Next step in Copernicus, the European Global Monitoring for Environment and Security system

22.06.2015 — Press release Europa
On 23 June the European Space Agency ESA launches Sentinel-2A, the second in a series of missions forming the space component of the Copernicus programme, Europe’s Global Monitoring for Environment and Security system.

Third series of corporate tax reforms ready for parliamentary deliberation

05.06.2015 — Press release Europa
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Corporate Tax Reform Act III. The reform aims to strengthen Switzerland as a business location, focusing on innovation, value creation and jobs. The proposed measures are compatible with the current international standards and will increase legal and planning certainty for companies. At the same time, the reform ensures that companies will make an appropriate contribution to the tax revenue of the federal government, the cantons and the communes also in the future.

Countdown running: Exactly a year to the opening of the Gotthard base tunnel

01.06.2015 — Press release Europa
In a year’s time, the Gotthard base tunnel will be inaugurated. At 57 kilometres in length, it will be the world’s longest tunnel. Today in Lucerne, transport minister Doris Leuthard started the countdown to the ceremony. On 1 June 2016, the official state occasion will take place, and the following weekend, a large-scale celebration will be held to thank the public.

Official meeting between Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Bern

28.05.2015 — Press release Europa
Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni for official talks in Bern today, and praised the excellent relations between the two countries. Among the topics discussed by Mr Burkhalter and Mr Gentiloni were Expo Milano 2015, the opening of the Gotthard base tunnel in 2016 and the significance of the New Transalpine Rail Link, progress made on fiscal and financial matters, and Switzerland's policy on the EU. The two ministers also discussed international matters, specifically migration policy and the situation in North Africa and the Middle East.

Official visit to Bern by Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charles Flanagan

06.05.2015 — Press release Europa

Bern, The Head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, received the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Flanagan, for an official visit to Bern on Wednesday 6 May 2015. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, the EU and Switzerland's policy on Europe. They also discussed cooperation within international bodies, particularly the UN, and the situation in the Middle East.

Record values despite a difficult environment

04.05.2015 — Press release Europa
In spite of the difficult environment in the wake of the adoption of the immigration initiative, the ETH Domain was able to successfully fulfil the mandate of the Federal Council and Parliament. The attraction of the two Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne continues unabated: with more than 28,500 students and doctoral students, a new record value was reached in 2014. In terms of knowledge and technology transfer, the ETH Domain with ETH Zurich, EPFL and the four research institutes PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag also climbed record heights. However, if the ETH Domain is expected to be able to fulfil its mandate for the benefit of Switzerland as a centre of knowledge and industry, it is absolutely dependent on optimal parameters. These include planning security, stable basic funding and international openness.

French President François Hollande on state visit to Switzerland

15.04.2015 — Press release Europa
President Simonetta Sommaruga welcomed French President François Hollande to Bern on a two-day state visit – it is the first visit by a French president to Switzerland since 1998. EU policy, cooperation on international issues and economic relations are among the key topics to be addressed during President Hollande’s visit.

Switzerland and Greece have resumed tax discussions

26.03.2015 — Press release Europa
Today in Athens, State Secretary Jacques de Watteville and the Greek Minister of State Nikos Pappas resumed the discussions on unresolved tax issues which had been suspended a year ago. Switzerland and Greece wish to strengthen cooperation to combat tax crime. Within this framework, both sides discussed particularly the preparation of the planned automatic exchange of information from 2017/2018.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics 2014 – Growth in the number of cross-border commuters in 2014 slightly dampened

23.03.2015 — Press release Europa

Neuchâtel, 23.03.2015 - (FSO) - The number of foreign cross-border commuters working in Switzerland increased by 8600 persons (+3.1%) in 2014. Just over half of the cross-border commuters (52.4%) were resident in France, around a quarter (23.7%) were resident in Italy and a fifth in Germany (20.4%). In Ticino, the proportion of commuters out of all employed persons was highest at 26.2%. These are the findings of the Cross-border Commuter Statistics, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on a quarterly basis.

Switzerland admitted to phase 2 of Global Forum peer review

16.03.2015 — Press release Europa
Switzerland has been admitted to phase 2 of the peer review. Such was the conclusion of the Global Forum in its report published today on the statutory framework necessary for Switzerland for administrative assistance in tax matters. The decision recognises Switzerland's efforts to comply with the international standard for the exchange of information upon request. Phase 2 of the peer review on the practical implementation of Switzerland's system should start in the fourth quarter of 2015.

First working visit to Bern by Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna

26.02.2015 — Press release Europa

Bern, 26.02.2015 - Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter received his Polish counterpart, Grzegorz Schetyna, today in Bern. Their talks focused on bilateral relations one year after the adoption of a joint declaration on closer cooperation, Switzerland's enlargement contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the enlarged European Union (EU), and the two countries' relations with the EU.

Switzerland and Italy sign agreement on tax issues

23.02.2015 — Press release Europa
Today, Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and Italian Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan met in Milan and signed a Protocol of Amendment to the double taxation agreement and a roadmap for continued dialogue on financial and tax issues. The agreement will improve relations between Switzerland and Italy in the area of finance and taxation after years of controversy and simplify the regularisation of untaxed assets before the automatic exchange of information is introduced.

