Press releases

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.

'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.

Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva: Switzerland calls for joint efforts by all actors to achieve goals of 2030 Agenda

03.04.2025 — 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 — 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.

Earthquake in Myanmar: FDFA releases CHF 2.5 million and steps up its support

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
The number of dead and injured continues to rise following the earthquake in Myanmar. The disaster has worsened an already precarious humanitarian situation, exacerbated by an armed conflict that has lasted several years. To meet these new needs, Switzerland is releasing CHF 2.5 million and is making specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) available to UN agencies.

Working meeting between Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Bern on Tuesday. This is the first visit to Switzerland by Austria's new minister for European and international affairs. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, European policy and security, and current international affairs.

Humanitarian office in Kabul opens

31.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is once again represented in Afghanistan. A team of experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) has opened a Swiss humanitarian office in Kabul. This local presence will facilitate targeted support for the Afghan population in need. The humanitarian office is using the premises of the former Swiss cooperation office that was closed after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

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.

'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.

Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva: Switzerland calls for joint efforts by all actors to achieve goals of 2030 Agenda

03.04.2025 — 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 — 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.

Earthquake in Myanmar: FDFA releases CHF 2.5 million and steps up its support

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
The number of dead and injured continues to rise following the earthquake in Myanmar. The disaster has worsened an already precarious humanitarian situation, exacerbated by an armed conflict that has lasted several years. To meet these new needs, Switzerland is releasing CHF 2.5 million and is making specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) available to UN agencies.

Working meeting between Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Bern on Tuesday. This is the first visit to Switzerland by Austria's new minister for European and international affairs. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, European policy and security, and current international affairs.

Humanitarian office in Kabul opens

31.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is once again represented in Afghanistan. A team of experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) has opened a Swiss humanitarian office in Kabul. This local presence will facilitate targeted support for the Afghan population in need. The humanitarian office is using the premises of the former Swiss cooperation office that was closed after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

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.