Federal Council initiates consultation on revision of Tax Administrative Assistance Act

02.09.2015 — Press release DEA
Today, the Federal Council initiated the consultation proceedings on the revision of the Tax Administrative Assistance Act, which provides for an easing of Swiss practices with regard to stolen data. It should now be possible to respond to requests if a foreign country has obtained the stolen data via normal administrative assistance channels or from public sources. However, administrative assistance is still not possible if a country has actively acquired the stolen data outside of administrative assistance proceedings. The proposed legislative amendment will clarify the legal situation while also taking account of international developments.

Ambassadors and International Network Conference in the presence of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

17.08.2015 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 17 August 2015, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter opened the Ambassadors and International Network Conference in Bern, with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in attendance as guest speaker. The theme of this year’s four-day conference is “Switzerland and the world – excellence in the service of solidarity”. After the opening of the conference on Monday, Mr Burkhalter and his German counterpart met for bilateral talks. Mr Steinmeier then paid the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, a courtesy visit.

Ambassadors and International Network Conference in the presence of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

17.08.2015 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 17 August 2015, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter opened the Ambassadors and International Network Conference in Bern, with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in attendance as guest speaker. The theme of this year’s four-day conference is “Switzerland and the world – excellence in the service of solidarity”. After the opening of the conference on Monday, Mr Burkhalter and his German counterpart met for bilateral talks. Mr Steinmeier then paid the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, a courtesy visit.

EU and Swiss regulators sign confidentiality arrangement

22.07.2015 — Article DEA

Arrangements will improve oversight of medicines for better protection of public and animal health.

Close ties form basis for intensified cooperation: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets Finland's Foreign Minister Timo Soini

10.07.2015 — Press release EDA
During his stay in Helsinki, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter held bilateral discussions with Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the meeting focused on Switzerland's policy regarding the EU as well as the crisis in Ukraine and possibilities for rebuilding European security.

Launch of first European nanomedicine characterization lab

02.07.2015 — Press release DEA
Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, is part of the «European Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratory», a European project funded by the EU framework program «Horizon 2020». Its goal is to reach a level of international excellence in nanomedicine characterization for diseases like cancer, diabetes, inflammatory diseases or infections. This competence will be made accessible to all organizations developing candidate nanomedicines prior to their submission to regulatory agencies to get approval for clinical trials and, later on, for marketing authorization.

Contribution to the enlarged EU: signing of bilateral framework agreement with Croatia

30.06.2015 — DEA
On 30 June 2015 in Zagreb, Switzerland and Croatia signed the bilateral framework agreement which regulates the substance and implementation of the Swiss enlargement contribution to Croatia. Switzerland has allocated CHF 45 million to support projects in Croatia, in particular in the fields of water treatment, supply of drinking water, research and vocational education and training.

Close partnership at bilateral and multilateral levels: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter holds political talks in Liechtenstein

26.06.2015 — Press release EDA
On his working visit to Liechtenstein, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter today met Prime Minister Adrian Hasler and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture Aurelia Frick. The two sides emphasised the close, friendly relations between the two countries, this being reflected in the wide range of issues that were discussed.

27. Treffen des Gemischten Landverkehrsausschusses Schweiz–EU

26.06.2015 — Press release EDA
Der Gemischte Landverkehrsausschuss Schweiz–EU traf sich am Freitag in Brüssel zum 27. Mal. Die Schweizer Delegation wurde vom Direktor des Bundesamtes für Verkehr (BAV), Peter Füglistaler, angeführt. Sie informierte die Delegation der EU namentlich über den Entscheid des Bundesrates zur leistungsabhängigen Schwerverkehrsabgabe (LSVA).

Official working visit to Switzerland by the Slovak foreign minister

25.06.2015 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 25 June 2015, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter received Slovakia ’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miroslav Lajčák, for an official visit to Switzerland. In addition to bilateral relations, the main agenda item was Switzerland’s policy on the European Union (EU). Slovakia will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2016. Talks also covered various regional and multilateral issues as well as current international affairs. Afterwards, Mr Lajčák paid the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, a courtesy visit.

The Federal Council notes the results of the consultation on continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe

24.06.2015 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has taken note of the results of the consultation on continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe, which remains in force until the end of May 2017. Its renewal would enable the continuation of cooperation with those states of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union that are not members of the European Union. The corresponding dispatch to Parliament is expected to be submitted by the end of February 2016 at the latest.

