All news (3370)
Switzerland welcomes agreement on new OSCE Chair
01.12.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The participating states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have agreed on its 2024 chairpersonship at the annual Ministerial Council held this year in Skopje. The current chair, North Macedonia, will conclude its term at the end of the year, and Malta will assume the position thereafter. At the meeting in Skopje, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis underscored his support for Malta's chairpersonship and welcomed the agreement of the participating states, which was made possible after lengthy negotiations.
Plenary statement by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje
30.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Upholding OSCE principles in challenging times - Check against delivery
Information sharing and community building to boost cyber-resilience in International Geneva
30.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 30 November, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) held a 'Cyber Capacity and Community Building' event in Geneva in cooperation with the canton of Geneva and other partners. The event was aimed at boosting the cyber-resilience of international organisations and NGOs in International Geneva.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend 30th OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje
28.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Skopje on 29 November to represent Switzerland at the annual Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The meeting will focus on the security situation in Europe and the challenges facing the OSCE. In the North Macedonian capital, Mr Cassis will seek to ensure that the OSCE's values and principles are upheld and that the organisation remains capable of taking action.
Presentation of credentials
27.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials
Federal Council lays groundwork for export of CO2 for sub-seabed storage
22.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 November 2023, the Federal Council decided to ratify the 2009 amendment to the London Protocol. From 2024, it will therefore be possible to export CO₂ for storage in sub-seabed geological formations.
Federal Council decides to bring in legislation to ban Hamas
22.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 November 2023, the Federal Council decided to propose a federal Act to Parliament banning Hamas in Switzerland. It instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) and the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to prepare the draft legislation. The Federal Council was also briefed on the audit carried out by the FDFA on financial flows to Switzerland's NGO partners under its cooperation programme for the region. The contracts with three Palestinian NGOs will be terminated. In view of the current dramatic situation in Israel and Gaza, the Federal Council calls for respect for international humanitarian law and in particular the protection of civilians.
New Swiss ambassadors
22.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for 2023/24 for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.
President Berset and Federal Councillor Cassis receive Hungary’s Prime Minister Orbán
21.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On Tuesday 21 November, federal councillors Alain Berset, president of the Swiss Confederation and Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received a courtesy visit from a delegation from Hungary headed by the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. The exchange centred on bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy objectives, Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024 and current international issues.
Cooperation in Foreign and Security Policy: State Secretary Alexandre Fasel meets EU counterpart Stefano Sannino
21.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel was received by the secretary-general of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Stefano Sannino, in Brussels on 21 November for the biannual consultations on foreign and security policy. In this context, Mr Fasel and Mr Sannino agreed to establish a structured dialogue on security and defence, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in this area. They also discussed the topic of cooperation and solidarity in response to current crises, and exchanged views on various multilateral issues.
Swiss Confederation assesses its approach to business and human rights
20.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On behalf of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), two external studies have reviewed the implementation of the Swiss National Action Plan 2020–23 (NAP) on business and human rights and the corporate governance due diligence procedures carried out by Swiss companies. The FDFA and EAER will update the NAP for the following four years based on the studies' findings. By promoting human rights in business, the Confederation is making an important contribution to sustainable development.
War in Ukraine: Switzerland calls for special tribunal
16.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has pledged its support for the establishment of a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This commitment was announced today in Berlin, where Switzerland confirmed its membership in the core group of nations advocating for such a tribunal. Switzerland is firmly convinced that the aggression against Ukraine must not go unpunished.
