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Ignazio Cassis highlights Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East at Davos 2025

23.01.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, placed particular emphasis on European policy and the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also raised matters relating to security and cooperation, particularly as Switzerland prepares to chair the OSCE in 2026.

Deputy Chief of Armament to take part in the Annual Conference of the European Defence Agency

22.01.2025 — Press releases Europa
The Deputy Chief of Armament Thomas Rothacher is to take part with a delegation at the annual conference of the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Brussels on 22 January 2025. The topic of the conference will be: “New horizons in EU defence: enhancing ambitions, accelerating actions”. Meetings with representatives from NATO and the EDA are also planned.

Switzerland present at informal meeting of EU ministers in Warsaw

22.01.2025 — Press releases Europa
On 21 and 22 January 2025, the Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), Rémy Hübschi, took part in an informal meeting of education ministers from EU member states. The event was held in Warsaw to discuss ways to foster inclusive high-quality education in Europe. Mr Hübschi also used this opportunity for exchanges with his counterparts.

Chief of Armament welcomes his counterparts from Sweden

16.01.2025 — Press releases Europa
Chief of Armament Urs Loher will be meeting with the Swedish Chief of Armament Göran Mårtensson from 16 to 17 January 2025 as part of a bilateral meeting in Switzerland. The focus will be on discussions with representatives of the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse on current topics.

Switzerland to chair the OSCE in 2026

30.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
In 2026, Switzerland will chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the third time, following its chairpersonships in 1996 and 2014. Switzerland was elected by the participating states of the organisation in a secret ballot. It will assume first executive functions already from 1 January 2025: as a member of the troika – comprising the 2024 (Malta), 2025 (Finland) and 2026 (Switzerland) chairs – it will be responsible for relations with the Mediterranean states, among other things.

Ukraine: Switzerland adopts further sanctions

23.12.2024 — Press releases Europa
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in its capacity as the competent body for sanctions, has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Switzerland is thus adopting the additional sanctions decided by the EU in response to Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Belarus. The changes will take effect on 24 December.

Federal Council takes note of substantive conclusion of Swiss–EU negotiations

20.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2024, the Federal Council took note with satisfaction the material conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). It noted that the Swiss delegation, led by chief negotiator Patric Franzen, has met the objectives set under the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has instructed the relevant departments to undertake the preparatory work needed to formally conclude negotiations.

Switzerland and Portugal reaffirm their excellent relations

16.12.2024 — Press releases Europa
During her visit to Portugal on Monday, 16 December, President Viola Amherd met with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. During the talks, both sides commended the excellent relations between Switzerland and Portugal. Other topics of discussion included European policy, the security situation and global developments.

President Amherd invited to pay state visit to Portugal

12.12.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd has been invited to pay a state visit to Portugal, which will take place next week. At the meeting with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on Monday, 16 December, discussions will focus on relations between Switzerland and Portugal, European policy, the security situation and global developments.

Federal Councillor Beat Jans attends Schengen ministerial meeting in Brussels

12.12.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 12 December, Federal Councillor Beat Jans attended a meeting of the justice and home affairs ministers of the Schengen countries in Brussels. This was the first meeting since the new EU Commission was confirmed. The talks focused on cooperation with third countries in curbing irregular migration, and the implementation of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum. During the bilateral meetings, Mr Jans, the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), also held talks with the new EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner.

Switzerland and the United Kingdom strengthen cooperation in science and innovation

09.12.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 9 December, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and State Secretary Martina Hirayama welcomed UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Vallance to Bern. Their assessment of cooperation and innovation was extremely positive.

Strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation: Ignazio Cassis makes official visit to Rome

29.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
During his two-day visit to Rome, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opened the 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy, together with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The two officials praised this platform, which was designed to further enhance bilateral relations. In Rome, the head of the FDFA also participated in the international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Various other bilateral meetings with UN agencies were also on the agenda.

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DDPS cedes anti-tank guided missile delivery date to Germany

09.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
The DDPS has agreed to Germany’s request to postpone the delivery of some of the RGW90 shoulder-launched anti-tank guided missiles ordered by both countries. This is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. The Federal Council was informed of this decision at its meeting on 9 October

State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal Meeting of EU Higher Education and Research Ministers in Budapest

17.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, represented Switzerland at the Informal Meeting of Higher Education and Research Ministers of the EU member states in Budapest on 16 and 17 September. Discussions at this biannual event focused on the introduction of a common European degree in higher education and strengthening European competitiveness through research and innovation. Other topics included reducing fragmentation in the European Research Area and ensuring freedom of research.

Second Swiss contribution, migration framework credit: Opening of negotiations with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria

13.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
The migration framework credit in the second Swiss contribution is being applied in two phases. With a view to implementing the second phase (2025–29), the Federal Council has approved the opening of negotiations with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. This financial contribution supports better management of migration in Europe, which also benefits Switzerland.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on agreement with the United Kingdom on mutual recognition in financial services

04.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the approval of an agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK) on mutual recognition in financial services. The agreement boosts competitiveness and fosters the close cooperation between the two major international financial centres.

No lifting of protection status S

04.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
The situation in Ukraine is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. The Federal Council therefore decided at its meeting on 4 September not to lift the protection status S for Ukrainian refugees before 4 March 2026 and to extend the support measures for this group of people (Programme S) until then.

Federal Council to adopt EU Pact on Migration and Asylum regulations and start consultations

14.08.2024 — Press releases Europa
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is a set of rules and measures aimed at making the European migration and asylum system more efficient, crisis-resilient and solidarity-based. Switzerland will participate in this programme as an associated Schengen/Dublin State. At its meeting on 14 August, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s participation in principle and launched the consultation process, which will run until 14 November.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attends meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries

13.08.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 13 August 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attended the meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries in Lochau, Austria. The discussions centred on strengthening competitiveness and financial policy aspects of the climate transition.

Ignazio Cassis meets Italy's foreign affairs minister Antonio Tajani, with whom he attends Locarno Film Festival

12.08.2024 — Press releases EDA
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani paid an official visit to Switzerland today, where he met with the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. On the Brissago Islands, they discussed bilateral relations and international affairs. The two ministers then attended the traditional Diplomacy Day, an event promoted by the Locarno Film Festival, which this year enjoys the support of the Italian embassy in Switzerland.

President Amherd to represent Switzerland at fourth meeting of the European Political Community

15.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
On Thursday, 18 July, President Viola Amherd will attend the fourth meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), which will take place at the historic Blenheim Palace in the market town of Woodstock in southern England. In addition to the UK and Switzerland, 45 states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations will also attend the meeting.

Chief of Armament signs application for membership with regard to accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)

09.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
The Federal Council wants to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and thus increase opportunities for international cooperation in ground-based air defence. Following the decision of the Federal Council, Chief of Armament Urs Loher now signed an application for membership addressed to the Chairperson of the ESSI on 8 July 2024. All member states of ESSI can now express themselves on the application, after which Switzerland can sign the statement of accession.

Switzerland and EU resume dialogue on financial market regulation

04.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 4 July 2024 in Berne, the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) and the European Commission resumed their dialogue on financial market regulation, which had been suspended since 2017.

Horizon Europe: Extended access for researchers in Switzerland

04.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
The EU has decided that researchers in Switzerland will be eligible to participate in the first three European Research Council calls for proposals for the 2025 programme year.

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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.

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