All news (763)
Space for Europe – Citizens’ Debate in Luzern
26.07.2016
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens
24.06.2016
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Press releases
Europa
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
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Press releases
Europa
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.