Tax proposal 17 to preserve tax competitiveness: Start of an optimised proposal

02.03.2017 — Press release Europa
The Federal Department of finance is forging ahead with work on a new corporate taxation proposal entitled tax proposal 17 (TP17). It was decided during the steering body's kick-off meeting that cities and communes would be closely involved in preparing the new version.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics for 4th quarter 2016 - Increase in the number of commuters

23.02.2017 — Press release Europa

Neuchâtel, (FSO) – The number of foreign cross-border commuters working in Switzerland increased by 11,300 persons (+3.7%) in 2016. Just over half of the cross-border commuters (54.9%) were resident in France, around a quarter (22.6%) were resident in Italy and a fifth in Germany (19.3%). In Ticino, the proportion of commuters out of all employed persons was highest at 27.1%. These are the findings of the Cross-border Commuter Statistics, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on a quarterly basis.    

Federal Council wants to swiftly draw up a new tax proposal

22.02.2017 — Press release Europa
During its meeting on 22 February 2017, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to draw up the substantive parameters for a new tax proposal by mid-2017 at the latest following the vote on corporate tax reforms. The objective remains that of strengthening Switzerland's competitiveness.

State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl to coordinate negotiations with EU starting 1 April 2017

22.02.2017 — Press release Europa
Pascale Baeriswyl will take over the coordination of Switzerland’s negotiations with the European Union (EU) from Jacques de Watteville. During its session on Wednesday 22 February 2017, the Federal Council tasked the State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) with pursuing the coordination of the discussions with the EU, together with the negotiators in charge of different dossiers, as of 1 April.

Swiss-Austrian exchange of views and information on higher education, research and innovation

08.02.2017 — Press release Europa
On 8 February, the second bilateral exchange of views and information took place between the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (BMWFW). State Secretary Mauro Dell’Ambrogio led the Swiss delegation for the talks on developments and cooperation in higher education, research and innovation at the BMWFW. At the invitation of Reinhold Mitterlehner, vice chancellor and minister for science, research and economy, the meeting was followed by a working lunch.

Four focal points of President Leuthard’s bilateral talks in Davos

20.01.2017 — Press release Europa

Bern, Switzerland’s relations with the European Union (EU), international energy and climate policy, migration issues and current challenges in the field of peace and security: these were the focal points of President Doris Leuthard’s bilateral talks on the fringes of this year’s WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. The president held lengthy talks with over a dozen heads of state and government, and met Maroš Šefčovič, the vice president of the European Commission.

Federal Council approves 2016 Foreign Policy Report

11.01.2017 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council approved the 2016 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 11 January 2017. The report gives an overview of Swiss foreign policy and provides an account of Switzerland’s most important foreign policy activities in 2016, in particular in the areas of development cooperation, humanitarian aid and good offices. This year’s report contains a chapter focusing on Switzerland’s efforts to promote peace and development in the crisis regions stretching from Syria to the Sahel.

Federal Council issues the 2016 Foreign Economic Policy Report

11.01.2017 — Press release Europa
On 11 January 2017 the Federal Council released the 2016 Foreign Economic Policy Report. The feature topic highlights current challenges facing Swiss foreign economic policy. Appropriate economic conditions should enable Swiss companies to have better access to foreign markets, and to make use of new business opportunities emerging with digitalisation.

Federal Council decides on basic parameters for counter-proposal to Rasa initiative

21.12.2016 — Press release Europa
In October, the Federal Council decided to submit a direct counter-proposal to the Rasa initiative. At its meeting on 21 December 2016, it resolved to draw up two versions of a counter-proposal for consultation and determined the basic parameters for the contents of both versions.

The Gotthard tunnel and migration policy dominated media coverage of Switzerland in 2016

20.12.2016 — Press release Europa
The opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which was attended by all the heads of state of Switzerland’s neighbouring countries, drew considerable media attention abroad. International media coverage of Switzerland focused on topics that also attracted attention in other European countries: migration and Islam. Two popular votes also drew international media coverage about Switzerland: The ‘Implementation initiative’ and the ‘unconditional basic income initiative’. In 2016, a year marked by great international upheaval, Switzerland’s economic and political stability were presented in a positive light by the foreign press.

European Space Agency’s ESA successful Ministerial Council meeting in Switzerland

02.12.2016 — Press release Europa
The Ministers responsible for space affairs from ESA Member States came together on 1-2 December 2016 to make important decisions, namely on the strategy to ensure Europe reinforces its excellence in space science and technology; maximising the integration of space into European society and on fostering a competitive European space sector. The meeting in Lucerne, the first one on Swiss territory, was also the occasion for Switzerland and Luxembourg to pass on the Ministerial Presidency to Spain.

President Schneider-Ammann attends ESA Ministerial Council

01.12.2016 — Press release Europa
On 1 December, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann addressed the ministers of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency ESA and Canada in Lucerne. Switzerland has co-chaired ESA with Luxembourg since 2012. Spain will take over the chairmanship at the meeting in Lucerne.

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.