Switzerland takes over the Presidency of the Alpine Convention from France

10.12.2020 — Press release DEA
Switzerland, represented by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, took over the Presidency of the Alpine Convention from France at the 16th Alpine Conference on 10 December 2020. During its two-year incumbency, Switzerland will focus on climate protection and the modal shift policy in the Alpine region, and will work closely with other Alpine States to achieve its aims.

Switzerland – UK: Federal Council approves Agreement on mobility of service suppliers

04.12.2020 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council approved on 4 December 2020 an agreement between Switzerland and the UK on the mobility of service suppliers. The agreement provides reciprocal, facilitated market access for service suppliers to close a looming gap after the agreement on the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK) will cease to apply as of 1 January 2021. The conclusion of this agreement is part of the Federal Council's "mind-the-gap" strategy following the UK’s exit from the EU.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Spanish Foreign Minister in Bern

20.11.2020 — Press release EDA
On 20 November 2020, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, met with Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Arancha González Laya. The talks focused on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, relations with the European Union and bilateral relations between Switzerland and Spain. The Spanish minister's visit was also an opportunity to discuss multilateral commitments and International Geneva.

President Sommaruga takes part in video conference on Portugal’s upcoming EU presidency

17.11.2020 — Press release DEA
President Simonetta Sommaruga took part in separate hour-long video conferences with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister António Costa. Portugal assumes the presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2021. The talks held yesterday and today focused on European policy, overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, climate and environmental issues, bilateral relations and railway investment.

Ignazio Cassis receives French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in Bern

16.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today in Bern with France's Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. The talks centred on French-Swiss cooperation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral relations and European policy. Current international affairs were also discussed.

Ministerial session of the Council of Europe: Ignazio Cassis stresses the importance of close cooperation between states

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
"In these unusual times, close cooperation between our states is the only adequate response to the difficulties we are currently facing," stated Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 130th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE). Under Greece's chairmanship, the foreign ministers at the session adopted the 'Athens Declaration', reaffirming their existing commitments to respond effectively to public health crises while respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law – the CoE's founding values. Key representatives also met to celebrate 70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Meeting of the Swiss-EU Joint Committee for Research and Innovation

27.10.2020 — Press release DEA
The 25th meeting of the Joint Committee for Research and Innovation between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) / Euratom took place on 27 October. Discussions focused on implementation of the existing agreement between Switzerland and the EU on Horizon 2020, the Euratom programme and the international fusion reactor ITER.

23rd meeting of the Swiss-EU Joint Committee on Free Movement

22.10.2020 — Press release DEA
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 23rd meeting of the Swiss – EU Joint Committee on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) was held today by video conference. The delegations from Switzerland and from the European Union and its member states discussed various matters relating to the AFMP’s application and development. The two partners stressed the importance of their close cooperation in managing the public health crisis.

Official visit to Norway: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Oslo for talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide

15.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 15 October 2020 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met in Oslo with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. Mr Cassis and Ms Eriksen Søreide praised the excellent relations between Switzerland and Norway. In addition to bilateral relations, their talks focused in particular on the two countries' relations with the EU and their close cooperation within EFTA and the UN.

Federal Council appoints Livia Leu as new State Secretary and approves adjustments to the structure of the FDFA

14.10.2020 — Press release DEA
Livia Leu, who is currently Switzerland's ambassador in Paris, will assume the leadership of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA) with immediate effect and will take up the post of chief negotiator for negotiations with the EU. She will receive the title of State Secretary. The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 14 October 2020. It also agreed to adjustments to the structure of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). From 1 January, the European Affairs and Political Affairs directorates will be merged under a single State Secretariat headed by Livia Leu as the FDFA State Secretary.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to make official visits to Oslo and Copenhagen

13.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will visit Norway on 15 October and Denmark on 15 and 16 October. In Oslo, Mr Cassis will meet with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. In Copenhagen, he will meet with the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Rasmus Prehn, and Minister for Finance Nicolai Wammen for bilateral talks.

