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, French)

President of the Swiss Confederation Johann N. Schneider-Ammann: 2016 National Day greetings to the Swiss Abroad

26.07.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

Space for Europe – Citizens’ Debate in Luzern

26.07.2016 — Press releases Europa
On 10 September 2016, citizens from the 22 Member States of the European Space Agency ESA will participate in the first Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe, in their respective countries. In the course of the day, citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about the significance of space and participate in the debate; proposing their views on all aspects of current and future space programmes.

President Schneider-Ammann meets European Commission President Juncker

16.07.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

Bern, 16.07.2016 - President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on the fringes of the 11th ASEM Summit (Asia-Europe Meeting) in Mongolia on Saturday, 16 July. They discussed the state of ongoing talks between Switzerland and the European Union on a mutually acceptable solution to implementing Article 121a of the Federal Constitution with the framework of the existing Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

President Schneider-Ammann meets European Commission President Juncker

16.07.2016 — Press releases Europa
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on the fringes of the 11th ASEM Summit (Asia-Europe Meeting) in Mongolia on Saturday, 16 July. They discussed the state of ongoing talks between Switzerland and the European Union on a mutually acceptable solution to implementing Article 121a of the Federal Constitution with the framework of the existing Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

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 approves new Strategy for Communication Abroad

06.07.2016 — Press releases Europa
The Federal Council approved Switzerland’s Strategy for Communication Abroad 2016–19 at its meeting today. Under the motto 'Strengthening the strengths', the strategy focuses on the priority areas for Switzerland’s communication abroad in the coming years. Its aim is to promote a positive and nuanced perception of Switzerland abroad and so help the country to safeguard its interests at an international level.

Taxes retained on behalf of the EU in 2015 amount to CHF 169,3 million

01.07.2016 — Press releases Europa
The gross revenue generated from the system of tax retention on interest payments made in Switzerland to EU taxpayers amounted to CHF 169,3 million for the tax year 2015. It was CHF 317 million in 2014.

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.

President Schneider-Ammann receives Georgian Prime Minister Kvirikashvili

28.06.2016 — Press releases Europa

Bern - On Monday, 27 June, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann received Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in Bern for an official working visit. Later that day, the president and prime minister attended the EFTA Ministerial Meeting at which a free trade agreement was signed with Georgia. Bilateral talks focused on efforts to promote peace in the Caucasus and Switzerland’s cooperation strategy for the South Caucasus region.

Point de Presse Brexit

24.06.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

Berne, 24.06.2016 - Discours du président de la Confédération Johann N. Schneider- Ammann, chef du Département fédéral de l’économie, de la formation et de la recherche DEFR 

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

President Amherd meets the president and prime minister of Hungary prior to it assuming EU Council presidency

19.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On Friday, 19 April, President Viola Amherd met President Tamás Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Parliamentary Speaker László Kövér in Budapest to discuss bilateral relations, the European policy of both countries and the European security situation. Hungary will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year.

President Amherd to visit Hungary, holder of next EU Council presidency

15.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
In a few days’ time President Viola Amherd will travel to Hungary, which will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year. The main topics for discussion at meetings with President Tamás Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Speaker of the National Assembly László Kövér on Friday, 19 April, will include bilateral relations between Switzerland and Hungary, European policy and the security situation in Europe. On Thursday, 18 April, Ms Amherd will give a speech on these topics at Andrássy University in Budapest.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Croatia

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

Launch of the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE: Computers heat buildings

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Zero heat waste: This is the goal of a dozen European companies and research institutions, including Empa, in the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE. The focus is on buildings with extensive IT loads. All waste heat from these systems is to be integrated and utilized in the buildings.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama visits Poland with science delegation

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 9 and 10 April, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (ERI), met with Polish government representatives in Warsaw. She opened the kick-off event of the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme. The visit to Warsaw will strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland in the ERI sector.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin meets with Slovenia’s Minister for Economic Affairs Matjaž Han

10.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 10 April, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin received Slovenia’s Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han. The excellent economic relations between Switzerland and Slovenia were at the centre of the exchange in Bern.

Horizon package: Federal Council to finance transitional measures in 2024

10.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 10 April, the Federal Council decided on transitional measures for the 2024 calls for proposals under the European Union's Horizon package 2021-2027 (Horizon Europe, Euratom programme, ITER and Digital Europe Programme). A maximum amount of CHF 650 million has been set aside for this purpose. This allocation is drawn from funding earmarked by Parliament at the end of 2020 for Switzerland's participation in the Horizon package. The Federal Council remains committed to achieving Swiss association to the Horizon package as soon as possible.

Discussions between the National Cyber Security Centre and the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI)

03.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Florian Schütz, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will meet with his French counterpart, Vincent Strubel, Director General of the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), on 3 April to discuss cybersecurity issues and strengthen relations between the two countries.

More and more Swiss nationals are living abroad, especially in Europe (last modification, the 28.03.2024)

28.03.2024 — Press releases Europa
At the end of 2023, 813 400 Swiss nationals were living abroad. This number has increased since 2022 (+13 400 people or +1.7%). Almost two-thirds of the Swiss abroad live in Europe and more than a quarter in France, but many also live on other continents.

Swiss life satisfaction is highest in Europe – yet inequalities persist

26.03.2024 — Press releases Europa
In European comparison, life satisfaction in Switzerland is consistently high and in 2022 was the highest of all European countries. The overall standard of living also remained high in European comparison. However, almost one in ten people had difficulty making ends meet and 4.9% of the population had to go without important goods, services and social activities for financial reasons. The poverty rate was 8.2%. These are some of the findings from the 2022 Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland and Denmark strengthen relations in higher education, research and innovation

20.03.2024 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Denmark’s Minister of Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund signed a memorandum of understanding in Copenhagen on 20 March to enhance cooperation between the universities, researchers, innovation stakeholders and funding bodies of both countries.

President Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen open negotiations between Switzerland and the EU

18.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, 18 March, President Viola Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen officially opened negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) in the presence of the chief negotiators from both sides. While in Brussels, Ms Amherd also met with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice President of the European Commission. In addition to bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU, geopolitical and security policy challenges facing Europe were also discussed.

Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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.