Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
17.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.
15.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2024, the Federal Council took note of the eighth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Act requires companies intending to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland to declare the services to the competent authority in advance. In 2023, the FDFA received 95 declarations from companies. No activities were prohibited.
13.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.
08.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to make a contribution of CHF 10 million to the humanitarian aid appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024. In its overall assessment, the Federal Council drew on the analysis of the Colonna report and coordination with other donors. The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation.
30.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has received the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, in Solothurn. Political and economic relations and collaboration in the fields of sustainability, science and multilateral forums were at the heart of the discussions. The Brazilian minister's Swiss origins were also discussed.
27.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On Sunday 28 April, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Saudi Arabia for a World Economic Forum special meeting. In his capacity as head of the FDFA, Mr Cassis was invited by his Saudi counterpart to attend the two-day event which aims to bridge the growing North-South divide by promoting global collaboration.
25.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 24 April 2024, the UN General Assembly approved funding for an independent institution to investigate cases of missing persons in Syria, to be based in Geneva. As part of its peace policy, Switzerland is firmly committed to clarifying the fate of detained and missing persons. In doing so, it is making a significant contribution to dealing with the past, which is central to peace processes – including in Syria. Switzerland therefore welcomes the international community's decision for the institution to begin its work in International Geneva in 2024.
25.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The r4d programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) came to a close today at a public event in Bern. The two institutions also took the opportunity to launch a new programme called Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D). The two programmes involve the implementation of projects in the fields of health, food security, social conflicts, ecosystems, employment and income in developing countries.
24.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 24 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to proceed with the planned use of CHF 56 million of humanitarian funding earmarked for the Middle East. The FDFA has been instructed to consult with the foreign affairs committees on this matter. A decision on the disbursement of the Swiss contribution to UNRWA will be made at a later date.
23.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern today. Their discussions focused on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Switzerland's European policy, current international affairs and the security situation. Both ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting global peace.
18.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.
18.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 17–18 April, representatives from more than 50 countries and organisations gathered at an international workshop in Kyiv to discuss measures for identifying and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. Good coordination of national activities and international support is crucial to ensure that this work can progress swiftly and effectively. The workshop was co-organised by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Switzerland, whose delegation at the conference was led by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, has a long history of supporting humanitarian demining through the GICHD and other organisations. Clearing the country of mines is a key prerequisite for Ukraine's recovery.
01.09.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Wildfires continue to rage across Greece. In response to requests for help from the Greek authorities, Switzerland is dispatching three army helicopters and personnel to reinforce fire-fighting operations on the ground.
01.09.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Lors des entretiens de Watteville du vendredi 1er septembre 2023, les dirigeants des partis gouvernementaux se sont réunis avec les membres du Conseil fédéral, comme il est d’usage une fois par an. Ils ont principalement parlé des perspectives économiques et des défis en matière de politique étrangère dans le contexte de la guerre en Ukraine.
30.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
In May 2023, the Council of Europe established the Register of Damage, a database containing evidence and information on damage caused to Ukraine by the Russian Federation. At its meeting on 30 August 2023, the Federal Council decided that Switzerland will join this Register of Damage. This membership underscores Switzerland's support for those affected by the war and for the political process of rebuilding Ukraine, which Switzerland initiated in conjunction with the Ukrainian government at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2022 in Lugano.
30.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 30 August 2023, the Federal Council responded to an urgent request for financial support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In order to stabilise the ICRC's finances, the Federal Council proposes to make a one-off contribution of CHF 50 million and to facilitate the repayment of its COVID-19 loan. In return, the Confederation expects the ICRC to take measures to ensure that it achieves and maintains financial equilibrium.
28.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
During a visit to Slovenia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today signed an agreement on the implementation of Switzerland's second contribution in Ljubljana. The agreement provides for the financing of projects aimed at improving Slovenia's energy efficiency and developing its renewable energy resources. Mr Cassis also attended the Bled Strategic Forum, where he took part in a panel discussion on the future of multilateralism.
21.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
This year's Ambassadors and International Network Conference is taking place from 21 to 24 August 2023 in Bern. The unique forum allows diplomats from Switzerland's entire external network to discuss and help shape foreign policy documents and projects. This year's edition will focus on the 2024–27 foreign policy strategy.
16.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 16 August 2023, the Federal Council approved a report on Switzerland's international cooperation efforts to combat zoonoses. Diseases transmitted from animals to humans, such as COVID-19, account for 60% of human infectious diseases. The report was drawn up in response to a postulate from the National Council's Foreign Policy Committee. It demonstrates the importance of a holistic approach to zoonoses, as well as a concerted international response. The report also shows how Swiss international cooperation is well placed to meet these challenges.
12.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has taken part in this year's G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) ministerial meeting at the invitation of the Indian G20 presidency for 2023. The meeting, which took place on 12 August 2023, has allowed Switzerland to contribute to the development of international guidance and share its experience on anti-corruption.
09.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited Australia and New Zealand from 6 to 9 August. The official talks focused on bilateral relations, the geopolitical situation in the Pacific region and climate change. In New Zealand, the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Switzerland was celebrated and a Memorandum of Understanding to establish diplomatic relations with Niue was signed.
04.08.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
During his official visit to Indonesia and Singapore, Mr Cassis took part in a number of high-level talks focusing on the priorities of the Federal Council's South East Asia Strategy to deepen ties with this important economic region. On 5 August, Mr Cassis will travel on to Australia and New Zealand.
28.07.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from 1 to 9 August 2023. The visits to Indonesia and Singapore will centre on the implementation of the Federal Council's South East Asia Strategy. In Australia and New Zealand, the focus will be on global challenges and strengthening bilateral relations. Mr Cassis will also use the trip to meet local Swiss communities in the four countries to mark 1 August celebrations.
21.07.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
The 9th edition of the Francophone Games is taking place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), from 28 July to 6 August 2023. Switzerland is sending a sporting and cultural delegation to the competition, which brings together some 3,000 participants from 40 different countries.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.