All news (3739)
Sécurité et coopération multilatérale dans un monde en mutation au cœur des entretiens du conseiller fédéral Cassis au WEF
22.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
À l’occasion de sa présence au World Economic Forum (WEF) à Davos, le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE), a placé au centre de ses échanges la sécurité et la stabilité en Europe et au Moyen Orient, la coopération multilatérale ainsi que la présidence suisse de l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en Europe (OSCE).
Switzerland assumes the presidency of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine in 2026 and 2027
16.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 1 January 2026, Switzerland assumed the rotating presidency of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). The CCNR defines the international regulations for free navigation on the Rhine and thus ensures, among other things, that ships can travel from Basel to Rotterdam or Antwerp or from there to Basel without restrictions or fees. Access to the largest European seaports, which is guaranteed under international law, is important for Switzerland's security of supply. In particular, the Swiss presidency will advocate the digitalisation, sustainability and safety of the critical infrastructure of Rhine navigation.
Federal Council programme announced for WEF Annual Meeting 2026
16.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) takes place in Davos next week, with four members of the Federal Council in attendance. President Guy Parmelin will open proceedings on Tuesday, 20 January, alongside the two interim co-chairs of the Board of Trustees, André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in Vienna
12.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna on 15 January 2026 to officially open Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In his capacity as chairman-in-office, Mr Cassis will present the focus, programme and special representatives of the Swiss chairpersonship. He will also meet with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, among others.
National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana
07.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
This coming Friday, 9 January, will be dedicated nationwide to remembering the victims of the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, showing solidarity with the injured and expressing sympathy for all those affected. On this day of mourning, President Guy Parmelin, together with Switzerland’s official religious communities, invites people across the country to observe a minute's silence and a moment of reflection. Church bells will ring throughout the country. A memorial service will take place in Martigny in the canton of Valais.
Federal Council freezes any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro
05.01.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 5 January 2026, the Federal Council decided to freeze any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro and other persons associated with him with immediate effect. In doing so, the Federal Council aims to prevent an outflow of assets. The asset freeze does not affect members of the current Venezuelan government. Should future legal proceedings reveal that the funds were illicitly acquired, Switzerland will endeavour to ensure that they benefit the Venezuelan people. The asset freeze is in addition to the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018 under the Embargo Act.
Federal Council adopts Consular Strategy 2026–29
19.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 19 December 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Consular Strategy 2026–29. In a world undergoing profound change, marked by the return of war to Europe, the erosion of the multilateral order and the fragmentation of alliances, consular action is taking on new importance. Whether it be assistance for Swiss nationals, administrative services or visa processing, consular action remains a key lever of Switzerland's presence abroad. By adopting its Consular Strategy the Federal Council aims to provide a coherent, structured and forward-looking response to the challenges facing this area of Swiss foreign policy and continue to offer Swiss citizens simple, easily accessible and reliable administrative services.
Switzerland concludes two new status agreements with organisations active in International Geneva
18.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has concluded privileges and immunities agreements with the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd) and Justice Rapid Response (JRR). In signing these agreements, Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting International Geneva and strengthening its role as a global centre for peace, justice and human rights.
Switzerland signs Convention establishing International Claims Commission for Ukraine
16.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has signed the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The Commission will review, assess and decide on claims resulting from damage caused by Russia in Ukraine. It will also determine the amount of compensation due in each case.
Federal Council adopts Digital Switzerland Strategy 2026
12.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On 12 December, the Federal Council adopted the updated Digital Switzerland Strategy for 2026 and selected the new focus themes. The focus themes for next year are: digital sovereignty, digital host state and the introduction of the e-ID. This reflects the current priorities.
Programme of Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026
08.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
With less than a month to go before it assumes the chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Switzerland is setting out the programme and priorities that will guide its actions in 2026. The aim will be to contribute to European security and the strengthening of inclusive multilateralism, in line with the Swiss tradition of neutrality, dialogue promotion and conflict prevention. International conferences hosted in Switzerland will also take place during its year in office, offering opportunities for dialogue on the major challenges of our time.
Draft negotiating mandate for a trade agreement with the USA
05.12.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On 5 December, the Federal Council approved a draft negotiating mandate for a trade agreement with the USA. The parliamentary foreign affairs committees and the cantons will now be consulted on the draft. The main aim of the upcoming negotiations is to consolidate the tariff relief for Swiss goods imported into the USA; this tariff relief was reached as part of the joint statement of 14 November.