Official working visit to Bern by Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs

23.06.2015 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter received this Tuesday the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, for an official working visit to Bern. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, Iceland's and Switzerland's policies on the European Union (EU), and various current international issues.

UK’s withdrawal from the EU: bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU continue to apply

31.01.2020 — Press release DEA
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union at midnight on 31 January 2020 will not change the relationship between Switzerland and the UK in the near future: the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU will continue to apply to the UK until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 (which may be extended). Switzerland can use the transition period to continue to work out together with the UK their future relationship as part of the Swiss “Mind the Gap” strategy.

Federal Council delegation meets new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Davos

20.01.2020 — Press release DEA
A delegation of the Federal Council led by President Simonetta Sommaruga today met with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Ms Sommaruga was accompanied at the meeting, which took place during the WEF Annual Meeting, by federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Karin Keller-Sutter. Talks focused on the state of bilateral relations between Switzerland the EU, particularly with regard to the institutional agreement. They also discussed joint efforts to tackle climate change. Cooperation in the field of migration should be continued.

Switzerland's enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania comes to a close

20.01.2020 — Press release EDA
Over the last ten years, Switzerland has provided CHF 257 million from its enlargement contribution to support projects in Bulgaria and Romania. The two countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007. The contribution aimed to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and within Bulgaria and Romania. The 93 projects, which came to a close in December 2019, have achieved good results. Switzerland's support contributes to greater stability in Europe, which is also in the country's interests.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg

16.01.2020 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis today received his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Bern for his first official trip abroad. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and international affairs.

CHEOPS launched successfully – the search for a ‘twin Earth’ has begun!

18.12.2019 — Press release DEA
The CHEOPS mission is being jointly led by the European Space Agency ESA and Switzerland. Following the successful launch, and once routine tests of the satellite in orbit have been completed, operations are set to begin at the end of March 2020 and last around four years. The scientific community the world over is eagerly awaiting the data gathered on exoplanets, underlining the major importance of the contribution made by Swiss scientists.

State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti represents Switzerland at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid

16.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Roberto Balzaretti, State Secretary and head of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA) at the FDFA, represented Switzerland at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid on 15 and 16 December 2019. As well as attending the plenary session, Switzerland sought to engage in bilateral exchanges with delegates from several European and Asian countries.

Federal Council initiates consultation on extended European border and coast guard

13.12.2019 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 13 December 2019, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on the adoption and implementation of the revised EU regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) will thus be given a more robust mandate to work with the national authorities to better protect the external borders.

Linking of emissions trading schemes: Agreement ratified by Switzerland and EU

09.12.2019 — Press release DEA
The Agreement on the linking of the Swiss and EU emissions trading schemes (ETS) has been ratified by the representatives of both parties and will come into force on 1 January 2020. Linking the Swiss ETS with that of the EU will be beneficial for both environmental policy and the economy. From 2020 onwards, companies in the Swiss ETS will be able to trade emission allowances in the larger EU emissions market. In addition, emissions from civil aviation will be included in the Swiss ETS, as is already the case in the EU. The linking of the two schemes marks the first ETS linking between states anywhere in the world.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on the agreement between Switzerland and the UK on citizens’ rights

06.12.2019 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 6 December, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the agreement guaranteeing the existing rights of Swiss and UK citizens after the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The agreement is part of the Federal Council’s ’Mind the Gap’ strategy.

Adaptation of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics with the European Union

02.12.2019 — Press release DEA
During its 5th meeting held at Luxembourg on 2 December 2019, the Swiss-EU statistics committee adopted a decision concerning the revision of Annex A of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics. This revision, which results from a decision of the Federal Council from 22 May 2019, thus makes it possible to continue the good statistical collaboration between Switzerland and the EU. The new Annex A comes into force with immediate effect.

Croatia’s EU Council presidency the focus of President Maurer’s visit

29.11.2019 — Press release DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer travelled to Croatia on Friday, 29 November 2019, to visit President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and other leading Croatian politicians. In the first six months of 2020, Croatia will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time. The discussions held during the visit thus focused on European policy issues.

ESA Ministerial Council Meeting: Switzerland to participate in new programmes and play a leading role in the removal of space debris

28.11.2019 — Press release DEA
On 27 and 28 November 2019, State Secretary Martina Hirayama attended the European Space Agency’s ESA Ministerial Council meeting in Seville (“Space 19+”). At this meeting, which brought together the ministers in charge of space affairs from the 22 ESA Member States, the Council conferred on ongoing programmes, new initiatives, and agreed on the Agency’s budget for the next three years.

Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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 — DEA
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.