Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer meets German Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner, in Berlin

28.03.2022 — Press release DEA
On 28 March 2022 in Berlin, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met the German Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner, for a working visit. The main topics addressed included the current conflict in Ukraine and its repercussions, the OECD/G20 project on taxing the digital economy, and access for financial service providers to the EU market.

President Cassis discusses humanitarian situation with Moldovan President Sandu

22.03.2022 — Press release EDA
On Tuesday, 22 March, President Ignazio Cassis met Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, and the prime minister, Natalia Gavrilița. This was the first visit to Moldova by a Swiss president. Besides acknowledging the two countries’ bilateral relations, the talks focused on refugee movements from Ukraine and the humanitarian situation.

President Cassis meets with Prime Minister Morawiecki in Poland and is briefed at the border about the situation on the ground

21.03.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 21 March, President Ignazio Cassis met with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Warsaw, where they discussed the crisis triggered by the Russian attack on Ukraine – in particular, the humanitarian emergency in Ukraine, refugee movements, the situation in Poland and Switzerland's humanitarian aid. President Cassis then travelled to the Ukrainian-Polish border in Dorohusk, where he visited a refugee reception centre and Switzerland's transfer point for humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.

Ukraine: Adoption of further EU sanctions against Russia

18.03.2022 — Press release DEA
On 18 March, the Federal Council took the decision to adopt the new EU sanctions against Russia. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER had already amended Annex 8 of the Ordinance on Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine on 16 March, thereby imposing the current EU sanctions on a further 197 individuals and 9 entities. Work has also begun at the EAER to add further provisions to the Ordinance in accordance with the decision of 18 March.

President Ignazio Cassis to travel to Poland and Moldova

17.03.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis will travel to Poland and Moldova next week for talks with authorities on the ground about the situation of refugees from Ukraine and also Switzerland's humanitarian aid for Ukraine and neighbouring countries. In Poland, Mr Cassis will meet with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Monday, 21 March. In Moldova, an exchange with President Maia Sandu is scheduled for Tuesday.

Violations of international law in Ukraine: further individuals sanctioned

16.03.2022 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) today approved the sanctioning of over 200 further individuals and entities in connection with serious violations of international law by Russia in Ukraine. Switzerland’s list of sanctioned individuals and entities now fully mirrors that of the EU.

Horizon Europe: Federal Council adopts transitional measures for SMEs and start-ups

04.03.2022 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council is staggering the entry into force of the revised Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA). A new legislative provision will come into force on 15 April 2022 to support SMEs and start-ups that currently do not have access to the European Innovation Council's Accelerator funding instrument. The Federal Council also approved and submitted to Parliament the related financial measures on 4 March 2022. The remaining provisions of the revised Act are to enter into force on 1 January 2023.

Ukraine: Further trade and financial sanctions imposed against Russia

04.03.2022 — Press release DEA
On 4 March, the Federal Council approved the total revision of the Ordinance on Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine, thereby adopting further packages of European Union sanctions against Russia. The newly adopted measures concern in particular certain goods and financial services. Switzerland’s list of sanctions has been extended accordingly. The implementation of these sanctions is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. Due consideration is being given to humanitarian activities.

Switzerland adopts EU sanctions against Russia

28.02.2022 — Press release EDA
In view of Russia’s continuing military intervention in Ukraine, the Federal Council took the decision on 28 February to adopt the packages of sanctions imposed by the EU on 23 and 25 February. The assets of the individuals and companies listed are frozen with immediate effect; the financial sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are also to be implemented with immediate effect. Switzerland reaffirms its solidarity with Ukraine and its people; it will be delivering relief supplies for people who have fled to Poland.

Situation in Ukraine: Switzerland extends its measures

25.02.2022 — Press release DEA
On 25 February 2022 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER modified Annex 3 of the Ordinance on measures to prevent the circumvention of international sanctions in relation to the situation in Ukraine. These modifications enter into force at 6pm today.

EU relations: Federal Council sets out approach for negotiations

25.02.2022 — Press release EDA
At its retreat dealing with European policy on 23 February 2022, the Federal Council continued to debate the issues at hand and adopted a set of guidelines for its negotiating package with the EU. Regarding the institutional issues, the Federal Council decided on a vertical approach aimed at anchoring the different aspects in each individual single market agreement. This will be the basis for initiating exploratory talks with the EU. Ongoing work on the existing regulatory differences will continue in parallel.

