All news (3599)
Innovation and trade at heart of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's official visit to Japan
23.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis conducted an official visit to Japan on 22 and 23 April 2025, leading the Swiss delegation at the World Expo in Osaka on Switzerland's National Day. In Tokyo, he held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and representatives of Japan's commerce, science and education ministries as well as a meeting with IT giant NEC, which will be setting up a new centre in Zurich.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Japan and China from 22 to 25 April 2025
17.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will visit Japan and the People's Republic of China from 22 to 25 April. The aim of the trip is to strengthen political ties and promote Switzerland's economic interests with two key partners. In Japan, the focus will be on innovation, technology, trade and multilateral cooperation. In China, discussions will mainly cover bilateral relations, economic issues and current geopolitical questions.
Federal Council reaffirms support for three international humanitarian organisations
16.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 16 April 2025, the Federal Council decided to allocate a total of almost CHF 250 million to support the operations of Switzerland's three main humanitarian partners for 2025 and 2026. The funding will benefit the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is thus reaffirming its support for key humanitarian organisations that provide urgently needed assistance worldwide.
Swiss ODA reached 0.51% of GNI in 2024
16.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
In 2024, Swiss official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.053 billion, or 0.51% of gross national income (GNI). ODA includes expenditure by the Confederation on international cooperation and other expenditure which qualifies as ODA – in particular asylum-related costs – as well as contributions from the Swiss cantons and communes.
'From Heidi to High Tech': the Swiss pavilion opens its doors at Osaka World Expo 2025
13.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss pavilion was inaugurated on Sunday 13 April in the presence of the president of the National Council, Maja Riniker. An immersive exhibition entitled 'From Heidi to High Tech' showcases Switzerland's diversity and outstanding features: from its iconic Alpine heritage to its status as a world centre for innovation and cutting-edge technology. Presence Switzerland, which is part of the FDFA General Secretariat, is responsible for Switzerland's presence in Osaka. FDFA General Secretary Markus Seiler also attended the inauguration of the World Expo in Osaka, representing the FDFA.
Switzerland–EU: Federal Council approves EU Programmes Agreement
10.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved the EU Programmes Agreement (EUPA) along with the associated protocols on education, research, innovation and health. It also authorised Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to sign the agreement. Signature of the EUPA will enable Swiss association in Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme to be applied retroactively from 1 January 2025. The agreement will come into effect following ratification of the Switzerland-EU package
Federal Council reaffirms its support for UNDP
09.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF 31.8 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CHF 2 million to the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), thereby reaffirming Switzerland's support for sustainable development, the fight against poverty and multilateralism. The UNDP and UNCDF play a key role in implementing the 2030 Agenda, supporting governments in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Swiss–US relations: Federal Council establishes steering body

09.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council took the decision to set up a project structure responsible for steering Swiss–US relations. The body, which will be led by the head of the FDFA, will operate until the end of 2025 and involve all departments.
Ignazio Cassis to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum
08.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which will be held in Turkey from 11 to 13 April. Mr Cassis will have discussions on geopolitical challenges during the forum, including a meeting with the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. Prior to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Mr Cassis will visit the Turkish capital Ankara to attend an event marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship between Switzerland and Turkey.
Switzerland gains ground in promoting its human rights priorities
04.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
After six weeks of work, the first session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) chaired by a Swiss national has drawn to a close at the UN in Geneva. Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber led the deliberations of the 58th session of the HRC, during which the 47 member states, including Switzerland, discussed several critical global challenges, including those in Ukraine, the Middle East and Syria. On the latter, steps on a possible path towards peace and stability were taken. Efforts to abolish the death penalty – one of Switzerland's priorities – also continued to make headway.
Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva: Switzerland calls for joint efforts by all actors to achieve goals of 2030 Agenda
03.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
How can we move forward with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in a time dominated by crises and conflict? This was the focus of the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development on 2 and 3 April 2025. As explained by the head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda Markus Reubi, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be implemented if all actors work together. This includes states, regions, cities, civil society, and the academic and business communities.
Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes
02.04.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On 2 April, the chief negotiators from Switzerland and the European Union initialled an agreement in Brussels on Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes. The agreement comes into force once the overall Switzerland-EU package has been ratified, but could already be applied provisionally after the signing, which is due to take place in November.