Press releases

Here you will find media information on matters concerning European policy. Press releases and other information for the media from the various federal departments and offices can be accessed via the Federal Administration’s media portal.

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Object 13 – 24 of 616

Switzerland and Norway emphasise common values and interests

07.02.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Wednesday, 7 February to discuss bilateral relations, the European policy of both countries and the security situation on the continent. A further topic of the talks was trade policy within the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). An exchange with King Harald V is planned for Thursday, 8 February.


President Amherd meets President and Prime Minister of Estonia

06.02.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 6 February, President Viola Amherd met with President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur in the Estonian capital of Tallinn. The main topics of discussion were European policy and the security situation. A visit to the Cyber Defence Centre was also on the agenda, with a view to cooperation on cyber defence issues.


Decline in social expenditure in 2022 in Switzerland and Europe

05.02.2024 — Press releases Europa
Expenditure on social benefits in Switzerland reached CHF 207.8 billion in 2022, a decline of CHF 4.2 billion (–2.0%) on 2021 in real terms. A fall in social expenditure was also recorded in most European countries (median: –3.5%). In 2020, expenditure had reached an all-time high in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is largely explained by post-COVID-19 economic recovery and the rise in prices following the war in Ukraine. These are the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).


President Amherd to travel to Estonia and Norway

02.02.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd will pay a visit to Estonia and Norway next week. Switzerland maintains close relations with both countries. In Estonia, meetings are scheduled with President Alar Karis and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Tuesday, 6 February. Ms Amherd will then meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Wednesday, 7 February. An exchange with King Harald V is also planned in Oslo.


EFTA-Chile: Negotiations on modernisation of free trade agreement

20.01.2024 — Press releases Europa
The EFTA states (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Chile concluded negotiations on the modernisation of their free trade agreement in Santiago de Chile on January 19th 2024. Switzerland is thereby continuing its successful free trade policy and strengthening the competitiveness of its economy.


Eurostat experts' report: Switzerland has a high-quality statistics system

15.01.2024 — Press releases Europa
The European statistics authority Eurostat has published a peer review report on its country examination of Switzerland in the area of public statistics. The experts conclude that the European Code of Practice for Official Statistics is well-implemented in Switzerland and that the Swiss statistics system achieves a high level of quality overall. The report also contains 15 recommendations.


Switzerland announces candidacy for Secretary General of Council of Europe

10.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
Former federal councillor Alain Berset has expressed his interest in taking up the post of Secretary General of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe. The Federal Department of foreign affairs (FDFA) supports this candidacy and submitted it today to the chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council.


Ukraine: Switzerland expands sanctions listings

22.12.2023 — Press releases Europa
On 21 December the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) further expanded its sanctions listings against Russia. This brings Switzerland in line with the additional sanctions listings decided by the EU in response to Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. The changes took effect at 6pm on 21 December. The Federal Council was informed of the latest developments on 22 December.


Switzerland and the UK sign agreement on mutual recognition in financial services

21.12.2023 — Press releases Europa
Today in Berne, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, signed an agreement on mutual recognition in financial services, the Berne Financial Services Agreement. The agreement boosts competitiveness and fosters the close cooperation between these two major international financial centres.


Federal Council approves draft negotiating mandate with European Union

15.12.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 December, the Federal Council approved the draft negotiating mandate with the European Union (EU). The mandate sets out guidelines for the negotiations, which will get under way once the mandate is definitively adopted, after consultation with Parliament and the cantons.


Federal Council opens consultation on digital Schengen visas

08.12.2023 — Press releases Europa
In future Schengen visa applications will be digitised and have to be submitted on an EU platform. As a Schengen state, Switzerland aligns itself with this modernisation and must incorporate this new regulation into national law, amending current legislation to do so. The Federal Council opened the consultation on the corresponding draft legislation at its meeting on 8 December.


MRA Schweiz−EU: Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses

05.12.2023 — Press releases Europa
Am 5. Dezember 2023 hat in Bern die 18. Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Abkommen über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen (MRA) stattgefunden. Die Schweiz und die EU haben über die Umsetzung des Abkommens und die Entwicklungen in der EU-Gesetzgebung gesprochen.

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