Ignazio Cassis receives Czech Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček in Bern: bilateral and European relations on the agenda

05.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 6 October Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček at the Lohn Manor. The meeting focused on the strength of Swiss-Czech bilateral relations and included discussions on possible areas for further collaboration. Mr Cassis and Mr Petříček also addressed a number of European and international issues. Switzerland and the Czech Republic maintain excellent economic relations and enjoy close cultural and social ties.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of information in tax matters between Switzerland and EU

25.11.2015 — Press release DEA
Today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the agreement regarding the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters with the EU and submitted it to Parliament for approval. The agreement was the subject of a consultation procedure from 27 May 2015 to 17 September 2015. Most of the participants welcomed the proposal.

Swiss Labour Force Survey and its derivative statistics in 3rd quarter 2015: labour supply – 1.1% increase in number of employed persons; unemployment rate based on ILO definition at 4.9%

12.11.2015 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.1% between the 3rd quarter 2014 and the 3rd quarter 2015. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased slightly in Switzerland from 4.8% to 4.9%. The EU's unemployment rate based on the ILO definition decreased from 9.8% to 9.0%.

Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann on working visit to meet British Minister of State for Trade and Investment

02.11.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), travelled to London on 2 November for a working visit where he met the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Maude, for talks on reducing bureaucracy, the economic situation of both countries and of Europe, as well as bilateral economic relations. Relations between The relations of both states with the European Union were also a topic of discussion. In addition, the head of the EAER used the visit to London as an opportunity to officially launch a programme for start-ups and discuss European issues with a number of think tank representatives.

President Grybauskaité of Lithuania on official visit to Switzerland

06.10.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern - On Tuesday, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, received the President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaité, for an official visit to Switzerland. The talks focused on bilateral relations and European policy (for Switzerland in particular on progress with implementing the article on immigration in the Federal Constitution), on the situation in Ukraine and the refugee crisis in Europe. Switzerland and Lithuania have friendly relations and have become increasingly close in recent years.

New mandatory international OECD standards with regard to corporate taxation, including for Switzerland

05.10.2015 — Press release DEA
Switzerland supports international efforts to achieve greater transparency and a level playing field with regard to the taxation of multinationals. As a member of the OECD, it actively participated in the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project, the final outcomes of which were published today. The Federal Council has instructed the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to deliver analyses and proposals for implementing the outcomes.

Students at Swiss higher education institutions 2013: Analysis report – 17% higher education students from abroad

29.09.2015 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel - The proportion of international students at Swiss higher education institutions is 17%. With 19%, the universities show a higher percentage than the universities of applied science (14%) and the universities of teacher education (7%). The majority of these students come from neighbouring countries and are more dependent on financial support from their families than domestic students. The Federal Statistical Office's new publication examines these and many other issues.

Population change in Switzerland in 2014 – Net migration declined slightly in comparison with 2013

29.09.2015 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel - Switzerland's population grew by 1.2% in 2014. This growth is due to positive net migration, an increase in births and a decrease in deaths. All cantons were affected by this trend. The increase in the number of Swiss nationals continues to be mainly due to naturalisations. These are the final results of the population and households statistics from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Sciex programme: Research training placements in Switzerland spur scientific and economic development in eastern Europe

25.09.2015 — Press release EDA
A ceremony to mark the end of the Scientific Exchange Programme between the New Member States and Switzerland (Sciex), which has offered over 500 researchers from ten new EU member states research training placements in Switzerland since it was launched in 2009, was held today at ETH Zurich. Part of Switzerland’s contribution to the enlarged EU was allocated to fund the fellowship programme in recognition of the fact that enhancing the capacity of scientists in central and eastern Europe to conduct research is a critical factor in the region's economic development.

Migration, Europe and commitment in fragile states: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in political talks in Stockholm

15.09.2015 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter was in Stockholm today meeting with Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström and Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin. The bilateral talks centred on the refugee problem, Switzerland's policy regarding the European Union (EU), aspects of development cooperation and various bilateral issues.

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.

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.