News

All news (725)

Agreement with the United Kingdom on mutual recognition of conformity assessments

17.11.2022 — Press releases Europa
On 17 November, Switzerland and the United Kingdom signed an agreement on the mutual recognition of conformity assessments. This means that in certain sectors, product testing by a UK conformity assessment body is no longer required for exports from Switzerland to the UK. The agreement will be provisionally applied from 1 January 2023 and will enter into force no later than 28 February 2023. It was approved by the Federal Council on 16 November.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama pays a working visit to Austria

16.11.2022 — Press releases Europa
State Secretary Martina Hirayama held talks with Martin Polaschek, the Austrian minister of education, science and research, on 16 November. She also discussed innovation with Henriette Spyra, a directorate general head at the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology.

Free movement of persons: Federal Council invokes the safeguard clause for Croatia

16.11.2022 — Press releases Europa
Access to the Swiss labour market is to be restricted again for Croatian nationals in 2023. The number of workers from Croatia has risen sharply this year and now exceeds the threshold figure defined in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. The Federal Council therefore decided at its meeting on 16 November to invoke the safeguard clause provided for by the Agreement.

Ignazio Cassis meets President Emmanuel Macron at Paris Peace Forum

11.11.2022 — Press releases EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis is in Paris on 11 and 12 November 2022 to attend the 5th edition of the Paris Peace Forum and meet with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Talks focused on bilateral and Swiss-EU relations, the war in Ukraine and multilateral cooperation.

Switzerland and the UK strengthen their cooperation in research and innovation

10.11.2022 — Press releases Europa
On 10 November, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and UK Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, George Freeman, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in London on cooperation in research and innovation. The agreement is intended to further strengthen the two countries' partnership in these areas.

Focus on vocational education and training during Switzerland visit by Georgian Minister of Education and Science

08.11.2022 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, received the Georgian Minister of Education and Science, Mikheil Chkhenkeli, for a courtesy visit on 8 November. The Georgian minister also discussed education, research and innovation (ERI) with State Secretary Martina Hirayama.

Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Freihandelsabkommen Schweiz–EU

04.11.2022 — Press releases Europa
Am 4. November 2022 tagte der Gemischte Ausschuss zum Freihandelsabkommen zwischen der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union (EU) in Zürich. Die Schweiz und die EU tauschten sich über das Funktionieren des Freihandelsabkommens und aktuelle handelspolitische Entwicklungen aus.

Migration Framework Credit: Federal Councillor Keller-Sutter signs implementation agreement with Cyprus

31.10.2022 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland will support Cyprus with specific projects and programmes related to migration from 2023 to 2026. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and the Cypriot Minister of Interior Nicos Nouris signed an agreement to this effect in Bern on 31 October. The two countries are deepening their cooperation through the Migration Framework Credit, which is part of Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states. The framework credit provides targeted support to EU countries that are subject to serious migratory pressure. Cyprus will receive CHF 10 million.

President Ignazio Cassis to travel to Romania

31.10.2022 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday, 3 November, President Ignazio Cassis will travel to Romania, where he will meet with President Klaus Werner Iohannis, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă and the presidents of both chambers of the Romanian parliament. In Bucharest, President Cassis will sign an agreement implementing Switzerland’s second contribution. Further topics likely to be addressed during the visit include the war in Ukraine and Switzerland’s relations with the European Union.

Second Swiss contribution – migration framework credit: Karin Keller-Sutter signs first implementation agreement with Greece

14.10.2022 — Press releases Europa
The second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states will be used to fund projects and programmes that support countries facing high migratory pressure. On 14 October in Luxembourg, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi signed an implementation agreement on bilateral cooperation in this matter. Switzerland has earmarked CHF 40 million for the support of migration-related projects and programmes in Greece.

Exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU: organisational structure to ensure better management of policy and content

11.10.2022 — Press releases EDA
On 31 August 2022, the Federal Council decided to establish an organisational structure to ensure better management of policy and content for Switzerland's exploratory talks with the EU. This consists of a steering group involving all departments and a sounding board with representatives from the cantons, social partners and the business community. Both bodies are chaired by head of the FDFA and President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis. The steering group was formed in September and the sounding board has been set up today.

