Federal Council approves accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal

13.05.2026 — 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 — 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.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Moldova

12.05.2026 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Swiss embassy in Tehran to gradually reopen

24.04.2026 — Press releases EDA
A small team from the Swiss embassy has returned to Tehran this week. The embassy was temporarily closed on 11 March 2026 due to the precarious security situation. The technical team of four Swiss employees is now preparing the gradual resumption of embassy operations.

Federal Council approves accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal

13.05.2026 — 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 — 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.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Moldova

12.05.2026 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Swiss embassy in Tehran to gradually reopen

24.04.2026 — Press releases EDA
A small team from the Swiss embassy has returned to Tehran this week. The embassy was temporarily closed on 11 March 2026 due to the precarious security situation. The technical team of four Swiss employees is now preparing the gradual resumption of embassy operations.

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

Swiss National Day 2020

23.07.2020 — Local news Kuwait

Celebrating 1 August differently

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.