Federal Council adopts Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy for 2016–19

17.02.2016 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council has adopted the report on the foreign policy priorities for 2016–19. Four strategic priorities have been defined for the next legislative period. The Federal Council wishes to establish a well-regulated, partnership-based and expandable relationship with the EU and to strengthen global partnerships. Priority is also given to Switzerland's commitment to peace and security and to sustainable development and prosperity. The Federal Council also aims to expand the range of public services available to the Swiss community abroad and travellers.

Negotiations on linking of Swiss and EU emission trading schemes concluded

25.01.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern - Negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on linking their emissions trading schemes have concluded. Bruno Oberle, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment (until the end of 2015), Dominique Paravicini, Deputy Director of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA), and Jos Delbeke, Director General of the EU’s Directorate-General for Climate Action, have initialled the agreement. The expansion of the international CO2 market by linking national or regional emissions trading schemes can provide an effective means of combating climate change.

Swiss community abroad crosses the three-quarter million mark

25.01.2016 — Press release DEA
The number of Swiss citizens living abroad that were registered at a Swiss representation in a foreign country on 31 December 2015 numbered 761,930. In 2014 the number was only 746,885. This is a further increase of 2 per cent – or 15,045 persons in exact figures – as can be seen by the latest Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA statistics on the Swiss abroad.

WEF: Didier Burkhalter discusses possibility of a safeguard clause with representatives of EU states

21.01.2016 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter used his presence at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos as an opportunity to meet with the foreign ministers of various EU member states. His talks with the representatives of France (Fabius), Italy (Gentiloni) and Poland (Waszczykowski) centred on a mutually agreed safeguard clause as a solution on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

Switzerland signs declarations on introduction of AEOI with more countries and initiates consultation

20.01.2016 — Press release DEA
Switzerland has signed joint declarations on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters on a reciprocal basis with the British crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, as well as with Iceland and Norway. Switzerland and these countries intend to start collecting data in accordance with the global AEOI standard in 2017 and to start transmitting data in 2018, after the necessary legal basis has been created in the various countries.

President Schneider-Ammann meets European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels

15.01.2016 — Press release DEA
On 15 January, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker for a working meeting in Brussels, where talks focussed on the current challenges in relations between Switzerland and the EU, particularly the implementation of the constitutional provision on immigration. President Schneider-Ammann and Commission president Juncker agreed to stay in regular contact.

Swiss Foreign Economic Policy: Assessment by the Federal Council

13.01.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern - On 13 January 2015 the Federal Council released the 2015 Foreign Economic Policy Report. In the feature topic of the report, the Federal Council demonstrates how the Swiss government intends to provide the best possible environment for economic operators to create value added and jobs in Switzerland and to engage in innovative activities.

Federal Council approves the 2015 Foreign Policy Report

13.01.2016 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council approved the 2015 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 13 January 2016. The report provides an overview of Swiss foreign policy and gives an account of Switzerland's most important foreign policy activities in 2015. This year's report features a chapter on Switzerland's commitment to human rights and international humanitarian law.

Enforcement initiative breaks with fundamental principles of democracy

22.12.2015 — Press release DEA

Berne. The popular initiative ‘on the enforcement of the expulsion of foreign criminals (the enforcement initiative)’ bypasses the legislator and restricts the powers of the courts. It therefore breaks with the principles of democracy and calls the constitutional state into question. Its provisions conflict with human rights and with the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) with the EU. If accepted, it would create further uncertainty over Switzerland’s bilateral relations with its most important trade partner. The Federal Council and Parliament therefore reject the enforcement initiative.

Switzerland–EU: Consultations on free movement of persons to intensify

21.12.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern - President Simonetta Sommaruga met European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the Council Jean Asselborn for a working meeting in Brussels on Monday. The three agreed to continue and intensify consultations on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Both sides aim to reach a mutually acceptable solution that complies with both the Swiss Constitution and the Agreement on Free Movement.

Switzerland to strengthen its partnership with Austria at the consular level

03.12.2015 — Press release DEA
Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met on Thursday with Sebastian Kurz, Austria's Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the margins of the 22nd OSCE Ministerial Council meeting held in Belgrade on 3 and 4 December. They signed a new consular agreement between Switzerland and Austria that will allow the two countries to step up their cooperation at various levels. In addition, Mr Burkhalter and Mr Kurz discussed a number of bilateral and international issues, including security in Europe and the Middle East, the migration crisis and relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU).