Federal Council to seek participation in Copernicus

16.02.2022 — Press release DEA
At the end of January, the Federal Council decided to seek participation in Copernicus, the EU's Earth observation programme, in the current 2021–2027 programme period. On 16 February, it instructed DETEC to initiate technical talks with the EU in cooperation with the DDPS, the FDFA, DETEC and the EAER.

Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens

24.06.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern, 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. There is, however, a high level of demand for information from Swiss citizens in Switzerland and abroad. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA has made additional staff available on the FDFA Helpline to answer calls regarding the impact of the United Kingdom's decision on Swiss citizens. The FDFA Helpline can be contacted on 0 800 24-7-365 and is available around the clock, including at weekends.

President Schneider-Ammann meets Slovakian president and prime minister

20.06.2016 — Press release DEA
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann travelled to Slovakia on Monday for a state visit where he was received in Bratislava by President Andrej Kiska. He also met the Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico, economic affairs minister, Peter Žiga, and education minister, Peter Plavčan. In view of the fact that the visit is taking place shortly before Slovakia assumes the rotating presidency of the EU Council for the first time on 1 July, and a few days before the UK referendum, talks focused on European policy issues. The two presidents also attended the Business and Innovation Forum Slovakia-Switzerland 2016.

Federal Councillor Leuthard in Berlin and Rotterdam for Gotthard base tunnel events

16.06.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern, 16.06.2016 - In the next few days, Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard will be attending two events focusing on the Gotthard base tunnel. The “Soirée Suisse Gottardo” will be held on 17 June 2016 in Berlin, and Switzerland is to host a special event in Rotterdam on 20 June 2016 within the framework of the Transeuropean Transport Networks Conference (TEN-T Days).

Combining interests and values: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter speaks about innovative foreign policy approaches at the Entrepreneur Day in Liechtenstein

09.05.2016 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), spoke at the 'Entrepreneur Day Liechtenstein, Rheintal, Vorarlberg' about how Switzerland addresses current challenges and what it can do to help shape the future. Mr Burkhalter also used his visit to the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein to hold bilateral talks with Liechtenstein's Foreign Minister, Aurelia Frick, and Deputy Prime Minister Thomas Zwiefelhofer.

Working meeting with the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn

14.04.2016 — Press release DEA
On 14 April 2016, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter met in Bern with the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, for a working breakfast to discuss bilateral relations, matters related to European policy and current international issues. Mr Asselborn, who is visiting Switzerland for several days, will also be meeting with Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga.

Peace, security and immigration: Switzerland and Germany's foreign ministers meet in Berlin

06.04.2016 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met with Germany's foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin today for official talks. They discussed the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy towards the EU, security issues, policy measures to support peace and bilateral topics. It was decided that the FDFA and the German Federal Foreign Office would cooperate more closely in future to train mediators.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström discuss article on immigration and bilateral matters

05.04.2016 — Press release DEA
Today, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter held bilateral talks with the Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström in Stockholm. The main topic of the meeting was Switzerland's policy towards the EU, in particular progress with the implementation of the new article in the Federal Constitution on immigration.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer receives Luxembourg's Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna

15.03.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern, This afternoon, Finance Minister Ueli Maurer received his Luxembourg counterpart Pierre Gramegna in Bern. The talks focused on an exchange on the macroeconomic situation in Europe and the most important international financial and tax issues.

Swiss-EU relations at the focus of visit to Malta and Slovakia by the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

09.03.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern, The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Didier Burkhalter, met with his Maltese counterpart George W. Vella on Wednesday in Valletta. The two foreign ministers mainly discussed the issue of Switzerland's relationship with the European Union (EU) and the political situation in the Mediterranean region. The Federal Councillor then gave a speech at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies on mediation and Switzerland's policy of providing good offices.

Federal Council submits draft legislation to manage immigration

04.03.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern, On Friday the Federal Council submitted to Parliament several pieces of draft legislation to implement the constitutional provisions on immigration. The Federal Council is continuing to push for a mutually agreed solution with the EU. Since it has not yet been possible to reach an agreement with the EU, however, as announced, the Federal Council is now proposing a unilateral safeguard clause to control immigration that will allow it to fix annual limits if immigration exceeds a certain level. To better utilise the resident workforce, the Federal Council also wants it to be easier for people from the asylum system who are allowed to remain in Switzerland to find employment. At the same time it approved an amendment to the Foreign Nationals Act which prevents foreign jobseekers from accessing social welfare. The Federal Council also adopted the dispatch on the extension of the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) to Croatia. Ratification of the Croatia protocol is a requirement for Switzerland to continue to take part in the Horizon 2020 framework programme for research.

