All news (3775)
G7 summit in Évian: Confederation to contribute to security costs
01.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The G7 summit, organised by France, will take place from 15 to 17 June 2026 in Évian, near the border with Switzerland. In a context of heightened global tensions, the summit requires exceptional security measures, in Switzerland as well. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have therefore asked for support from the Confederation. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the three cantons.
Nuclear Weapons Ban Initiative: Federal Council recommends rejection without counter-proposal
01.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided to recommend that the popular initiative ‘For the accession of Switzerland to the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Nuclear Weapons Ban Initiative)’ be rejected by the people and the cantons without a counter-proposal. It has instructed the FDFA to submit a dispatch to Parliament by autumn. The Federal Council is clearly in favour of the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. However, Switzerland's accession to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons would be a purely symbolic act that cannot contribute to this goal. Accession could even be detrimental to Switzerland's security. Switzerland is already committed to the disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons within the framework of the UN Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Switzerland seen from abroad in 2025: excellent reputation among the public; response to US tariffs in the media spotlight
01.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Bern, 01.04.2026 – The ways in which Switzerland tackled unexpected challenges in 2025 shaped perceptions of the country in the foreign media. The strongest media response focused on its reactions to US tariffs. Switzerland's image internationally among the general public was excellent. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council was briefed on the results of the annual analysis of perceptions of Switzerland internationally in 2025.
Switzerland renews its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
31.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has officially renewed its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE) for the period 2026–31. The appointments will ensure Switzerland maintains its presence at the CLRAE's 50th session, scheduled for the end of March 2026.
Angola, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso: Ignazio Cassis holds talks on the economy, science and security
26.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has just completed visits to three economic heavyweights in Africa: Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. In addition to trade and economic affairs, his political discussions also focused on security issues and cooperation in the field of science. The fourth country that Mr Cassis will visit tomorrow is Burkina Faso, where the focus will be on international cooperation: The head of the FDFA will visit a project supported by Switzerland that uses digital technology to give people better access to financial services and loans, thereby improving local economic prospects.
Federal Council reaffirms partnership with four UN organisations
20.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council is continuing its cooperation with four UN organisations in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. At its meeting on 20 March 2026, it decided to support the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with around CHF 70 million per year from 2026 to 2028. In addition to ensuring the effective implementation of Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28, the partnership with these UN organisations boosts the standing of International Geneva.
OSCE press release: OSCE participating States adopt 2026 Budget
19.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) today reached consensus on the Organization’s Budget for 2026, ensuring the continued implementation of its comprehensive security mandate. This ends a five-year stalemate since the last approved budget in 2021. The adoption of the budget confirms that the OSCE remains an important platform for dialogue, even in times of heightened tensions. This decision therefore also contributes to the implementation of a key priority of the Swiss Chairpersonship – ensuring the OSCE’s ability to act.
The economy, science and security at the heart of Ignazio Cassis' visit to four African countries
19.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Angola, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso from 23 to 27 March 2026. In Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, the focus will be on trade, economic relations and scientific cooperation, while the trip to Burkina Faso will centre on international cooperation, humanitarian aid and the security situation in the Sahel region.
SDC steps up humanitarian support for people in Lebanon, Syria and Iran
16.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The war in the Middle East is having a serious impact on the populations of Lebanon, Syria and Iran. In view of this situation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has set aside a humanitarian support package of CHF 6.5 million, which will focus on Lebanon and includes a regional component for Syria. The SDC will also release emergency aid for Iran.
Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package
13.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved the dispatch to Parliament on the stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council's intention with this bill is to stabilise and future-proof the tried-and-tested bilateral approach with the EU. The package is in Switzerland's interest. It ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner. In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance.
Federal Council adopts report on foreign policy implications of growing antisemitism in Switzerland
13.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Bern, 6 March 2026 – The Federal Council has adopted the report in response to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council (FAC-N) postulate 23.4340 ‘Foreign policy implications of the massive rise in antisemitism in Switzerland. Review of potential countermeasures’. The Federal Council notes that the resurgence of antisemitism since autumn 2023 represents a serious challenge for social cohesion and security, but concludes that the situation, as it currently stands, does not warrant the introduction of additional foreign policy measures.
The FDFA temporarily closes its embassy in Iran
11.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
In view of the war in the Middle East and the increasing security risk, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land today and are now safely outside the country. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries.