Towards a single charger for mobile telephones

25.11.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern - From summer 2017, all mobile telephones sold on the Swiss market will be compatible with a universal charger. The Federal Council today accepted the revision of two ordinances on telecommunications and electrical equipment. It is a question of harmonising the technical requirements in Switzerland with those of the European Union.

Horizon Package 2021-2027: Federal Council enables direct financing and examines further measures

20.10.2021 — Press release DEA
Switzerland is currently a non-associated third country in terms of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe” and related programmes and initiatives. Under this status, researchers and innovators in Switzerland can participate in roughly two thirds of the programme. However, they do not receive funding from the European Commission. On 20 October, the Federal Council instructed the EAER to provide direct funding to the players concerned and approved the necessary credit reallocations. In addition, it has instructed the EAER, in cooperation with the FDF, to examine possible complementary and replacement measures to strengthen Switzerland's standing as a location for research and innovation.

Horizon Europe: Federal Council submits transitional measures to Parliament for non-accessible programme components

17.09.2021 — Press release DEA
Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country in Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and related programmes and initiatives until further notice. Under this status, researchers in Switzerland can still participate in most collaboration projects, but are excluded from individual projects. On 17 September, the Federal Council therefore decided to initiate transitional measures until Switzerland achieves its stated aim of full association.

FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu in Brussels for working meetings

17.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On 17 September 2021, FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met various members of the European Commission and the European External Action Service in Brussels for talks focusing on relations between Switzerland and the EU.

Science diplomacy: Switzerland supports dialogue to create research centre in south-eastern Europe

13.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On Monday 13 September, Switzerland hosted a high-level conference in Bern as part of the South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST) project. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the conference alongside seven ministers and representatives from ten countries of south-eastern Europe. The SEEIIST project seeks to develop a regional centre of excellence in south-eastern Europe for biomedical research into cancer therapy. At the event, the head of the FDFA restated Switzerland's readiness to facilitate dialogue between the various partner countries for the creation of such a facility.

Resumption of high-level personal contacts with Romania

09.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 9 September, the Romanian president Klaus Iohannis met with President Guy Parmelin during an official visit to Switzerland. The discussions at Lohn Manor were also attended by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu. The talks focused on economic and scientific cooperation, the European policies of both countries and international security issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis guest speaker at Hungarian Ambassadors' Conference

24.08.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will be a guest speaker at the Hungarian Ambassadors' Conference in Budapest on 27 August. In his address, he will outline the guidelines and thematic focus areas of Switzerland's foreign policy strategy. Mr Cassis will also meet in Budapest with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó and Minister of Justice Judit Varga, whose portfolio includes EU affairs.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on new frontier workers agreement with Italy

11.08.2021 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 11 August 2021, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the new frontier workers agreement between Switzerland and Italy. The agreement significantly improves the current regulation on the taxation of frontier workers and contributes to maintaining the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

European policy: Federal Council submits dispatch on approving second Swiss contribution

11.08.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council's European policy agenda includes approving the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states with a view to continuing the bilateral approach. At its meeting on 11 August, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch to this effect to be brought before Parliament as soon as possible.

Wildfires in Greece – Switzerland sends support helicopters and firefighting crews

06.08.2021 — Press release EDA
Wildfires are currently raging across several regions of Greece. Responding to a call for assistance by the Greek authorities, Switzerland is dispatching three helicopters and firefighting crews to help contain the fires.

State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal EU Ministerial Meeting on Competition in Research and Innovation

20.07.2021 — Press release DEA
On 19 July 2021, State Secretary Martina Hirayama took part in an informal meeting of ministers responsible for research and innovation in the EU member states. At the biannual event, held this time in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, the participants discussed the implementation of the goals of the new European Research Area at national and European level. They also addressed the question of how Europe would like to shape cooperation in the area of research and innovation with its international partners. Switzerland’s presence and input at this meeting underscored its active commitment to maintaining a strong European Research Area.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Mission of Switzerland in Brussels and meets EU commissioners for informal exchange

20.07.2021 — Press release EDA
On 19 and 20 July Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), visited the Mission of Switzerland to the European Union in Brussels. He exchanged views with staff there and gained an overview of the tasks at hand and those lying ahead. Mr Cassis also engaged in an informal exchange of views with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, and EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

Horizon Europe: Switzerland currently with third country status

14.07.2021 — Press release DEA
Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country in the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, until further notice. Researchers in Switzerland can still participate in calls for proposals under the status, albeit to a limited extent, and receive funding directly from the Confederation. However, participation in individual projects, in particular in future calls for proposals from the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the European Innovation Council, is no longer possible. The Federal Council’s stated aim remains Switzerland’s full association to Horizon Europe.

