All news (3768)
Federal Council reaffirms partnership with four UN organisations
20.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council is continuing its cooperation with four UN organisations in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. At its meeting on 20 March 2026, it decided to support the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with around CHF 70 million per year from 2026 to 2028. In addition to ensuring the effective implementation of Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28, the partnership with these UN organisations boosts the standing of International Geneva.
The economy, science and security at the heart of Ignazio Cassis' visit to four African countries
19.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Angola, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso from 23 to 27 March 2026. In Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, the focus will be on trade, economic relations and scientific cooperation, while the trip to Burkina Faso will centre on international cooperation, humanitarian aid and the security situation in the Sahel region.
OSCE press release: OSCE participating States adopt 2026 Budget
19.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) today reached consensus on the Organization’s Budget for 2026, ensuring the continued implementation of its comprehensive security mandate. This ends a five-year stalemate since the last approved budget in 2021. The adoption of the budget confirms that the OSCE remains an important platform for dialogue, even in times of heightened tensions. This decision therefore also contributes to the implementation of a key priority of the Swiss Chairpersonship – ensuring the OSCE’s ability to act.
SDC steps up humanitarian support for people in Lebanon, Syria and Iran
16.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The war in the Middle East is having a serious impact on the populations of Lebanon, Syria and Iran. In view of this situation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has set aside a humanitarian support package of CHF 6.5 million, which will focus on Lebanon and includes a regional component for Syria. The SDC will also release emergency aid for Iran.
Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package
13.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved the dispatch to Parliament on the stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council's intention with this bill is to stabilise and future-proof the tried-and-tested bilateral approach with the EU. The package is in Switzerland's interest. It ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner. In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance.
Federal Council adopts report on foreign policy implications of growing antisemitism in Switzerland
13.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Bern, 6 March 2026 – The Federal Council has adopted the report in response to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council (FAC-N) postulate 23.4340 ‘Foreign policy implications of the massive rise in antisemitism in Switzerland. Review of potential countermeasures’. The Federal Council notes that the resurgence of antisemitism since autumn 2023 represents a serious challenge for social cohesion and security, but concludes that the situation, as it currently stands, does not warrant the introduction of additional foreign policy measures.
The FDFA temporarily closes its embassy in Iran
11.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
In view of the war in the Middle East and the increasing security risk, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land today and are now safely outside the country. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries.
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti attends Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris
10.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 10 March, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti represented Switzerland at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris. The international gathering focused on the civil use of nuclear energy in addressing major energy, climate and sovereignty related challenges. Mr Rösti recalled that nuclear energy is an important pillar of Switzerland's low-carbon energy mix, with safe, secure and sustainable waste management and disposal.
Negotiations on a trade agreement between Switzerland and the USA to continue
06.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 6 March, the Federal Council discussed how to proceed regarding the negotiations on a trade agreement with the USA. Switzerland will continue negotiations with the USA even after the decision of the US Supreme Court and the subsequent introduction of a new base tariff by the US government. The Federal Council continues to pursue the goal of concluding an agreement that will stabilise bilateral trade relations and improve export opportunities for Swiss companies.
Foreign Policy Report 2025: Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to focused and effective multilateralism
06.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2025 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 6 March 2026. The report gives an account of the foreign policy activities of the past year and takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at the halfway point. The core question it seeks to address is how Switzerland can safeguard its interests in an increasingly polarised environment and play its part in advancing effective multilateralism.
Switzerland steps up cooperation with EU on foreign and security policy
05.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, Switzerland's foreign and defence ministers respectively, met with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, in Zurich on 5 March 2026. At the meeting, Mr Cassis and Ms Kallas signed a joint declaration on strengthening foreign and security policy cooperation. An agreement simplifying Switzerland's participation in EU peacekeeping missions was also concluded. These new agreements are not part of the Swiss–EU package (Bilaterals III).
Energy crisis in Ukraine – the first diesel generators from Switzerland have been delivered to Kyiv
04.03.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The first of around 70 diesel generators to be supplied by the Swiss Confederation in response to the worst energy crisis since the start of the conflict have arrived in Kyiv. Jean-Luc Bernasconi, head of international cooperation at the Swiss embassy in Kyiv, attended a ceremony on 4 March 2026 at which the generators – which will be used in various locations where energy infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged – were officially handed over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). The generators provided by Switzerland are part of the Federal Council's aid package, adopted on 11 February 2026, on the supply of urgently needed energy goods to Ukraine. Further deliveries will continue to be made on an ongoing basis.