President Cassis visits Council of Europe in Strasbourg

10.10.2022 — Press releases EDA
On Monday 10 October, President Ignazio Cassis presented to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg Switzerland's goals and visions for the future of the organisation and held talks with its leading figures. He also mentioned the missile attacks on several Ukrainian cities and strongly condemned them. It was the first visit paid to the Council of Europe by a Swiss president in over thirty years.

Media (692)

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin on a working visit to Poland

12.05.2025 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will visit Poland on 14 and 15 May. During his visit he will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI). Bilateral ministerial meetings are also planned, focusing on ERI and business. The programme will conclude with a visit to the renowned Impact'25 innovation fair.

President Keller-Sutter to attend European Political Community Summit in Tirana

12.05.2025 — Press releases Europa
On 16 May, in the Albanian capital Tirana, President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter will represent Switzerland at the sixth summit of the European Political Community. Heads of state and government from around 45 countries across the continent are expected to attend, along with representatives of EU institutions and other European organisations.

Direct rail connection between Switzerland and London: Parties sign Memorandum of Understanding

09.05.2025 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, head of the Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), met the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander in London on 8 May. They signed a joint memorandum of understanding on increased cooperation in international rail passenger transport. The aim of the MoU is to establish a direct railway link between Switzerland and the UK.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to visit Bulgaria

05.05.2025 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Sofia on 7 May for a one-day visit. His programme includes meetings with Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Rosen Jeliazkov, as well as a visit to the renowned Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT).

Ignazio Cassis meets with Hungarian foreign minister in Bern

05.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, today received the Hungarian foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, in Bern for an official working visit. The talks centred on bilateral relations, European policy and current geopolitical issues.

Swiss–EU package: Federal Council calls for optional referendum

30.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 30 April 2025, the Federal Council took stock of the ongoing work on the Swiss–EU package. It decided to call an optional referendum on the agreements with the European Union (EU). In taking this decision, the Federal Council is signalling political continuity and coherence and giving Parliament and the cantons room for manoeuvre. Parliament will ultimately determine the nature of the referendum in the course of its deliberations.

National Armaments Director receives the Deputy National Armaments Director of Poland in Switzerland

17.04.2025 — Press releases Europa
On 16 April, National Armaments Director Urs Loher met with the Deputy National Armaments Director of Poland, Colonel Krzysztof Komorowski, for bilateral discussions in Switzerland. The focus was on an exchange of ideas about current armaments policy topics.

Switzerland–EU: Federal Council approves EU Programmes Agreement

10.04.2025 — Press releases Europa
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 Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to Slovenia

10.04.2025 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Slovenia on 11 April for a one-day bilateral visit. The programme includes talks with the prime minister and the minister for economic affairs, visits to Swiss companies and discussions with the business community. Mr Parmelin will also sign the bilateral implementation agreement relating to Switzerland's second contribution to Slovenia.

President Karin Keller-Sutter to attend meeting of EU's Economic and Financial Affairs Council

07.04.2025 — Press releases Europa
On 11 April 2025, Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation, will attend the informal meeting of the EU's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Warsaw. The purpose of the meeting is to promote European exchanges on international financial and tax issues.

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.

Swiss citizens abroad in 2024

28.03.2025 — Press releases Europa
There were 826 700 Swiss citizens residing in other countries on 31 December 2024. Their numbers have increased since 2023 (+13 300 people or +1.6%). Three quarters of the Swiss abroad have more than one nationality. This figure rises to 85% among the under-18s. These are some of the results of the Statistics on the Swiss Abroad published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Other news (33)

Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
The Federal Council is to further relax entry restrictions in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions will be lifted in step with the reopening of the economy. From 8 June, the cantons will begin processing applications from workers from the EU/EFTA member states. In addition, Swiss companies will be allowed to employ highly skilled workers from third countries if this is in the public interest, or if they are urgently required. To benefit the domestic workforce, companies will again be required to give notification of job vacancies, a measure that was temporarily suspended during the lockdown. Lastly, the Federal Council plans to lift all travel restrictions and re-establish the free movement of persons across the Schengen area no later than 6 July. Border controls with Germany, Austria and France will be lifted as early as 15 June, as previously announced.

