Donald Trump, Roger Federer and ‘double eagle’ dominate Switzerland's image abroad in 2018

18.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Foreign press and social media coverage of Switzerland covered a wide variety of topics, many of which were conducive to the country's image. In terms of sheer volume, global perception of Switzerland was predominantly shaped by the World Economic Forum in Davos and Donald Trump's visit to the event. Switzerland's sporting performances were also keenly followed abroad. Other areas that were covered in detail included Switzerland's handling of migration and integration, its policy on Europe, and occasional tensions with Russia and Spain.

The Federal Council approves a report on Switzerland's good offices

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Switzerland's good offices are a long-standing tradition and one of its key foreign policy instruments. On 14 December 2018, the Federal Council adopted a report on Switzerland's good offices. This report has been published in response to a postulate requesting an overview of Switzerland's good offices.

Report on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: state of implementation by the Confederation and Swiss companies (de)

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 14 December 2018, the Federal Council took note of the report of the FDFA and the EAER on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: state of play of the implementation by the Confederation and Swiss companies.

New Swiss ambassadors

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
A number of staff changes have been announced for 2019 for several Swiss representations abroad, the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). The changes will take place as part of the periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council on 14 December 2018. The appointments of heads of mission abroad become effective following approval by the respective host states.

Federal Council lays the foundation for future economic and trade relations with the United Kingdom

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 14 December the Federal Council approved the text of a trade agreement with the UK aiming to maintain existing economic and trade relations with the country after its departure from the European Union. The conclusion of this agreement forms part of the Federal Council’s ‘Mind the Gap’ strategy.

Federal Council to submit Global Compact for Migration to Parliament

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
On 14 December 2018, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to prepare, by the end of 2019, a simple federal decree enabling Parliament to decide whether or not Switzerland should sign the UN's Global Compact for Migration. This decision follows the Federal Assembly's wish expressed during the December session to be able to discuss this issue.

UN consultations on Yemen in Stockholm: first step towards peace

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Switzerland welcomes the UN-brokered agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, and continues to support the work of the UN special envoy, Martin Griffiths.

Tania Dussey-Cavassini new head of FDFA Directorate for Resources

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council appointed Tania Dussey-Cavassini as the new head of the Directorate for Resources of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in its meeting on 14 December 2018. This was based on her nomination by the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. Ms Dussey-Cavassini is currently head of Forestay River Consulting Ltd., which advises companies and institutions in corporate strategy, resource management and communication. She will take up her new post on 1 July 2019 following her predecessor, Jacques Pitteloud, who has been appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United States of America by the Federal Council.

Bundesrat hat Departementsverteilung vorgenommen

10.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Der Bundesrat hat am 10. Dezember 2018, in seiner neuen Zusammensetzung, die Verteilung der sieben Departemente vorgenommen und die Stellvertretungen geregelt.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on framework credit for the three Geneva Centres from 2020 to 2023

07.12.2018 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council intends to continue its financial support for the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). At its meeting on 7 December 2018, it has submitted the relevant dispatch to Parliament. The framework credit for the 2020–2023 period has been set at CHF 128 million.

European policy – Federal Council decides to launch consultations on the draft institutional agreement

07.12.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 7 December 2018, the Federal Council took note of the current outcome of the negotiations on the draft institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union. It also takes note of the fact that the EU considers the negotiations to have been concluded. The Federal Council considers the current outcome of the negotiations to be largely in Switzerland's interests and in line with the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has however decided not to initial the institutional agreement for the time being, in particular in view of outstanding issues relating to the accompanying measures and the Citizens' Rights Directive. It will launch consultations on the draft agreement. The goal of these consultations will be to reach a consolidated position in order to seek further dialogue with the EU if necessary. The Federal Council will consider the status of these consultations in spring 2019.

Global compact receives go-ahead from Federal Council

07.12.2018 — Press release EDA
In its meeting on 7 December, the Federal Council reviewed the global compact on refugees, which is expected to be endorsed by the UN General Assembly in conjunction with its annual resolution on the work of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Federal Council has tasked the FDFA to instruct Switzerland's permanent mission in New York to vote in favour of this resolution and to inform the competent parliamentary committees of its decision.

