Press releases

All news (3653)

Sustainable food systems in spotlight at High-level Political Forum in New York

08.07.2024 — Press releases EDA
Where does the international community stand in the fight against poverty and hunger? This year's High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN in New York will scrutinise the progress made towards implementing these two goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Switzerland is calling for the inclusion of a new indicator to measure food diversity, thereby strengthening food systems.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on tour in Latin America

08.07.2024 — Press releases EDA
From 10 to 15 July 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will pay an official visit to Brazil, Costa Rica and Peru. The implementation of the Federal Council's Americas Strategy 2022–25 will be at the heart of this trip. With the various meetings also focusing on global geopolitical challenges, there will be opportunities to take stock of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held on the Bürgenstock in mid-June. Mr Cassis will use his time in Costa Rica and Peru to meet with the Swiss community there. He will conclude his trip with a stop in New York to take part in an open debate at the UN Security Council on the preservation of international peace and security.

Ignazio Cassis in Central Asia for talks focusing on economy and international cooperation

03.07.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' trip to Central Asia ends today. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) visited Tajikistan before travelling on to Kyrgyzstan. Both countries are part of Switzerland's voting group in the Bretton Woods institutions, and the trip reaffirmed the strong cooperation among the group's members. There was also praise for the positive results of international cooperation programmes in the fields of digitalisation and water.

Meeting of Swiss Bretton Woods constituency in Dushanbe

28.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will travel to Dushanbe in Tajikistan from 1 to 3 July 2024. There, they will meet with the members of the Swiss constituency in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the two Bretton Woods institutions. Both Federal Councillors will take the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with representatives of the constituency. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will then travel to Kyrgyzstan.

Federal Council to enshrine practice of returning stolen PEP assets in law

26.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council is set to propose legislative amendments to enshrine in law Switzerland's practice, developed over the last two decades, on the restitution of illicitly acquired assets of foreign politically exposed persons (PEPs). At its meeting on 26 June 2024, it approved the report in response to the postulate of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of States (FAC-S) of 4 April 2019, which asked the Federal Council to examine whether legislation in this area should be harmonised.

Ukraine: Federal Council wants to involve private sector more in recovery efforts

26.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss private sector is to play a key role in Ukraine's recovery. Switzerland's Federal Council plans to make CHF 500 million available over the next four years to better involve the private sector in these efforts. The funds will come from the CHF 1.5 billion earmarked for Ukraine in the International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28. In addition, the Federal Council intends to provide CHF 66 million to support early recovery in the east of the country as well as the reconstruction and modernisation of basic infrastructure in the areas of energy security, water supply and public transport. All of this was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 26 June 2024.

Switzerland–EU: Federal Council takes stock of current negotiations

26.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 26 June 2024, the Federal Council took stock of the negotiations with the EU and the internal implementation of the package which aims to stabilise and further develop the bilateral path. While tangible progress has been made in several areas, in others, such as immigration and wage protection, the positions of the two sides have not yet converged sufficiently. Meanwhile parallel discussions continue in Switzerland with interest groups on key sectors.

Switzerland grants CHF 39 million to World Food Programme

26.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting of 26 June 2024, the Federal Council decided to allocate CHF 39 million to the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) in order to help tackle food insecurity and malnutrition. The WFP is the world's largest humanitarian organisation, fighting hunger across the globe. It is also one of Switzerland's main international cooperation partners.

Switzerland reaffirms its support for activities of International Committee of the Red Cross

26.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting of 26 June 2024, the Federal Council decided to grant an annual contribution for 2024 of CHF 56 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its operations in crisis-ridden countries. These funds will be used to meet humanitarian needs resulting from armed conflicts. Under the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has a mandate to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflicts, to provide assistance and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHL).

Neutrality initiative: without counter-proposal, Federal Council recommends rejection

26.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
The popular initiative 'Safeguarding Swiss neutrality' (Neutrality Initiative) seeks to enshrine neutrality and its practical application in Switzerland's Federal Constitution. The new constitutional provision would, among other things, disallow Switzerland from taking sanctions against belligerent states in the future. At its meeting of 26 June 2024, the Swiss Federal Council decided to recommend that the people and the cantons reject the Neutrality Initiative.

Alain Berset elected Secretary General of Council of Europe

25.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has elected former Federal Councillor Alain Berset as its new Secretary General. His term will start on 18 September 2024. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) supported Mr Berset's candidature and welcomes his election to this post.

