Federal Council approves the UN Global Compact for Migration

10.10.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 10 October, the Federal Council decided to approve the United Nations Global Compact for Migration with a clarification. Following a first discussion on 14 September, the Federal Council instructed the Interdepartmental Structure for International Cooperation on Migration to pursue the analysis of the domestic and foreign policy impact of the compact. This analysis has shown that the Global Compact for Migration corresponds with Switzerland’s interests in migration. The Federal Council notes that Switzerland is already implementing the recommendations of the Global Compact for Migration in the various policy areas mentioned and that in the case of some actions an explanation is necessary in order to clarify the political scope. The Global Compact for Migration does not cover refugees, who are protected by the Geneva Refugee Convention.

Switzerland at IMF and World Bank 2018 Annual Meetings in Bali

10.10.2018 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer as Head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bali from 12 to 13 October 2018.

Earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia: Switzerland sends team of humanitarian experts to Sulawesi

01.10.2018 — Press release EDA
Following the earthquake and tsunami that destroyed large parts of the region surrounding the city of Palu on the island of Sulawesi on 28 September 2018, on Monday evening a Swiss Humanitarian Aid advance team was dispatched to Indonesia to determine the most urgent needs. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which is part of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, had offered its assistance to the Indonesian government on Saturday.

Federal Council to continue negotiations with EU under current mandate

28.09.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 28 September 2018, the Federal Council – the executive branch of the Swiss government – conducted a fresh review of Switzerland's European policy strategy and decided to continue negotiations on an institutional agreement with the European Union (EU) as provided for under the current mandate. The Federal Council also wishes to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the social partners and the cantons. The government also adopted the dispatch on Switzerland's second contribution to the enlarged EU and a related dispatch on the revision of the Asylum Act.

Switzerland's engagement in the Human Rights Council

27.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The 39th session of the Human Rights Council concludes on in Geneva on Friday 28 September. At a time when human rights are under pressure around the world, Switzerland's efforts to ensure that human rights are respected, protected and implemented is all the more essential.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the UN General Assembly in New York

26.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The multilateral system protects countries which are not military powers, like Switzerland, said Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on Wednesday at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also drew a positive assessment of his first participation in the General Assembly: "This first visit gave me a better sense of how multilateralism works and its need for reform."

Schweiz – EU: Gespräche über die Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren

18.09.2018 — Press release EDA
Am 17. September 2018 hat in Brüssel ein ausserordentliches Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses des Freihandelsabkommens zwischen der Schweiz und der EU von 1972 stattgefunden. Thematisiert wurden die Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren, welche auch die Schweiz betreffen.

Switzerland sets priorities for 73rd United Nations General Assembly

14.09.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 14 September, the Federal Council set its priorities for the 73rd UN General Assembly. They focus on two key strategic areas: peace and security, and UN reform. Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will represent Switzerland at the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly.

Conferring of title of ambassador

14.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The following personnel changes will take place in 2018 at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern and at the Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI). The changes will take place as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of decisions made by the Federal Council.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi updates President Berset on progress in the peace process

13.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The president of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, paid a courtesy visit to President Alain Berset on Thursday, 13 September, as a follow-up to his official visit to Switzerland in February. At this latest meeting, President Nyusi updated Mr Berset on the progress made in Mozambique’s peace process, which Switzerland is following closely.

Swiss school system provides impetus for effective development cooperation

12.09.2018 — Press release EDA
A solid school education is the basis for economic success and social cohesion, and thus is key to the development of a country. For that reason, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims to capitalise to a greater extent on the strengths of the Swiss school system in its partner countries. A study commissioned by the SDC is currently examining the characteristics of compulsory education in Switzerland in terms of its added value for international cooperation. On this basis, the SDC intends to enter into new partnerships with Swiss school institutions, and with various cantons and communes. The aim is to strengthen the effectiveness of Switzerland's commitment to education through the promotion of 'Swissness' and the exchange of knowledge.

Ignazio Cassis holds political talks in Bulgaria and visits project to promote vocational training

11.09.2018 — Press release EDA
On an official visit to Sofia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva. Their talks focused on the experiences of the Bulgarian presidency of the EU Council, the status of institutional negotiations between Switzerland and the EU, and bilateral issues. Mr Cassis also visited a vocational training project in Sofia which Switzerland is supporting through its contribution to EU enlargement.