Donald Trump, Roger Federer and ‘double eagle’ dominate Switzerland's image abroad in 2018

18.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Foreign press and social media coverage of Switzerland covered a wide variety of topics, many of which were conducive to the country's image. In terms of sheer volume, global perception of Switzerland was predominantly shaped by the World Economic Forum in Davos and Donald Trump's visit to the event. Switzerland's sporting performances were also keenly followed abroad. Other areas that were covered in detail included Switzerland's handling of migration and integration, its policy on Europe, and occasional tensions with Russia and Spain.

The Federal Council approves a report on Switzerland's good offices

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Switzerland's good offices are a long-standing tradition and one of its key foreign policy instruments. On 14 December 2018, the Federal Council adopted a report on Switzerland's good offices. This report has been published in response to a postulate requesting an overview of Switzerland's good offices.

Report on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: state of implementation by the Confederation and Swiss companies (de)

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 14 December 2018, the Federal Council took note of the report of the FDFA and the EAER on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: state of play of the implementation by the Confederation and Swiss companies.

New Swiss ambassadors

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
A number of staff changes have been announced for 2019 for several Swiss representations abroad, the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). The changes will take place as part of the periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council on 14 December 2018. The appointments of heads of mission abroad become effective following approval by the respective host states.

Federal Council lays the foundation for future economic and trade relations with the United Kingdom

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 14 December the Federal Council approved the text of a trade agreement with the UK aiming to maintain existing economic and trade relations with the country after its departure from the European Union. The conclusion of this agreement forms part of the Federal Council’s ‘Mind the Gap’ strategy.

Federal Council to submit Global Compact for Migration to Parliament

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
On 14 December 2018, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to prepare, by the end of 2019, a simple federal decree enabling Parliament to decide whether or not Switzerland should sign the UN's Global Compact for Migration. This decision follows the Federal Assembly's wish expressed during the December session to be able to discuss this issue.

UN consultations on Yemen in Stockholm: first step towards peace

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Switzerland welcomes the UN-brokered agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, and continues to support the work of the UN special envoy, Martin Griffiths.

Tania Dussey-Cavassini new head of FDFA Directorate for Resources

14.12.2018 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council appointed Tania Dussey-Cavassini as the new head of the Directorate for Resources of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in its meeting on 14 December 2018. This was based on her nomination by the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. Ms Dussey-Cavassini is currently head of Forestay River Consulting Ltd., which advises companies and institutions in corporate strategy, resource management and communication. She will take up her new post on 1 July 2019 following her predecessor, Jacques Pitteloud, who has been appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United States of America by the Federal Council.

Bundesrat hat Departementsverteilung vorgenommen

10.12.2018 — Press release EDA
Der Bundesrat hat am 10. Dezember 2018, in seiner neuen Zusammensetzung, die Verteilung der sieben Departemente vorgenommen und die Stellvertretungen geregelt.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on framework credit for the three Geneva Centres from 2020 to 2023

07.12.2018 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council intends to continue its financial support for the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). At its meeting on 7 December 2018, it has submitted the relevant dispatch to Parliament. The framework credit for the 2020–2023 period has been set at CHF 128 million.

European policy – Federal Council decides to launch consultations on the draft institutional agreement

07.12.2018 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 7 December 2018, the Federal Council took note of the current outcome of the negotiations on the draft institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union. It also takes note of the fact that the EU considers the negotiations to have been concluded. The Federal Council considers the current outcome of the negotiations to be largely in Switzerland's interests and in line with the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has however decided not to initial the institutional agreement for the time being, in particular in view of outstanding issues relating to the accompanying measures and the Citizens' Rights Directive. It will launch consultations on the draft agreement. The goal of these consultations will be to reach a consolidated position in order to seek further dialogue with the EU if necessary. The Federal Council will consider the status of these consultations in spring 2019.

Global compact receives go-ahead from Federal Council

07.12.2018 — Press release EDA
In its meeting on 7 December, the Federal Council reviewed the global compact on refugees, which is expected to be endorsed by the UN General Assembly in conjunction with its annual resolution on the work of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Federal Council has tasked the FDFA to instruct Switzerland's permanent mission in New York to vote in favour of this resolution and to inform the competent parliamentary committees of its decision.

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.