Federal Council strengthens Switzerland's position as host state and in addressing emerging issues

20.02.2019 — Press release EDA
On 20 February 2019, the Federal Council adopted a new dispatch to strengthen Switzerland's position as a host state during the 2020–23 period. The dispatch aims to consolidate and ensure the long-term development of Switzerland's role as host state. To achieve this goal, the Federal Council took the further step of approving the creation, together with the Canton and City of Geneva, of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GSDA) foundation. To enable the GSDA to pursue its objectives from the outset, the Federal Council also appointed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe and Patrick Aebischer to serve as the foundation's president and vice-president, respectively.

Switzerland provides additional 10 million francs for Rohingya refugees

15.02.2019 — Press release EDA
In 2019, Switzerland will provide CHF 10 million and deploy experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to help tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. The humanitarian crisis in eastern Bangladesh, a region that has taken in large numbers refugees, remains acute. The international Joint Response Plan seeks to raise USD 920 million to meet basic needs.

Quotas for UK citizens in the event of a disorderly withdrawal from the EU

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council aims to safeguard its close bilateral relations with the United Kingdom after Brexit. At its meeting on 13 February, it decided on arrangements for the admission of British citizens in the event of the United Kingdom’s disorderly withdrawal from the European Union. A separate quota of permits will be made available for British citizens who wish to come to Switzerland to work after 30 March 2019. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will draft amendments to the Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment (ASEO) by the end of March.

Switzerland working to prevent violence in Nigeria's upcoming presidential elections

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
By signing the Abuja Peace Agreement, the main candidates have today renewed their commitment to conducting peaceful presidential elections and promoting post-election peace. Switzerland commends all the signatories and calls on them to abide by the agreement. At the request of Nigerian stakeholders, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has contributed technical expertise and financial support to efforts to prevent election-related violence, working in cooperation with local and international partners such as the Kofi Annan Foundation.

Switzerland maintains commitment to the promotion and observance of human rights in Afghanistan

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Cooperation between Switzerland and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has been reaffirmed for a further five years. The agreement was signed today in Kabul by Thomas Gass, Assistant Director-General of the SDC, and the commission’s chairperson Sima Samar.

Federal Council delegation receives Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the Lohn country residence

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
On Wednesday, 13 February, a delegation of the Federal Council headed by President Ueli Maurer, received the Dutch Prime Minister, Mr Mark Rutte, at the Lohn country residence. In addition to bilateral issues, the discussions also covered looming European and international challenges.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis satisfied with Washington visit

08.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Following his meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Washington on Thursday, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) noted that his discussions there confirmed Switzerland's status as a valued partner of the United States. Bilateral relations, international political affairs and multilateral politics were the focus of his meetings with Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton as well as with several US senators.

First meeting of the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

07.02.2019 — Press release EDA
First meeting of the Joint Committee took place in Geneva and was chaired by Switzerland.

Switzerland’s Good Offices: All Conditions for Implementation of Russian-Georgian Customs Agreement are in Place

05.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Under the aegis of Switzerland’s good offices, the negotiations have been concluded and the conditions to implement the customs agreement signed by Georgia and Russia in 2011 are in place. Switzerland will continue to play an active role in this new phase, by chairing a Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the agreement. On 6 February 2019, a first meeting of the Joint Committee will take place in Geneva, gathering Georgian, Russian and Swiss representatives.

FDFA Head Ignazio Cassis to meet US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Washington

05.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will meet US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton this week in Washington. The meetings will be an opportunity to discuss current international political issues, such as the recent developments in Venezuela.

SDC priorities and Swiss involvement in water management take centre stage at annual press conference

05.02.2019 — Press release EDA
At the annual press conference of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Director General Manuel Sager presented the agency's priorities for 2019 and the main objectives of the next dispatch on international cooperation (2021–24). Experts took stock of Switzerland's activities in the field of water, a vital resource for humanity.

Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren: Auswirkungen auf die Schweiz

01.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Die EU hat am 31. Januar 2019 definitive Schutzmassnahmen in Form von Zollkontingenten auf die Einfuhren von Stahlerzeugnissen aus Drittstaaten erlassen. Auch Stahleinfuhren aus der Schweiz in die EU sind von den Massnahmen betroffen.

Federal Council strengthens Switzerland's position as host state and in addressing emerging issues

20.02.2019 — Press release EDA
On 20 February 2019, the Federal Council adopted a new dispatch to strengthen Switzerland's position as a host state during the 2020–23 period. The dispatch aims to consolidate and ensure the long-term development of Switzerland's role as host state. To achieve this goal, the Federal Council took the further step of approving the creation, together with the Canton and City of Geneva, of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GSDA) foundation. To enable the GSDA to pursue its objectives from the outset, the Federal Council also appointed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe and Patrick Aebischer to serve as the foundation's president and vice-president, respectively.

