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President Cassis discusses bilateral and international issues with President Steinmeier, Chancellor Scholz and Foreign Minister Baerbock

20.01.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin on Thursday, 20 January. The talks focused on the bilateral relations between the two countries, and on current challenges in Europe and worldwide.

President Cassis to meet President Steinmeier, Chancellor Scholz and Foreign Minister Baerbock in Berlin

18.01.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis is travelling to Berlin this week, where he will be received by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, 20 January. Also on the agenda that day are first meetings with the new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and the new foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock.

50th anniversary of International Lake Constance Conference: President Cassis to strengthen cross-border cooperation

14.01.2022 — Press release EDA
On Friday, 14 January, the German, Austrian, Liechtenstein and Swiss representatives of the cantons and federal states that are a part of the International Lake Constance Conference (IBK) met on Mount Säntis to celebrate the Conference's 50th anniversary. President Ignazio Cassis also attended the event. The aim of the IBK is to promote cross-border cooperation in the Lake Constance area and to strengthen relations between the four neighbouring countries and regions near the border.

President Cassis on first visit to Vienna

13.01.2022 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 13 January 2022, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, travelled to Vienna for his first official visit. There he was received by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and exchanged views with Chancellor Karl Nehammer and the president of the Austrian National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka. Talks focused on bilateral relations, namely the strategic partnership that the two countries adopted last year, as well as on relations between Switzerland and the EU. Other major topics discussed were pan-European and international challenges. The trip to Vienna marks a decades-old tradition of each new Swiss and Austrian president making their first trip abroad to each other’s country, a sign of the friendly relationship between Switzerland and its Alpine neighbour.

President Ignazio Cassis to visit Vienna and Berlin

11.01.2022 — Press release EDA
In the next ten days President Ignazio Cassis will meet with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Liechtenstein's Prime Minister Daniel Risch. The visit to Vienna on Thursday continues a decades-old tradition of each new Swiss and Austrian president making their first trip abroad to each other’s country. Talks will focus on the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and Switzerland's European policy.

'Geneva, city of peace', Europe and referendums: Switzerland seen from abroad in 2021

16.12.2021 — Press release EDA
Political topics dominated foreign media coverage of Switzerland in 2021. The highlight of the year was the summit between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva. Here, Switzerland presented itself as a bridge-builder. In contrast, developments in Swiss-EU relations attracted negative attention. Two referendums also received a lot of international coverage. Switzerland continues to enjoy a generally very good reputation abroad, according to the Nation Brand Index (NBI).

Cross-border cooperation between France, Germany and Switzerland: Upper Rhine intergovernmental commission meets for 30th time

13.12.2021 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 13 December 2021, the Franco-German-Swiss Intergovernmental Commission for the promotion of cross-border cooperation in the Upper Rhine region met for its 30th session. With Germany chairing the online session, the parties discussed numerous cross-border issues, including the pandemic, transport matters and frontier workers.

Technische Handelshemmnisse Schweiz-EU: Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses hat stattgefunden

01.12.2021 — Press release DEA
Am 1. Dezember 2021 hat die 16. Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Abkommen über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen (MRA) stattgefunden. Die Gespräche konzentrierten sich auf die Umsetzung des Kapitels über Medizinprodukte.

Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Freihandelsabkommen Schweiz–EU

30.11.2021 — Press release DEA
Am 30. November 2021 hat das 68. Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Freihandelsabkommen zwischen der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union (EU) per Videokonferenz stattgefunden. Die Schweiz und die EU tauschten sich über das Funktionieren des Freihandelsabkommens und aktuelle handelspolitische Entwicklungen aus.

Federal Council approves memorandum of understanding with EU and wishes to expedite implementation of Switzerland's second contribution

24.11.2021 — Press release EDA
On 24 November, the Federal Council approved the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the EU regarding the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Negotiations with partner countries on the relevant implementation agreements can now go ahead.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Croatian foreign minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Bern

23.11.2021 — Press release EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ignazio Cassis, received the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, in Bern. Their discussions focused on bilateral relations, Switzerland's second contribution to the enlarged EU and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Switzerland and the UK hold strategic dialogue

22.11.2021 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 22 November 2021, FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met in London with Sir Tim Barrow, Political Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, for the annual strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Their discussions focused on the close and multifaceted bilateral relations between their two countries, multilateral cooperation, European policy and current global developments. The strategic dialogue was followed by a meeting between Ms Leu and Cabinet Minister Lord David Frost, underlining the importance of the exchanges between Switzerland and the UK.

Media (390)

Federal Council wishes to secure jobs in long term with tax proposal 17

21.03.2018 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 21 March 2018, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on tax proposal 17 (TP17). It wishes to quickly improve matters for domestic and foreign companies with the proposal, also on the basis of international developments in terms of corporate taxation. TP17 will make a decisive contribution to Switzerland being a competitive location and thus to added value, jobs and tax receipts for the Confederation, cantons and communes.