Swiss Labour Force Survey in 4th quarter 2015: labour supply – 0.5% increase in the number of employed persons; unemployment rate based on ILO rises to 4.7%

18.02.2016 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.5% between the 4th quarter 2014 and the 4th quarter 2015. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased in Switzerland from 4.1% to 4.7%. The EU's unemployment rate based on the ILO definition decreased from 10.0% to 9.1%. These are the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Federal Council adopts Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20

17.02.2016 — Press release DEA

Bern - A world without poverty and in peace, for sustainable development. This is the goal of the Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20, which the Federal Council submitted to Parliament today. The dispatch covers development cooperation strategy, including economic and trade-policy measures, and in particular strengthens humanitarian emergency aid and Switzerland's contribution to conflict resolution. Civilian peacebuilding is also incorporated into the strategy for the first time. By combining these means effectively, Switzerland will address current emergencies and help to alleviate crises, conflicts, climate change, poverty, inequality and lack of economic prospects and prevent the accompanying displacement of populations.

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.

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.

Popular vote Ecopop

30.11.2014 — Article DEA

In a popular vote held on 30 November 2014, 74.1% of the Swiss people and all the cantons have rejected the popular initiative «Stop overpopulation – safeguard our natural environment» (Ecopop initiative).

Switzerland takes further step towards introduction of automatic exchange of information

19.11.2014 — DEA
Today, the Federal Council approved a declaration on Switzerland joining the multilateral agreement on the automatic exchange of information in tax matters. This international agreement, which was developed within the framework of the OECD, forms a basis for the future introduction of the cross-border automatic exchange of information. The question regarding the countries with which Switzerland should introduce this exchange of data is not affected by the signing of the multilateral agreement; it will be presented to Parliament separately at a later stage.

French President François Hollande to pay a state visit to Switzerland in 2015

30.10.2014 — DEA
During President Didier Burkhalter’s working visit to Paris on Thursday, the French president, François Hollande, accepted the Federal Council’s invitation to pay a state visit to Switzerland. The visit will take place next year. During their discussions, the two presidents addressed the status of Basel-Mulhouse airport. Mr Burkhalter and Mr Hollande stressed the importance of the airport’s binational character for the region as a whole.

Federal Council approves the Horizon 2020 package

22.10.2014 — DEA
In its meeting today, the Federal Council approved the agreement on Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon 2020 research programme. The agreement covers Switzerland’s partial association to the programme between 15 September 2014 and 31 December 2016. It allows researchers from Switzerland to take full part in selected parts of Horizon 2020 and to apply for the sought-after grants provided by the European Research Council. The agreement provides for Switzerland’s full association to Horizon 2020 between 2017 and 2020, provided a solution can be found to the issue of the free movement of persons.

Automatic exchange of information in tax matters: Federal Council adopts negotiation mandates with partner states

08.10.2014 — DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adopted definitive negotiation mandates for introducing the new global standard for the automatic exchange of information in tax matters with partner states. The competent parliamentary committees and the cantons were consulted on the mandates in recent months. Negotiations with partner states should commence shortly.

German Chancellor Merkel assures President of the Swiss Confederation Burkhalter that Germany will play a constructive part in the dialogue on EU policy

18.02.2014 — DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter, informed German Chancellor Angela Merkel today about the outcome of the popular vote on the mass immigration initiative and the next steps to be taken by the Federal Council to implement the new constitutional provision on immigration. Ms Merkel assured Mr Burkhalter that Germany would play a constructive part in the aspects of the discussions that touch on EU policy. The meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier centred on the situation in Ukraine and the possible role of the OSCE, which is chaired by Switzerland in 2014, in defusing the crisis. Mr Burkhalter will travel from Berlin to Paris, where he will meet with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius this evening.

Fourth Round of Swiss-EU Negotiations on Linking of Emissions Trading Systems

09.07.2013 — DEA
The fourth round of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union on the linking of their respective CO2 emissions trading systems was held in Zurich on 8 July 2013. Further progress was made at the negotiations. The aim of completing the technical negotiations by the end of the year was corroborated.