Switzerland provides additional 10 million francs for Rohingya refugees

15.02.2019 — Press release EDA
In 2019, Switzerland will provide CHF 10 million and deploy experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to help tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. The humanitarian crisis in eastern Bangladesh, a region that has taken in large numbers refugees, remains acute. The international Joint Response Plan seeks to raise USD 920 million to meet basic needs.

Quotas for UK citizens in the event of a disorderly withdrawal from the EU

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council aims to safeguard its close bilateral relations with the United Kingdom after Brexit. At its meeting on 13 February, it decided on arrangements for the admission of British citizens in the event of the United Kingdom’s disorderly withdrawal from the European Union. A separate quota of permits will be made available for British citizens who wish to come to Switzerland to work after 30 March 2019. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will draft amendments to the Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment (ASEO) by the end of March.

Switzerland working to prevent violence in Nigeria's upcoming presidential elections

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
By signing the Abuja Peace Agreement, the main candidates have today renewed their commitment to conducting peaceful presidential elections and promoting post-election peace. Switzerland commends all the signatories and calls on them to abide by the agreement. At the request of Nigerian stakeholders, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has contributed technical expertise and financial support to efforts to prevent election-related violence, working in cooperation with local and international partners such as the Kofi Annan Foundation.

Switzerland maintains commitment to the promotion and observance of human rights in Afghanistan

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Cooperation between Switzerland and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has been reaffirmed for a further five years. The agreement was signed today in Kabul by Thomas Gass, Assistant Director-General of the SDC, and the commission’s chairperson Sima Samar.

Federal Council delegation receives Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the Lohn country residence

13.02.2019 — Press release EDA
On Wednesday, 13 February, a delegation of the Federal Council headed by President Ueli Maurer, received the Dutch Prime Minister, Mr Mark Rutte, at the Lohn country residence. In addition to bilateral issues, the discussions also covered looming European and international challenges.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis satisfied with Washington visit

08.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Following his meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Washington on Thursday, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) noted that his discussions there confirmed Switzerland's status as a valued partner of the United States. Bilateral relations, international political affairs and multilateral politics were the focus of his meetings with Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton as well as with several US senators.

First meeting of the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

07.02.2019 — Press release EDA
First meeting of the Joint Committee took place in Geneva and was chaired by Switzerland.

Switzerland’s Good Offices: All Conditions for Implementation of Russian-Georgian Customs Agreement are in Place

05.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Under the aegis of Switzerland’s good offices, the negotiations have been concluded and the conditions to implement the customs agreement signed by Georgia and Russia in 2011 are in place. Switzerland will continue to play an active role in this new phase, by chairing a Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the agreement. On 6 February 2019, a first meeting of the Joint Committee will take place in Geneva, gathering Georgian, Russian and Swiss representatives.

FDFA Head Ignazio Cassis to meet US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Washington

05.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will meet US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton this week in Washington. The meetings will be an opportunity to discuss current international political issues, such as the recent developments in Venezuela.

SDC priorities and Swiss involvement in water management take centre stage at annual press conference

05.02.2019 — Press release EDA
At the annual press conference of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Director General Manuel Sager presented the agency's priorities for 2019 and the main objectives of the next dispatch on international cooperation (2021–24). Experts took stock of Switzerland's activities in the field of water, a vital resource for humanity.

Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren: Auswirkungen auf die Schweiz

01.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Die EU hat am 31. Januar 2019 definitive Schutzmassnahmen in Form von Zollkontingenten auf die Einfuhren von Stahlerzeugnissen aus Drittstaaten erlassen. Auch Stahleinfuhren aus der Schweiz in die EU sind von den Massnahmen betroffen.

FDFA regrets the suspension of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty

01.02.2019 — EDA
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is an important international arms control instrument and has contributed significantly to European security since its adoption in 1987. The FDFA regrets that the parties to the treaty did not manage to agree on a solution which would have prevented the suspension of the treaty.

'Together we're better': SDC and SECO sponsor initiatives run by committed young people

18.01.2019 — EDA
Working with young men and women on overcoming global challenges: the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have launched the 'Together we're better' competition, sponsoring initiatives run by young people. The SDC and SECO are looking for innovative projects run by young people in the 16–35 age group which aim to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged communities in developing countries. Prizes will be awarded to the winning projects at the 2019 Annual Development Cooperation Conference to be held in Fribourg on 21 June 2019.

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.