Federal Council approves the UN Global Compact for Migration

10.10.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 10 October, the Federal Council decided to approve the United Nations Global Compact for Migration with a clarification. Following a first discussion on 14 September, the Federal Council instructed the Interdepartmental Structure for International Cooperation on Migration to pursue the analysis of the domestic and foreign policy impact of the compact. This analysis has shown that the Global Compact for Migration corresponds with Switzerland’s interests in migration. The Federal Council notes that Switzerland is already implementing the recommendations of the Global Compact for Migration in the various policy areas mentioned and that in the case of some actions an explanation is necessary in order to clarify the political scope. The Global Compact for Migration does not cover refugees, who are protected by the Geneva Refugee Convention.

Switzerland at IMF and World Bank 2018 Annual Meetings in Bali

10.10.2018 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer as Head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bali from 12 to 13 October 2018.

Earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia: Switzerland sends team of humanitarian experts to Sulawesi

01.10.2018 — Press release EDA
Following the earthquake and tsunami that destroyed large parts of the region surrounding the city of Palu on the island of Sulawesi on 28 September 2018, on Monday evening a Swiss Humanitarian Aid advance team was dispatched to Indonesia to determine the most urgent needs. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which is part of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, had offered its assistance to the Indonesian government on Saturday.

Federal Council to continue negotiations with EU under current mandate

28.09.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 28 September 2018, the Federal Council – the executive branch of the Swiss government – conducted a fresh review of Switzerland's European policy strategy and decided to continue negotiations on an institutional agreement with the European Union (EU) as provided for under the current mandate. The Federal Council also wishes to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the social partners and the cantons. The government also adopted the dispatch on Switzerland's second contribution to the enlarged EU and a related dispatch on the revision of the Asylum Act.

Switzerland's engagement in the Human Rights Council

27.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The 39th session of the Human Rights Council concludes on in Geneva on Friday 28 September. At a time when human rights are under pressure around the world, Switzerland's efforts to ensure that human rights are respected, protected and implemented is all the more essential.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the UN General Assembly in New York

26.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The multilateral system protects countries which are not military powers, like Switzerland, said Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on Wednesday at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also drew a positive assessment of his first participation in the General Assembly: "This first visit gave me a better sense of how multilateralism works and its need for reform."

Schweiz – EU: Gespräche über die Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren

18.09.2018 — Press release EDA
Am 17. September 2018 hat in Brüssel ein ausserordentliches Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses des Freihandelsabkommens zwischen der Schweiz und der EU von 1972 stattgefunden. Thematisiert wurden die Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren, welche auch die Schweiz betreffen.

Switzerland sets priorities for 73rd United Nations General Assembly

14.09.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 14 September, the Federal Council set its priorities for the 73rd UN General Assembly. They focus on two key strategic areas: peace and security, and UN reform. Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will represent Switzerland at the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly.

Conferring of title of ambassador

14.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The following personnel changes will take place in 2018 at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern and at the Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI). The changes will take place as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of decisions made by the Federal Council.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi updates President Berset on progress in the peace process

13.09.2018 — Press release EDA
The president of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, paid a courtesy visit to President Alain Berset on Thursday, 13 September, as a follow-up to his official visit to Switzerland in February. At this latest meeting, President Nyusi updated Mr Berset on the progress made in Mozambique’s peace process, which Switzerland is following closely.

Swiss school system provides impetus for effective development cooperation

12.09.2018 — Press release EDA
A solid school education is the basis for economic success and social cohesion, and thus is key to the development of a country. For that reason, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims to capitalise to a greater extent on the strengths of the Swiss school system in its partner countries. A study commissioned by the SDC is currently examining the characteristics of compulsory education in Switzerland in terms of its added value for international cooperation. On this basis, the SDC intends to enter into new partnerships with Swiss school institutions, and with various cantons and communes. The aim is to strengthen the effectiveness of Switzerland's commitment to education through the promotion of 'Swissness' and the exchange of knowledge.

