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Strategy for communication abroad: trust, innovation and Europe/G20 as priorities for 2025–28

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 6 December 2024, the Federal Council approved the Strategy for Communication Abroad 2025–28. The strategy outlines the thematic and geographical priorities for the coming years, with a focus on trust, innovation, and Europe and the G20 states. The objective is to strengthen Switzerland's image abroad, thereby helping the country safeguard its interests in the most effective way possible.

UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Humanitarian aid often takes place in contexts affected by UN sanctions. On 6 December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting out humanitarian exemptions for all UN financial sanctions. The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and on humanitarian work. It protects the civilian population – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's membership of the Council in 2023–24. Switzerland, together with the United States, put the resolution to the vote in the Security Council.

Strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation: Ignazio Cassis makes official visit to Rome

29.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
During his two-day visit to Rome, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opened the 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy, together with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The two officials praised this platform, which was designed to further enhance bilateral relations. In Rome, the head of the FDFA also participated in the international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Various other bilateral meetings with UN agencies were also on the agenda.

Dispatch on the Neutrality Initiative: Federal Council recommends rejection without counterproposal

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 27 November 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative 'Safeguarding Swiss neutrality' (Neutrality Initiative). It recommends that the Federal Assembly reject the initiative without a counterproposal. The Federal Council is of the opinion that enshrining a rigid understanding of neutrality in the Federal Constitution is not in Switzerland's interests and would restrict its room for manoeuvre in foreign policy terms.

Ignazio Cassis holds meeting with Maroš Šefčovič on 27 November 2024 in Bern

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, has met with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission's vice-president for interinstitutional relations and foresight. The exchange, which was held on 27 November in Bern, allowed the two politicians to take stock of the Swiss-EU negotiations and discuss the next steps, with the shared objective of concluding negotiations ideally by the end of the year.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy in Rome

26.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will travel to Rome on 28 and 29 November to open the Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy together with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. On the margins of the forum, Mr Cassis will participate in an international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant'Egidio.

Presentation of credentials

26.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel receives South Africa's deputy minister of foreign affairs Alvin Botes for political consultations

25.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, met today in Bern with South Africa's deputy minister of foreign affairs responsible for cooperation and international relations, Alvin Botes, for high-level political consultations. The discussions covered foreign policy issues and cooperation between Switzerland and South Africa in the areas of the economy, human rights, research and innovation.

Ignazio Cassis receives Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár in Bern

19.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, received Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár in Bern on 19 November. Bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and the geopolitical situation, in particular the war in Ukraine, were key topics of discussion. Both delegations stressed the need for sound cooperation within multilateral bodies to promote peace and security in Europe.

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel travels to London for strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the UK

19.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, the state secretary of the FDFA, Alexandre Fasel, travelled to London for the annual round of talks as part of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the UK. This year's discussions centred on bilateral issues, including the ongoing revision of the bilateral free trade agreement, and the current geopolitical context with its associated challenges.

Briefing on maintaining peace and security in Ukraine (FR)

18.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA – Check against delivery

Climate crisis in developing countries: Switzerland supports disadvantaged population groups

15.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Floods and droughts are on the increase worldwide. They impact the poorest population groups in developing countries particularly hard. To bolster their resilience and assist them in adapting to climate change, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ignazio Cassis, decided to contribute CHF 15 million to the Paris Agreement's Adaptation Fund (AF).

Media (3392)

Strategy for communication abroad: trust, innovation and Europe/G20 as priorities for 2025–28

UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions

Strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation: Ignazio Cassis makes official visit to Rome

Dispatch on the Neutrality Initiative: Federal Council recommends rejection without counterproposal

Ignazio Cassis holds meeting with Maroš Šefčovič on 27 November 2024 in Bern

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy in Rome

Presentation of credentials

26.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel receives South Africa's deputy minister of foreign affairs Alvin Botes for political consultations

Ignazio Cassis receives Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár in Bern

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel travels to London for strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the UK

Briefing on maintaining peace and security in Ukraine (FR)

18.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA – Check against delivery

Climate crisis in developing countries: Switzerland supports disadvantaged population groups

Other news (300)

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.

National human rights institution to be established in Switzerland

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council approved the proposal to establish a national human rights institution (NHRI). The Federal Council has thereby strengthened its constitutionally enshrined commitment to human rights. With the model of a public corporation, it takes into account the results of the consultation procedure. The NHRI will be independent, include members from across society and receive an annual financial support from the Confederation.

Humanitarian aid responds to digital and climate challenges – 33rd Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent comes to a close

12.12.2019 — EDA
The 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent ended today in Geneva. The conference adopted six resolutions that will enable the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to improve its actions and adapt them to the needs of vulnerable groups, in a world where the demand for humanitarian aid has never been so high. The topic of digitalisation was on the agenda for discussion, for example in restoring family links broken by crisis situations. The conference was opened by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on Monday 9 December.

Ignazio Cassis calls for international humanitarian law to be strengthened at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

09.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis called for international humanitarian law to be strengthened in his opening speech at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent taking place in Geneva from 9 to 12 December. Mr Cassis praised the vital work of the 17 million volunteers who make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Swiss initiative: intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars is now a war crime

06.12.2019 — EDA
Following a Swiss initiative, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will from now on be able to prosecute the intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars as a war crime. The ICC Assembly of States Parties took a unanimous decision to this effect earlier today. It strengthens the protection of victims of war.

Swiss diplomat Heidi Grau named OSCE Special Representative for Ukraine

05.12.2019 — EDA
In a triumph for Swiss diplomacy, the 26th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has opened with the Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák, appointing Ambassador Heidi Grau as Special Representative for Ukraine. A renowned Swiss expert on Eastern Europe, Ambassador Grau thus assumes a key role in working towards an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomes the news of her appointment and considers this a testament to the reputation Swiss diplomacy enjoys within and beyond the OSCE.

Cooperation with the UN Security Council in the fight against terrorism: Switzerland's pioneering role

05.12.2019 — EDA
Switzerland and the United Nations cooperate closely in the fight against terrorism. On Thursday in New York, Switzerland presented to the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) the latest developments in its anti-terrorism measures following last year's visit by UN experts.

Walter Kälin appointed to UN High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement

04.12.2019 — EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes UN Secretary-General António Guterres' decision to appoint Swiss law professor Walter Kälin as one of the experts of the UN's newly established High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, which is tasked with finding solutions to internal displacement and alleviating its impact.

An exhibition to further understanding the importance of humanitarian principles

04.12.2019 — EDA
Humanitarian action is centred on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Together with the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting an exhibition and forum for debate on humanitarian action and its founding principles. The art installation will run until March 2020 at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva.

Incident at the Swiss embassy in Sri Lanka: State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl summons Sri Lankan ambassador to the FDFA

02.12.2019 — EDA
Following several demarches from the FDFA over the incident concerning an employee of the Swiss embassy in Colombo, State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl has received the Sri Lankan ambassador to Switzerland based in Berlin, Karunasena Hettiarachchi, in Bern. Ms Baeriswyl confirmed at the meeting that Switzerland supports measures to investigate and settle this matter by due process of law. However, the employee concerned still cannot be questioned on health grounds.

Adaptation of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics with the European Union

02.12.2019 — EDA
During its 5th meeting held at Luxembourg on 2 December 2019, the Swiss-EU statistics committee adopted a decision concerning the revision of Annex A of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics. This revision, which results from a decision of the Federal Council from 22 May 2019, thus makes it possible to continue the good statistical collaboration between Switzerland and the EU. The new Annex A comes into force with immediate effect.

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