzerland's participation in the Horizon package. The Federal Council remains committed to achieving Swiss association to the Horizon package as soon as possible.

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Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
The Federal Council is to further relax entry restrictions in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions will be lifted in step with the reopening of the economy. From 8 June, the cantons will begin processing applications from workers from the EU/EFTA member states. In addition, Swiss companies will be allowed to employ highly skilled workers from third countries if this is in the public interest, or if they are urgently required. To benefit the domestic workforce, companies will again be required to give notification of job vacancies, a measure that was temporarily suspended during the lockdown. Lastly, the Federal Council plans to lift all travel restrictions and re-establish the free movement of persons across the Schengen area no later than 6 July. Border controls with Germany, Austria and France will be lifted as early as 15 June, as previously announced.

Securing access to research cooperation and funding programmes in Europe

20.05.2020 — Europa
Horizon Europe, the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, is due to start in 2021. Along with three other European initiatives, Horizon Europe forms the ‘2021–2027 Horizon package’. On 20 May 2020 the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on funding requesting Parliament to approve CHF 6,154 million in funding to secure Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon package. Provided Parliament approves this funding, the Federal Council and the EU will be able to renew their bilateral research agreement and secureSwitzerland’s continued and uninterrupted participation in the Horizon package as an associated state.

Coronavirus: Switzerland reaches agreement with Germany, Austria and France on opening borders

13.05.2020 — Europa
Switzerland plans to open all borders with Germany, Austria and France on 15 June 2020, if the epidemiological situation allows. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter has reached agreement on this move following talks with the interior ministers of these three neighbouring countries. She advised the Federal Council of the agreement at its meeting on 13 May 2020.

New slides provide handy, up-to-date information on Switzerland’s European policy

26.11.2019 — Article Europa
Switzerland enjoys close, important and diverse relations with the European Union. They are based on the bilateral approach and influence many aspects of citizens’ lives, both in Switzerland and in the EU.

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabić attends working meeting with President Maurer

03.09.2019 — Europa
On Tuesday, 3 September, President Ueli Maurer received Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić at the Bernerhof for a working visit on the fringes of Swiss Digital Day. Discussions covered bilateral issues such as business and digital transformation, Serbia’s relations with the European Union, and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Samos refugee camp and meets new Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

10.07.2019 — EDA
Mr Cassis's visit to Greece has mainly been concerned with the situation of refugees and the challenges posed by migration. On Tuesday, the head of the FDFA visited the refugee camp on Samos and today met Nikos Dendias, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, and President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Switzerland and EU adapt their insurance agreement

05.07.2018 — Europa
Switzerland and the EU have been adapting their Direct Insurance Agreement which has existed since 1989 to the new regulatory requirements. The mixed committee with representatives from both sides adopted the changes on 3 July 2018 and brought them into effect. Thereby the agreement is also in line with the future requirements of the Swiss insurance business.

Switzerland and France give go-ahead to implementation of EuroAirport agreement

19.12.2017 — EDA
At their first meeting, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian brought the issue of the tax regime at Basel-Mulhouse (EuroAirport) to a conclusion: the agreement regulating Swiss companies operating at EuroAirport will be applicable from next year. The two foreign ministers' working meeting also focused on other bilateral issues, the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy with regard to the EU.

EU-Switzerland Financial Regulatory Dialogue held in Bern

19.10.2017 — Europa
The Swiss State Secretariat for International Financial Matters and the European Commission held their 2017 Financial Regulatory Dialogue on October 19 in Berne. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Jörg Gasser, State Secretary for International Financial Matters, and Olivier Guersent, European Commission's Director General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Participants included staff from the European Commission, European Supervisory Authorities, Single Resolution Board, the Swiss federal administration, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority FINMA.

European Parliament’s PANA Committee to visit Switzerland

15.09.2017 — Europa
The Swiss authorities will receive a delegation from the European Parliament's PANA Committee on 15 September. The focus of the talks will be the current system and the ongoing work to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and tax offences.

Switzerland once again a full member of partnership-funded EU innovation programmes

23.08.2017 — Europa
On 23 August, the Federal Council approved the agreements on Switzerland’s participation in the Eurostars-2 and the Active and Assisted Living research and development programmes. This means that Switzerland is once again a full member of both programmes and is co-financed by the EU. The programmes are particularly interesting for research-intensive SMEs looking to enter new European or global markets through cross-border cooperation. Switzerland’s participation in the AAL programme is one of the many measures that form part of the federal government’s Skilled Workers Initiative.

Linking of the Swiss and European emissions trading systems: big step forward

16.08.2017 — Europa
Switzerland and the European Union are preparing to link their emissions trading systems. The Federal Council approved the signing of the corresponding agreement at its meeting of 16 August 2017. The European Commission has also adopted proposals for the signature and ratification of the agreement and has submitted them to the Council of the European Union for approval. The agreement could be signed before the end of this year. Its ratification must then be approved by the Swiss and European parliaments.

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