Press releases

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel in Germany for political consultations

01.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, was in Berlin on 1 July 2025 to hold political consultations with his German counterpart, the state secretary of the Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr. Talks focused on current geopolitical developments, bilateral issues and the opening of the consultation procedure in Switzerland on the agreements in the new Swiss-EU package. Mr Fasel also met with the state secretary of Germany's Federal Chancellery, Jörg Semmler.

Switzerland attends 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

30.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will be participating in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. Organised under the auspices of the United Nations, this global event aims to address financing challenges in order to help achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will cover a wide range of issues relating to development policy, environmental, economic and social sustainability, and macroeconomics. The Swiss delegation is being led by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Karin Keller-Sutter to meet Emmanuel Macron in Paris

27.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, is to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday, 1 July. The geopolitical situation and security issues will be at the centre of their discussions. Also on the agenda are bilateral relations between Switzerland and France, European policy and competitiveness.

Security and defence partnership: Federal Council to seek exploratory talks with the EU

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 25 June 2025, the Federal Council decided to enter into exploratory talks with the EU with a view to concluding a security and defence partnership. These partnerships provide the EU with a framework for enhancing cooperation with third countries in this field. A security and defence partnership takes the form of non-legally-binding declaration of intent and can be designed individually. A partnership of this kind is a prerequisite for any joint procurements in the defence sector. It is compatible with neutrality and helps to strengthen Switzerland's defence capabilities.

Switzerland to host a global summit on artificial intelligence in 2027

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 25 June 2025, the Federal Council expressed its intention to host an artificial intelligence (AI) summit in Geneva in 2027.

Earthquake simulation exercise: 12 countries train in Kriens to save lives

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The earthquakes in Myanmar in April 2025 and in Turkey in February 2023 claimed countless lives. Internationally deployable rescue teams provide vital assistance in such emergencies, and regular training is key to ensuring the efficiency of their operations. To that end Switzerland is conducting the international earthquake simulation exercise ‘SIMEX25’ in Kriens (canton of Lucerne) from 23 to 27 June. Rescue teams from 12 countries are taking part.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations in France

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel was in Paris on 25 June 2025 for political consultations. In addition to bilateral topics and cross-border issues, the talks at France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs centred on current geopolitical developments and the opening of the consultation procedure in Switzerland on the agreements in the new Swiss–EU package to stabilise and develop relations.

Switzerland and EU regulate cooperation during ratification phase of package

24.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 24 June 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will sign a joint declaration in Brussels. It sets out arrangements for cooperation between Switzerland and the EU from the end of 2024 until the entry into force of the Swiss–EU package. At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements, protocols and statements for the new package to stabilise and further develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process.

Federal Council adopts new Asia G20 Strategy

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Asia G20 Strategy, which reflects Switzerland's wide-ranging interests in the five Asian G20 member states: China, India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. The Asia G20 Strategy defines objectives and measures for the 2025–28 period, building on the South East Asia Strategy 2023–26 and China Strategy 2021–24.

New Swiss ambassadors

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.

The Federal Council is investing a quarter of a billion Swiss francs to strengthen International Geneva

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council allocated CHF 269 million to International Geneva. It approved an urgent package of measures and a new dispatch on Switzerland as a host state for the period 2026–29. It is thus reaffirming the central role of International Geneva in Swiss foreign policy and its unique place in global governance. The measures are a response to the financial difficulties faced by international organisations and the increasing competition between states to host them. For comparison, the FDFA's contribution to International Geneva over the last four years amounted to almost CHF 2 billion.

FDFA temporarily closing embassy in Iran

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. All expatriate staff have now left Iran and are safe. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. Switzerland is continuing to fulfil its protecting power mandate for the US in Iran through its good offices in agreement with both countries. Switzerland calls for an urgent return to dialogue with a view to de-escalation.

China: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Foreign Minister Wang Yi and hails 75 years of bilateral relations

25.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
The head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, visited the People's Republic of China on 24 and 25 April 2025. His visit marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Switzerland established official relations with China in 1950, making it one of the first European countries to do so. In addition to an official meeting with China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, Mr Cassis' visit focused on efforts to modernise the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries in order to improve market access for Swiss companies.

Uzbekistan: inauguration of the first maternity units modernised thanks to Karimova assets returned by Switzerland

24.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
Uzbekistan's first modernised maternity units were officially inaugurated today. The units were updated through a project funded by assets belonging to Gulnara Karimova, which had been definitively confiscated in Switzerland and restituted to the population of Uzbekistan. The aim of the USD 43.5 million project, implemented by the UN, is to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by strengthening the capacity of healthcare facilities and improving the monitoring and care of mothers-to-be, young mothers, and babies.

Innovation and trade at heart of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's official visit to Japan

23.04.2025 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

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

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.

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.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.