Research institutes and businesses given access to European funding initiative ECSEL

09.03.2018 — Press release DEA
On 9 March the Federal Council approved the agreement on Switzerland’s participation in the European funding initiative Joint Technology Initiative Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (JTI ECSEL). This initiative supports transboundary research and development projects in digitalisation, developing marketable products in the fields of micro- and nanoelectronics, system integration and intelligent systems. The project costs are met by the EU and by Switzerland; research institutions receive 70 per cent of their costs, SMEs between 50 and 60 per cent, and large corporations between 30 and 35 per cent.

Relations with the EU: Federal Council takes stock and clarifies the negotiating mandate

05.03.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 2 March 2018, the Federal Council concluded the analysis it had started on 31 January and continued at its special meeting on 21 February. The object was to take stock of developments in Switzerland's relations with the European Union (EU) by reviewing the four years of negotiations on the institutional questions concerning EU market access. The Federal Council is seeking to improve these access conditions while respecting Swiss institutions and their independence. It thus set out its negotiating strategy and affirmed its commitment to proceed swiftly to ensure legal certainty for the export industry and for the stability of Switzerland's economy and our relations with the EU. The quality of the solutions put forward and the safeguarding of Swiss interests remain the criteria by which the Federal Council will determine the success of the negotiations.

Schengen/Dublin: economically and financially positive for Switzerland

22.02.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 21 February 2018, the Federal Council adopted a report on the economic and financial consequences of Schengen/Dublin. The report concludes that Switzerland's participation in Schengen/Dublin is positive both from an economic and a financial perspective: the Schengen visa system and the abandonment of systematic border controls at internal borders, making travel easier, are of great importance for the Swiss economy, especially the border regions and the tourism sector. Because of the savings made possible by Dublin in the area of asylum, Schengen/Dublin has also been positive in financial terms.

Federal Council approves 2017 Foreign Policy Report

21.02.2018 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council approved the 2017 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 21 February 2018. The report gives an account of Switzerland's most important foreign policy activities in 2017 in the context of international developments.

Relations with the EU: The Federal Council examines new approaches to settling disputes

31.01.2018 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 31 January 2018, the Federal Council conducted an in-depth discussion on Swiss European policy. In particular, it discussed the current situation, the medium and long-term objectives of Swiss policy on the European Union (EU), and the way to proceed. The Federal Council would like to further develop Switzerland’s political and economic relations with the EU and for this reason is examining new approaches to settling disputes within the framework of negotiations. It is also mindful to develop solutions that find domestic support. In addition, it has appointed Roberto Balzaretti, currently head of the Directorate of International Law of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), as head of the Directorate of European Affairs (DEA). He will take up his new duties on 1 February 2018. In this capacity he will coordinate all the different negotiations under way with the EU. To carry out this task, he has been given the title of state secretary.

New director of Directorate for European Affairs and other appointments

31.01.2018 — Press release DEA
Personnel changes will take place in 2018 at several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern, within the framework of the usual transfer rotation based on appointments made by the Federal Council. The appointment of heads of mission abroad becomes effective following approval by the respective host state.

Federal Council sets parameters for dispatch on tax proposal 17

31.01.2018 — Press release DEA
During its meeting on 31 January 2018, the Federal Council set the parameters for the dispatch on tax proposal 17. Based on the results of the consultation procedure, the Federal Council decided that the cantons' share of direct federal tax should be raised to 21.2%. The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has been instructed to prepare the dispatch by the end of March.

International cooperation, the economy and Europe the focal points of President Alain Berset’s discussions in Davos

26.01.2018 — Press release DEA
President Alain Berset held lengthy talks with around a dozen heads of state and government on the fringes of this year’s WEF Annual Meeting. The main topics addressed during the discussions included international cooperation, economic and trade contacts, and Switzerland’s relations with the European Union and the UK.

Federal Councillor Cassis meets with Malta's Foreign Minister Abela in Bern (last modification, the 16.01.2018)

16.01.2018 — Press release DEA
Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has hosted his Maltese counterpart, Foreign Minister Carmelo Abela, on an official visit to Bern. The discussions centred on European policy, bilateral matters and the situation in the Mediterranean region.

Federal Councillor Maurer visits Bulgaria

05.01.2018 — Press release DEA
On 5 January, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov in Sofia for a working visit.

Statement by President Doris Leuthard on the EU’s decision regarding stock market equivalence

21.12.2017 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council has addressed the issue of stock market equivalence on a number of occasions. In recent days and weeks, Switzerland has made approaches at various levels. It has made its position clear, in particular to member states, the Commission and the Commission president. That position is that Switzerland fulfils the conditions for recognition of stock market equivalence every bit as much as the other third countries that have been granted indefinite recognition. Switzerland therefore considers this limited recognition to be a clear case of discrimination. The linking of this technical dossier with institutional issues is extraneous and unacceptable.

Other news (33)

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.

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