'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 Europa
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 Europa
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 Europa
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 Europa
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.

Tax proposal 17 to preserve tax competitiveness: Start of an optimised proposal

02.03.2017 — Press release Europa
The Federal Department of finance is forging ahead with work on a new corporate taxation proposal entitled tax proposal 17 (TP17). It was decided during the steering body's kick-off meeting that cities and communes would be closely involved in preparing the new version.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics for 4th quarter 2016 - Increase in the number of commuters

23.02.2017 — Press release Europa

Neuchâtel, (FSO) – The number of foreign cross-border commuters working in Switzerland increased by 11,300 persons (+3.7%) in 2016. Just over half of the cross-border commuters (54.9%) were resident in France, around a quarter (22.6%) were resident in Italy and a fifth in Germany (19.3%). In Ticino, the proportion of commuters out of all employed persons was highest at 27.1%. These are the findings of the Cross-border Commuter Statistics, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on a quarterly basis.    

Federal Council wants to swiftly draw up a new tax proposal

22.02.2017 — Press release Europa
During its meeting on 22 February 2017, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to draw up the substantive parameters for a new tax proposal by mid-2017 at the latest following the vote on corporate tax reforms. The objective remains that of strengthening Switzerland's competitiveness.

State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl to coordinate negotiations with EU starting 1 April 2017

22.02.2017 — Press release Europa
Pascale Baeriswyl will take over the coordination of Switzerland’s negotiations with the European Union (EU) from Jacques de Watteville. During its session on Wednesday 22 February 2017, the Federal Council tasked the State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) with pursuing the coordination of the discussions with the EU, together with the negotiators in charge of different dossiers, as of 1 April.

Swiss-Austrian exchange of views and information on higher education, research and innovation

08.02.2017 — Press release Europa
On 8 February, the second bilateral exchange of views and information took place between the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (BMWFW). State Secretary Mauro Dell’Ambrogio led the Swiss delegation for the talks on developments and cooperation in higher education, research and innovation at the BMWFW. At the invitation of Reinhold Mitterlehner, vice chancellor and minister for science, research and economy, the meeting was followed by a working lunch.

Four focal points of President Leuthard’s bilateral talks in Davos

20.01.2017 — Press release Europa

Bern, Switzerland’s relations with the European Union (EU), international energy and climate policy, migration issues and current challenges in the field of peace and security: these were the focal points of President Doris Leuthard’s bilateral talks on the fringes of this year’s WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. The president held lengthy talks with over a dozen heads of state and government, and met Maroš Šefčovič, the vice president of the European Commission.

Federal Council approves 2016 Foreign Policy Report

11.01.2017 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council approved the 2016 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 11 January 2017. The report gives an overview of Swiss foreign policy and provides an account of Switzerland’s most important foreign policy activities in 2016, in particular in the areas of development cooperation, humanitarian aid and good offices. This year’s report contains a chapter focusing on Switzerland’s efforts to promote peace and development in the crisis regions stretching from Syria to the Sahel.

Federal Council issues the 2016 Foreign Economic Policy Report

11.01.2017 — Press release Europa
On 11 January 2017 the Federal Council released the 2016 Foreign Economic Policy Report. The feature topic highlights current challenges facing Swiss foreign economic policy. Appropriate economic conditions should enable Swiss companies to have better access to foreign markets, and to make use of new business opportunities emerging with digitalisation.

Federal Council decides on basic parameters for counter-proposal to Rasa initiative

21.12.2016 — Press release Europa
In October, the Federal Council decided to submit a direct counter-proposal to the Rasa initiative. At its meeting on 21 December 2016, it resolved to draw up two versions of a counter-proposal for consultation and determined the basic parameters for the contents of both versions.

The Gotthard tunnel and migration policy dominated media coverage of Switzerland in 2016

20.12.2016 — Press release Europa
The opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which was attended by all the heads of state of Switzerland’s neighbouring countries, drew considerable media attention abroad. International media coverage of Switzerland focused on topics that also attracted attention in other European countries: migration and Islam. Two popular votes also drew international media coverage about Switzerland: The ‘Implementation initiative’ and the ‘unconditional basic income initiative’. In 2016, a year marked by great international upheaval, Switzerland’s economic and political stability were presented in a positive light by the foreign press.

European Space Agency’s ESA successful Ministerial Council meeting in Switzerland

02.12.2016 — Press release Europa
The Ministers responsible for space affairs from ESA Member States came together on 1-2 December 2016 to make important decisions, namely on the strategy to ensure Europe reinforces its excellence in space science and technology; maximising the integration of space into European society and on fostering a competitive European space sector. The meeting in Lucerne, the first one on Swiss territory, was also the occasion for Switzerland and Luxembourg to pass on the Ministerial Presidency to Spain.

President Schneider-Ammann attends ESA Ministerial Council

01.12.2016 — Press release Europa
On 1 December, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann addressed the ministers of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency ESA and Canada in Lucerne. Switzerland has co-chaired ESA with Luxembourg since 2012. Spain will take over the chairmanship at the meeting in Lucerne.

Emissions trading scheme: acquisition of aviation data in 2018

02.06.2017 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 Europa

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 — Europa
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 Europa

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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 Europa

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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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.