All news (7471)
Ukraine: Switzerland expands its sanctions lists
22.05.2026
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Press releases
Europa
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) expanded the sanctions lists concerning Russia and Belarus on 22 May. Switzerland is thus adopting various changes that the EU decided on as part of its 20th package of sanctions. The measures come into force at 11pm on 22 May.
Switzerland allocates CHF 13.5 million to address needs in the Middle East
21.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The humanitarian situation in the Middle East has worsened due to the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran. The FDFA is releasing CHF 13.5 million to address needs in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.
New ambassadors and changes at head office
20.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Two ambassadorial titles have been awarded and the following personnel changes have been decided on for 2026 and 2027 in the external network and at FDFA head office. This comes as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and is based on appointments made by the Federal Council.
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki to pay a state visit to Switzerland next week
19.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
President Karol Nawrocki of Poland is expected to arrive in Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May, for a two-day state visit. This invitation from the Federal Council, headed by President Guy Parmelin, highlights the importance of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland. Since the turning point in 1989, a Polish head of state has visited Switzerland every decade.
Ignazio Cassis to inaugurate new Swiss embassy in Athens: the Swiss House of Culture, Research and Diplomacy
19.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Greece from 22 to 23 May. He will meet the minister of foreign affairs, Giórgos Gerapetrítis, and the minister of defence, Nikos Dendias. Mr Cassis will also attend the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy in Athens.
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki to pay a state visit to Switzerland next week
19.05.2026
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Press releases
Europa
President Karol Nawrocki of Poland is expected to arrive in Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May, for a two-day state visit. This invitation from the Federal Council, headed by President Guy Parmelin, highlights the importance of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland. Since the turning point in 1989, a Polish head of state has visited Switzerland every decade.
New materials for electrolysis: Making green hydrogen more affordable
19.05.2026
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Press releases
Europa
Green hydrogen – produced from water using renewable energy – is an important sustainable fuel and energy storage medium. However, its industrial production is significantly more expensive than the conventional production of hydrogen from fossil sources. Empa researchers and their partners are developing materials for water electrolysis that are not only efficient and more cost-effective but can also be scaled up to an industrial level.
Ignazio Cassis visits Moldova: Council of Europe and OSCE
15.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, visited the Republic of Moldova from 13 to 15 May 2026. While there, he represented Switzerland at the annual Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in Chisinau. As Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), he also held a series of meetings aimed at supporting the organisation's role in the Transdniestrian conflict settlement process and encouraging the parties to engage in dialogue.
OSCE press release: The OSCE and the Council of Europe emphasise the need for effective multilateralism
14.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 14 May 2026, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Mihai Popșoi, the OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, met in Chisinau. The promotion of effective multilateralism and the use of the respective and complementary strengths of the two organisations were at the centre of the discussions.
Federal Council approves accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal
13.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At a time of far-reaching geopolitical developments, the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in support of freedom of navigation and international law. At its meeting on 13 May 2026, it approved Switzerland's accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. The Protocol stipulates that there should be open and secure transit through the Panama Canal for all nations at all times.
Private security services provided abroad in 2025: tenth FDFA report on PSSA implementation
13.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council took note of the tenth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). Under the Act, companies wishing to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland are required to notify the competent authority in advance. In 2025, the competent authorities received 82 declarations from companies. Although no activities were prohibited, two criminal complaints were lodged with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.
Mixed interim results: Switzerland's fourth country report on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
13.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's fourth country report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The interim results for the years 2022–26 are mixed. This report is also the last country report in the current format. Cantons, communes and cities have developed many new approaches to implementing the sustainability goals. Despite geopolitical shifts, the 2030 Agenda remains the global frame of reference for sustainable development.
