All news (710)
State Secretary Hirayama attends informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation
11.03.2025
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Press releases
Europa
On 10 and 11 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation in Warsaw. The main topics of the meeting, which takes place twice a year, were the strategic shape of the next EU R+I Framework Programme, FP10, which begins in 2028, and European competitiveness. State Secretary Hirayama took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.
Successful European battery project: From raw material to an (almost) finished car battery
27.02.2025
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Press releases
Europa
In a four-year EU project led by Empa, eleven collaborators from research and industry succeeded in significantly improving batteries for electric cars. One of the main objectives of the project was to scale up the new materials and technologies so that they can be brought to market as fast as possible.
Europe, Ukraine, multilateralism, BRICS: Federal Council approves Foreign Policy Report 2024
26.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On 26 February 2025, the Federal Council approved the Foreign Policy Report 2024. The report sets out the progress that has been made in achieving the 28 objectives of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. A special thematic focus section examines the influence of the BRICS group of states (including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on the world order and outlines Switzerland's strategy for relations with those states.
Swiss–EU agreements: Federal Council takes stock
19.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 19 February 2025, the Federal Council took stock of ongoing work on the consultation draft for the package to stabilise and further develop the bilateral approach with the European Union (EU). After being briefed on the process of formally vetting the agreements, as well as on the national implementing legislation and accompanying measures, the Federal Council determined which steps to take next.
Cooperation agreements and minorities: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Romania
18.02.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is scheduled to visit Romania from 19 to 21 February 2025. His agenda includes several bilateral meetings and the signing of cooperation agreements related to the second Swiss contribution to selected EU states. The theme of minorities will also be a common thread throughout the upcoming visit, with Mr Cassis taking part in a cultural event in Bucharest to mark the fifth edition of Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha) as well as in a debate in the city of Constanța on linguistic minorities.
Publication of report on EU data policy monitoring
17.02.2025
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Press releases
Europa
The digital policy activities of the EU (European Union) can also impact Switzerland under certain circumstances. Swiss companies nevertheless do not face significant risks regarding the EU’s access to the single market at this time, according to a report published by the Federal Administration on 17 February 2025 analysing the impact of EU digital policy on Switzerland.
President Karin Keller-Sutter and DDPS head Viola Amherd to take part in the Munich Security Conference
10.02.2025
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Press releases
Europa
President Karin Keller-Sutter, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), and Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), will be attending the 61st Munich Security Conference, which is taking place at the end of the week. The conference, which will be opened on Friday, 14 February by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will focus on global security challenges such as democratic resilience.
Federal Council to remove EU from stock exchange protection list as of 1 May 2025
29.01.2025
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Press releases
Europa
During its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council decided to remove the European Union (EU) from the list of jurisdictions affected by the measure to protect the Swiss stock exchange infrastructure (protective measure) with effect from 1 May 2025. The Federal Council had activated the protective measure in 2019 to temporarily protect the Swiss stock exchange infrastructure in response to the non-recognition by the EU of the equivalence of Switzerland's stock exchange regulations. As the EU has since revised the corresponding legal basis, the Swiss protective measure with respect to the EU is now no longer necessary and is to be deactivated for the benefit of Swiss companies. Switzerland will continue to seek recognition of equivalence and improved market access for financial service providers in the regulatory dialogue with the EU concerning the financial sector.
Negotiating mandate for recognition of electronic signatures
29.01.2025
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Press releases
Europa
Electronic signatures on documents should be recognised in Switzerland and in the European Union (EU). At its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) to draw up a corresponding mandate for negotiating with the EU, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Ignazio Cassis highlights Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East at Davos 2025
23.01.2025
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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
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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
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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.
