Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package

13.03.2026 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Negotiations on a trade agreement between Switzerland and the USA to continue

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 6 March, the Federal Council discussed how to proceed regarding the negotiations on a trade agreement with the USA. Switzerland will continue negotiations with the USA even after the decision of the US Supreme Court and the subsequent introduction of a new base tariff by the US government. The Federal Council continues to pursue the goal of concluding an agreement that will stabilise bilateral trade relations and improve export opportunities for Swiss companies.

Foreign Policy Report 2025: Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to focused and effective multilateralism

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2025 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 6 March 2026. The report gives an account of the foreign policy activities of the past year and takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at the halfway point. The core question it seeks to address is how Switzerland can safeguard its interests in an increasingly polarised environment and play its part in advancing effective multilateralism.

Switzerland steps up cooperation with EU on foreign and security policy

05.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, Switzerland's foreign and defence ministers respectively, met with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, in Zurich on 5 March 2026. At the meeting, Mr Cassis and Ms Kallas signed a joint declaration on strengthening foreign and security policy cooperation. An agreement simplifying Switzerland's participation in EU peacekeeping missions was also concluded. These new agreements are not part of the Swiss–EU package (Bilaterals III).

Energy crisis in Ukraine – the first diesel generators from Switzerland have been delivered to Kyiv

04.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The first of around 70 diesel generators to be supplied by the Swiss Confederation in response to the worst energy crisis since the start of the conflict have arrived in Kyiv. Jean-Luc Bernasconi, head of international cooperation at the Swiss embassy in Kyiv, attended a ceremony on 4 March 2026 at which the generators – which will be used in various locations where energy infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged – were officially handed over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). The generators provided by Switzerland are part of the Federal Council's aid package, adopted on 11 February 2026, on the supply of urgently needed energy goods to Ukraine. Further deliveries will continue to be made on an ongoing basis.

Switzerland–EU package agreement signed in Brussels

02.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 2 March, President Guy Parmelin and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the agreements comprising the Switzerland–EU package in Brussels. The agreements were initialled by the chief negotiators on 21 May 2025 and approved by the Federal Council on 13 June 2025. The dispatch on the Switzerland–EU package is expected to be adopted by Parliament in the course of this month.

Presentation of credentials

26.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

IC Forum 2026 in Geneva: challenges for humanitarian aid amid radical geopolitical shifts

26.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
The fifth edition of the International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) began today in Geneva, with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in attendance. The central theme is the future of humanitarian aid in an international context marked by a proliferation of crises and a significant reduction in funding. The event provides a platform for exchanges between political leaders, representatives of international organisations, humanitarian actors, academic experts and private sector partners, many of whom are based in Geneva.

Switzerland–EU package of agreements to be signed on 2 March

25.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 25 February 2026, the Federal Council was informed that President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen would sign the Switzerland–EU package of agreements (Bilaterals III) in Brussels on Monday, 2 March.

UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis presents Switzerland's priorities for strengthening human rights

23.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announced the publication of the new Guidelines on Human Rights 2026–29 during his opening address to the high-level segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today. Before an international audience, he reaffirmed Switzerland's long-term commitment to protecting and promoting human rights.

Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package

13.03.2026 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Negotiations on a trade agreement between Switzerland and the USA to continue

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 6 March, the Federal Council discussed how to proceed regarding the negotiations on a trade agreement with the USA. Switzerland will continue negotiations with the USA even after the decision of the US Supreme Court and the subsequent introduction of a new base tariff by the US government. The Federal Council continues to pursue the goal of concluding an agreement that will stabilise bilateral trade relations and improve export opportunities for Swiss companies.

Foreign Policy Report 2025: Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to focused and effective multilateralism

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2025 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 6 March 2026. The report gives an account of the foreign policy activities of the past year and takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at the halfway point. The core question it seeks to address is how Switzerland can safeguard its interests in an increasingly polarised environment and play its part in advancing effective multilateralism.

Switzerland steps up cooperation with EU on foreign and security policy

05.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, Switzerland's foreign and defence ministers respectively, met with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, in Zurich on 5 March 2026. At the meeting, Mr Cassis and Ms Kallas signed a joint declaration on strengthening foreign and security policy cooperation. An agreement simplifying Switzerland's participation in EU peacekeeping missions was also concluded. These new agreements are not part of the Swiss–EU package (Bilaterals III).

Energy crisis in Ukraine – the first diesel generators from Switzerland have been delivered to Kyiv

04.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The first of around 70 diesel generators to be supplied by the Swiss Confederation in response to the worst energy crisis since the start of the conflict have arrived in Kyiv. Jean-Luc Bernasconi, head of international cooperation at the Swiss embassy in Kyiv, attended a ceremony on 4 March 2026 at which the generators – which will be used in various locations where energy infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged – were officially handed over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). The generators provided by Switzerland are part of the Federal Council's aid package, adopted on 11 February 2026, on the supply of urgently needed energy goods to Ukraine. Further deliveries will continue to be made on an ongoing basis.

Switzerland–EU package agreement signed in Brussels

02.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 2 March, President Guy Parmelin and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the agreements comprising the Switzerland–EU package in Brussels. The agreements were initialled by the chief negotiators on 21 May 2025 and approved by the Federal Council on 13 June 2025. The dispatch on the Switzerland–EU package is expected to be adopted by Parliament in the course of this month.

Presentation of credentials

26.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

IC Forum 2026 in Geneva: challenges for humanitarian aid amid radical geopolitical shifts

26.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
The fifth edition of the International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) began today in Geneva, with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in attendance. The central theme is the future of humanitarian aid in an international context marked by a proliferation of crises and a significant reduction in funding. The event provides a platform for exchanges between political leaders, representatives of international organisations, humanitarian actors, academic experts and private sector partners, many of whom are based in Geneva.

Switzerland–EU package of agreements to be signed on 2 March

25.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 25 February 2026, the Federal Council was informed that President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen would sign the Switzerland–EU package of agreements (Bilaterals III) in Brussels on Monday, 2 March.

UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis presents Switzerland's priorities for strengthening human rights

23.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announced the publication of the new Guidelines on Human Rights 2026–29 during his opening address to the high-level segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today. Before an international audience, he reaffirmed Switzerland's long-term commitment to protecting and promoting human rights.

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

Swiss National Day 2020

23.07.2020 — Local news Kuwait

Celebrating 1 August differently

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.