Ignazio Cassis holds political talks in Bulgaria and visits project to promote vocational training

11.09.2018 — Press release EDA
On an official visit to Sofia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva. Their talks focused on the experiences of the Bulgarian presidency of the EU Council, the status of institutional negotiations between Switzerland and the EU, and bilateral issues. Mr Cassis also visited a vocational training project in Sofia which Switzerland is supporting through its contribution to EU enlargement.

Christine Schraner Burgener appointed UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Myanmar

26.04.2018 — EDA
The FDFA welcomes the UN Secretary-General's decision to appoint Ambassador Christine Schraner Burgener as his special envoy for Myanmar. This is further proof of the excellence of Swiss diplomacy.

Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2018

24.01.2018 — Article EDA
Bern, 24.01.2018 – The Federal Council continues to hold the view that the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is of great importance. Five Federal Council members will be attending the event this year; around 60 bilateral meetings are expected to take place. President Alain Berset will be holding meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Arrangements for further meetings, such as with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are still under discussion, as are details of the meeting with President Trump.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends 2018 New Year’s reception

17.01.2018 — Article EDA

The New Year's reception of President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset takes place in Bern on Wednesday, 17 January 2018.

Internet Governance Forum 2017, Geneva

29.12.2017 — Article EDA

The Internet Governance Forum is a global, multilateral platform for discussing public policy aspects of the internet.

The conference in December 2017 in Geneva was organised by the UN and Switzerland. This year’s theme was "Shape Your Digital Future".

Good neighbours: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Liechtenstein's Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick for bilateral talks

21.12.2017 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has met with Aurelia Frick, the foreign minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein, in Bern. The discussion between the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA and his Liechtenstein counterpart underscored the high quality of bilateral relations between the two states. The meeting covered bilateral topics including current European policy issues and international challenges.

Switzerland and France give go-ahead to implementation of EuroAirport agreement

19.12.2017 — EDA
At their first meeting, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian brought the issue of the tax regime at Basel-Mulhouse (EuroAirport) to a conclusion: the agreement regulating Swiss companies operating at EuroAirport will be applicable from next year. The two foreign ministers' working meeting also focused on other bilateral issues, the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy with regard to the EU.

Restitution of USD 321 million by Switzerland to Nigeria under World Bank oversight: signing of a tripartite agreement

04.12.2017 — EDA
In keeping with its policy of returning illegally acquired assets, Switzerland has reached an agreement with Nigeria and the World Bank on the restitution of approximately USD 321 million to Nigeria's population. The modalities of restitution are set out in an agreement which was signed by the three parties on 4 December in Washington D.C. at the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR).

The translation of Memoirs of Holocaust survivors into French is accomplished

27.11.2017 — Article EDA

On the occasion of the second plenary meeting under Swiss chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on 27^th November 2017, the translation of all the 15 memoirs of Holocaust survivors into French has been completed.

«Mit vereinten Kräften gegen das Leid in der Welt»

19.08.2017 — Article EDA

Beitrag von Bundesrat Didier Burkhalter zum Welttag der Humanitären Hilfe am 19. August 2017.

Swiss school students grapple with the memory of the Holocaust

14.07.2017 — Article EDA

In order to approach the difficult subject of the Holocaust, school teachers from Biel and Geneva asked their students to translate several notebook memoirs written by survivors. We met the students from Biel and Geneva and asked them what they took away from this experience.

Students from the French-speaking part of Switzerland translate Memoirs of Holocaust survivors

26.06.2017 — Article EDA

On the occasion of the first plenary meeting under Swiss chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on 26^th June in Geneva, students from Geneva and Bienne present the outcome of their work. They worked for many months to translate the Memoirs of the Holocaust survivors who live in Switzerland.

Promoting democracy in developing countries: a futile effort?

11.05.2017 — Article DEZA

An event on the topic of ‘Promoting Democracy in Developing Countries: an Exercise in Futility?’ was held at the University of Zurich on 11 May 2017 as part of the FDFA’s Democracy without Borders initiative launched by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. The event, organised together with NCCR Democracy, sparked much interest. A talk by Ambassador Thomas Greminger was followed by a discussion with panellists from the academic community, NGOs and think tanks.