Emissions trading scheme: acquisition of aviation data in 2018

02.06.2017 — DEA
The integration of greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector into the emissions trading scheme (ETS) is a necessary step in order to link the Swiss and European schemes. At its session on 2 June 2017 the Federal Council approved the Ordinance governing the acquisition and reporting of data from the aviation sector. In line with the intention of the European Union, it is only domestic flights in Switzerland or flights from Switzerland to member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) that are concerned.

Official working visit to Brussels by Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann

30.03.2017 — DEA
On 30 March Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), met European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip, who is responsible for the digital single market, and the Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström. The main themes included cooperation in the field of digitalisation and bilateral trade relations, particularly updating the existing bilateral agreements.

Withholding tax agreement with United Kingdom to be terminated

14.11.2016 — DEA
The withholding tax agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be terminated on 1 January 2017. The agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the automatic exchange of information in tax matters will enter into force on that date. On 14 November 2016, Switzerland and the United Kingdom signed a corresponding agreement in London to ensure a smooth transition between the two models.

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU - EU's reply

26.10.2016 — Article DEA

EU's reply letter of the 19.10.2016 (PDF, 1 Page, 110.9 kB)

Swiss Government's letter of the 27.7.2016 (in French) (PDF, 1 Page, 216.6 kB)

Federal Councillor Maurer at meeting of German-speaking finance ministers

23.08.2016 — DEA
Today, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer attended the informal working meeting of German-speaking finance ministers in Vaduz. He discussed current financial and fiscal policy issues with his counterparts Wolfgang Schäuble (Germany), Hans Jörg Schelling (Austria), Adrian Hasler (Liechtenstein) and Pierre Gramegna (Luxembourg).

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU

27.07.2016 — Article DEA

Swiss Government's letter of the 27.7.2016 (in French) (PDF, 1 Page, 216.6 kB)

Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of tax information with eight states and territories

06.07.2016 — DEA
Today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information with Iceland, Norway, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Japan, Canada and the Republic of Korea, and submitted it to Parliament for approval. The proposal met with widespread approval in the consultation.

Federal Council extends transitional periods for financial market infrastructures

29.06.2016 — DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adjusted the Financial Market Infrastructure Ordinance. The transitional periods for financial market infrastructures were extended by a year in line with developments in the EU.

United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union

24.06.2016 — Article DEA

The electorate of the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum. The current regulations regarding Swiss citizens and companies will remain valid for the time being. A list of answers to frequently asked questions is available on the website of the DEA.

• FAQ Brexit
• Press Release FDFA: Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens

Everything ready for the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel

01.06.2016 — DEA
With the gathering this morning of the one thousand randomly selected representatives of the public for the first trips through the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT), the opening festivities for the world's longest railway tunnel have begun. For the festival involving half a dozen heads of state and government, everything is ready. More than 2,000 individuals from the army, police, federal government, Swiss Federal Railways, AlpTransit Gotthard (ATG) and private companies are in action. In addition, 300 media professionals have been accredited from around 20 nations, including the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Kuwait and Chile as well as Switzerland's neighbouring countries.

Meeting of transport ministers in Lugano

31.05.2016 — DEA
Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard met the transport ministers of the Alpine countries today as part of the Zurich Process. The conference was held in Lugano this year to mark the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Transport ministers from the Alpine countries meet regularly to discuss issues of transport safety as well as the modal shift policy. The presidency passed from Slovenian infrastructure minister, Peter Gašperšič, to his Italian colleague Graziano Delrio.

Switzerland to support the reform of the civilian security sector in Mali and Ukraine

13.04.2016 — DEA
Today, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have signed two agreements on Switzerland's participation in EUCAP Sahel Mali, the EU's civilian mission for the reform of the security sector in Mali, and in EUAM Ukraine, the EU advisory mission for civilian security sector reform in Ukraine. These two agreements form the basis for the secondment of Swiss civilian experts to these missions.