Securing access to research cooperation and funding programmes in Europe

20.05.2020 — Europa
Horizon Europe, the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, is due to start in 2021. Along with three other European initiatives, Horizon Europe forms the ‘2021–2027 Horizon package’. On 20 May 2020 the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on funding requesting Parliament to approve CHF 6,154 million in funding to secure Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon package. Provided Parliament approves this funding, the Federal Council and the EU will be able to renew their bilateral research agreement and secureSwitzerland’s continued and uninterrupted participation in the Horizon package as an associated state.

Coronavirus: Switzerland reaches agreement with Germany, Austria and France on opening borders

13.05.2020 — Europa
Switzerland plans to open all borders with Germany, Austria and France on 15 June 2020, if the epidemiological situation allows. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter has reached agreement on this move following talks with the interior ministers of these three neighbouring countries. She advised the Federal Council of the agreement at its meeting on 13 May 2020.

New slides provide handy, up-to-date information on Switzerland’s European policy

26.11.2019 — Article Europa
Switzerland enjoys close, important and diverse relations with the European Union. They are based on the bilateral approach and influence many aspects of citizens’ lives, both in Switzerland and in the EU.

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabić attends working meeting with President Maurer

03.09.2019 — Europa
On Tuesday, 3 September, President Ueli Maurer received Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić at the Bernerhof for a working visit on the fringes of Swiss Digital Day. Discussions covered bilateral issues such as business and digital transformation, Serbia’s relations with the European Union, and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Samos refugee camp and meets new Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

10.07.2019 — EDA
Mr Cassis's visit to Greece has mainly been concerned with the situation of refugees and the challenges posed by migration. On Tuesday, the head of the FDFA visited the refugee camp on Samos and today met Nikos Dendias, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, and President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Switzerland and EU adapt their insurance agreement

05.07.2018 — Europa
Switzerland and the EU have been adapting their Direct Insurance Agreement which has existed since 1989 to the new regulatory requirements. The mixed committee with representatives from both sides adopted the changes on 3 July 2018 and brought them into effect. Thereby the agreement is also in line with the future requirements of the Swiss insurance business.

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.

EU-Switzerland Financial Regulatory Dialogue held in Bern

19.10.2017 — Europa
The Swiss State Secretariat for International Financial Matters and the European Commission held their 2017 Financial Regulatory Dialogue on October 19 in Berne. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Jörg Gasser, State Secretary for International Financial Matters, and Olivier Guersent, European Commission's Director General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Participants included staff from the European Commission, European Supervisory Authorities, Single Resolution Board, the Swiss federal administration, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority FINMA.

European Parliament’s PANA Committee to visit Switzerland

15.09.2017 — Europa
The Swiss authorities will receive a delegation from the European Parliament's PANA Committee on 15 September. The focus of the talks will be the current system and the ongoing work to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and tax offences.

Switzerland once again a full member of partnership-funded EU innovation programmes

23.08.2017 — Europa
On 23 August, the Federal Council approved the agreements on Switzerland’s participation in the Eurostars-2 and the Active and Assisted Living research and development programmes. This means that Switzerland is once again a full member of both programmes and is co-financed by the EU. The programmes are particularly interesting for research-intensive SMEs looking to enter new European or global markets through cross-border cooperation. Switzerland’s participation in the AAL programme is one of the many measures that form part of the federal government’s Skilled Workers Initiative.

Linking of the Swiss and European emissions trading systems: big step forward

16.08.2017 — Europa
Switzerland and the European Union are preparing to link their emissions trading systems. The Federal Council approved the signing of the corresponding agreement at its meeting of 16 August 2017. The European Commission has also adopted proposals for the signature and ratification of the agreement and has submitted them to the Council of the European Union for approval. The agreement could be signed before the end of this year. Its ratification must then be approved by the Swiss and European parliaments.

News

Press releases

All news (725)

Media (692)

Other news (33)

News

Publications

Intergovernmental relations

Bilateral approach

European Union