Switzerland takes on protecting power mandate for Mexico and Ecuador

24.06.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the request of both governments, Switzerland will represent Mexico's interests in relation to Ecuador and Ecuador's interests in relation to Mexico. The applicable agreements were signed with Mexico on 15 June 2024 and with Ecuador on 24 June 2024. In taking on this role, Switzerland is ensuring that diplomatic and consular channels between the two countries remain open. Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with Ecuador on 5 April 2024.

Media (3353)

Switzerland delivers 30 rubble-clearing machines and 30 fire pumps to Ukraine

04.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is organising a new shipment of equipment for Ukraine. This includes machines to clear rubble and debris, as well as firefighting equipment, which will be handed over to Ukraine's civil protection agency.The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA will finance and coordinate the transport. The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) has donated the equipment, valued at CHF 5.6 million.

Second Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council

01.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Today, Switzerland has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. During its presidency in October, Switzerland will place its priorities at the centre of the Security Council's work, in particular promoting sustainable peace and protecting civilians –Swiss President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be traveling to New York for this purpose.

Federal Council requests CHF 13 million for humanitarian aid in Middle East

27.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council took a decision concerning the final instalment of the credit for humanitarian operations in the Middle East. A total of CHF 13 million will be used to support national and international organisations working in the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been instructed to consult the foreign affairs committees. In this context, the FDFA informed the Federal Council about how it intends to implement Parliament's decision to reduce the humanitarian credit for 2024. The Federal Council reiterates its call for a diplomatic solution that upholds international humanitarian law and leads to de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.

Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd at the UN Security Council

25.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the UN Security Council, open debate ‘Leadership for Peace’, New York, Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

SDG Flag Day in Lugano: Cities play a key role in implementing sustainable development goals

25.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
Since 2019, SDG Flag Day has been held every year on 25 September on the initiative of the business community (via the UN Global Compact). Schools, communes, organisations, companies and governments fly flags to symbolically express their support for the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the SDG Flag Day event in Lugano, the two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi and Daniel Dubas, emphasised the key role of cities in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

President Amherd emphasises Switzerland’s commitment to peace and calls for strengthening of multilateralism in New York

24.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
In her speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 24 September, President Viola Amherd focused on peacebuilding and international humanitarian law. She emphasised Switzerland's commitment to strong and effective multilateralism.

Switzerland hosts Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 in Lausanne

16.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 17 and 18 October 2024, the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) will be held at the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne. The aim of the conference, which is being co-organised with Ukraine, is to highlight the critical importance of humanitarian demining as part of the country's social and economic recovery. The conference by Lake Geneva will bring together representatives from governments, international organisations, humanitarian demining and civil society.

President of the Confederation Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to represent Switzerland at opening of the 79th UN General Assembly

13.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 September 2024, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York where they will represent Switzerland during the high-level opening week of the 79th UN General Assembly from 22 to 25 September 2024.

Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam: Switzerland dispatches six experts and allocates 1 million Swiss francs

12.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is offering assistance to Vietnam, the South East Asian country devastated by Typhoon Yagi. Today, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is deploying six specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to Vietnam. The SDC has also made available 1 million Swiss francs to assist the affected population.

Ignazio Cassis meets with officials of Cantons of Ticino and Graubünden in heart of Switzerland

06.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
A trilateral meeting between Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, and the State Councils of Ticino and Graubünden took place today in Schwyz, as part of the regular policy dialogue established with the two Cantons of Italian- and Romansch-speaking Switzerland. Mr Cassis chose a symbolic location, in the heart of Switzerland, for this exchange. Discussions focused on topics of common interest, in particular cross-border relations and the promotion of multilingualism, as well as on the situation in the Mesolcina and Alta Vallemaggia, where the weather caused major damage this summer.

Marianne Jenni appointed new director general of the FDFA's consular directorate

04.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
Bern, 04.09.2024 – At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council appointed Marianne Jenni as the new director general of the FDFA's Consular Directorate (CD). Marianne Jenni, currently serving as the Swiss ambassador to Ecuador, will assume her new post on 1 January 2025. She succeeds David Grichting, who was appointed director general of the FDFA's Directorate for Resources in early June 2024.

Jacques Gerber appointed Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine

04.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
Bern, 04.09.2024 – At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council appointed Jacques Gerber to act as Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine. Mr Gerber, who is currently councillor of state for the canton of Jura, will carry out preparatory work for and manage the Federal Council's consolidated 'Ukraine country programme'. The 51-year-old will take up his new post on 1 January 2025.

Other news (300)

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.

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

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

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.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

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.

FDFA

News

Press releases

Press releases

All news (3653)

Media (3353)

Other news (300)

Links

Information for the media

Contact