'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.

ESA Council of Ministers gives boost to European space activities

19.11.2021 — Press release DEA
On 19 November 2021, Switzerland participated in the Intermediate Session of the European Space Agency (ESA) Council at Ministerial Level, which took place in Portugal. At this session, which brought together the ministers responsible for space affairs of the 22 ESA member states, the Council set the stage for ESA to boost Europe's role in space. This will include addressing issues that tackle society's needs, such as climate change, and launching a number of inspiring initiatives.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis discusses EU policy in Ljubljana

18.11.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), made an official visit to Slovenia today. Slovenia currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. In Ljubljana, Mr Cassis met with his counterpart Anže Logar and paid a courtesy call to President Borut Pahor. The main items on the agenda were European policy, bilateral relations and Switzerland's commitment to the Western Balkans.

Discussion with Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès

09.11.2021 — Press release EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, met his Belgian counterpart Sophie Wilmès for a virtual exchange on 9 November 2021. In addition to the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, the exchange focused on Switzerland's relationship with the EU.

President Guy Parmelin with EFTA in Brussels

08.11.2021 — Press release DEA
On 9 November, President Guy Parmelin, as head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, will attend the annual meeting of the EFTA and the EU ministers of finance and economy (known as the EFTA ECOFIN meeting).

Switzerland and Holy See celebrate 100 years of renewed diplomatic relations

08.11.2021 — Press release EDA
On the occasion of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Holy See, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met in Bern with the Secretary of State of the Vatican, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin. During the official visit, a joint declaration was signed which aims to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in various areas related to peace promotion.

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

01.06.2015 — Press release DEA
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 DEA
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 DEA

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 DEA
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 DEA
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 DEA
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 DEA

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 DEA
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 DEA

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 DEA
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.

Programme of the Federal Councillors attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2015

20.01.2015 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council believes that the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting is of great importance to Davos and to Switzerland. Each year, this event brings together leaders from the worlds of business and government. It serves as a venue for an informal exchange of opinions on major topical issues. In view of the current economic and political challenges, the opportunity for such direct contact among decision-makers from government, business and civil society is extremely valuable.

Federal Council approves the 2014 Foreign Policy Report

14.01.2015 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council approved the 2014 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 14 January 2015. The report provides an overview of Swiss foreign policy and gives an account of Switzerland's most important foreign policy activities in 2014. It contains a chapter focusing on Switzerland's OSCE chairmanship in 2014.

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.