All news (3800)
Federal Council approves accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal
13.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At a time of far-reaching geopolitical developments, the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in support of freedom of navigation and international law. At its meeting on 13 May 2026, it approved Switzerland's accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. The Protocol stipulates that there should be open and secure transit through the Panama Canal for all nations at all times.
Private security services provided abroad in 2025: tenth FDFA report on PSSA implementation
13.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council took note of the tenth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). Under the Act, companies wishing to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland are required to notify the competent authority in advance. In 2025, the competent authorities received 82 declarations from companies. Although no activities were prohibited, two criminal complaints were lodged with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.
Mixed interim results: Switzerland's fourth country report on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
13.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's fourth country report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The interim results for the years 2022–26 are mixed. This report is also the last country report in the current format. Cantons, communes and cities have developed many new approaches to implementing the sustainability goals. Despite geopolitical shifts, the 2030 Agenda remains the global frame of reference for sustainable development.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Moldova
12.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit the Republic of Moldova from 13 to 15 May. As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, he will hold a series of meetings in which he will address the organisation’s role in the settlement process of the Transdniestrian conflict. He will also attend the annual session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which is hosted this year by the Republic of Moldova.
Switzerland–France: close cooperation facing common challenges
08.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, received the French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, in Geneva for an exchange of views on cross-border issues, G7 and the major challenges facing Europe. In a geopolitical context marked by the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East and shifts in transatlantic relations, Switzerland and France underscored their desire to work together for a more stable, secure and competitive Europe, and for effective multilateralism anchored in Geneva.
Switzerland–US strategic partnership: FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel meets US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau for political consultations
07.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau held political consultations in Washington, DC, on 6 May 2026. Discussions focused on the current geopolitical situation, economic cooperation, innovation and future-oriented issues. The open and constructive exchange underscored the close bilateral relations between Switzerland and the US.
OSCE press release: Conference organised by the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship on anticipating technologies
07.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss OSCE Chairmanship today opened a high-level conference in Geneva on the theme “Anticipating technologies – for a safe and humane future”. The two-day event brings together around 200 participants from OSCE participating States, as well as representatives of international organisations, academia and the private sector.
Federal Council continues support for the Swiss Human Rights Institution
06.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council today decided to submit to the Federal Assembly a spending ceiling of CHF 3.93 million for the Swiss Human Rights Institution (SHRI) for the period 2027–30, thus maintaining the same level of funding as in the previous period.
President Parmelin meets with President Mattarella and Deputy Prime Minister Tajani in Rome
05.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On Tuesday, 5 May, President Guy Parmelin met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome. The talks focused on bilateral relations, security issues and competitiveness in Europe, as well as current international affairs. The response to the devastating fire in Crans Montana was also discussed. On 6 May, President Parmelin will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Swiss Guards at the Vatican. During his visit, he will meet Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
OSCE conference in Geneva: Anticipating technologies – for a safe and humane future
04.05.2026
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Press releases
EDA
As part of its term as chair of the OSCE in 2026, Switzerland is organising an international conference on 7 and 8 May 2026 in Geneva on the anticipation of new technologies and their significance for peace and security in the OSCE region. Representatives from politics, science and international organisations will discuss how to capitalise on opportunities, minimise risks and strengthen trust and security through increased dialogue in a rapidly changing world.
First-ever Swiss presidential visit to North Macedonia
29.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 29 April, President Guy Parmelin met with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Speaker of Parliament Afrim Gashi, and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje. The presidential visit was accompanied by an economic delegation and focused on bilateral relations, in particular on economic exchange and the international cooperation programme.
Demokratie und Frieden, Wirtschaft, chancengerechte Entwicklung: Schweiz lanciert neues Kooperationsprogramm Kosovo
27.04.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Die Direktorin der Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA), Patricia Danzi, hat am 27. April 2026 in Pristina das neue Schweizer Kooperationsprogramm mit Kosovo vorgestellt. Das Programm im Umfang von 64.5 Millionen Franken läuft von 2026 bis 2029 und setzt auf demokratische Regierungsführung, wirtschaftliche Entwicklung sowie chancengerechte menschliche Entwicklung (“Equitable Human Development”). Es wird von der DEZA und der Abteilung Frieden und Menschenrechte (AFM) des EDA sowie dem Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (SECO) des WBF umgesetzt.
