Press releases

World Day against the Death Penalty: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter launches a call for dialogue on abolition

09.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
In a new joint declaration with 17 other foreign ministers, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter has emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue between countries which have already abolished the death penalty, and those which have yet to do so. Dialogue is an important means of achieving worldwide abolition, he said. Switzerland firmly rejects the death penalty, under all circumstances, and is committed to its abolition worldwide by 2025.

Beyond one’s own four kitchen walls – the SDC opens a window on development cooperation

08.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will be welcoming visitors to discover a world of exotic fragrances and tastes at this year's Swiss Agriculture and Food Fair, the OLMA (Hall 9.0). At a special exhibition, the SDC will be presenting seven selected projects from different continents illustrating its efforts to help reduce poverty and hunger in the world while promoting environmentally sound agriculture. This year’s OLMA will be held in St. Gallen, from 8 to 18 October 2015.

Switzerland at IMF and World Bank Group 2015 Annual Meetings in Lima

08.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf as Head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the joint Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Lima, Peru, from 8 to 10 October 2015. Important topics are the global economic situation, the role of the IMF and of the World Bank Group in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the link between development and demographic change.

Switzerland condemns escalation of violence in Middle East

07.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is concerned about the escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians over the past few weeks. The FDFA believes that the violence and provocation on both sides is undermining efforts to build trust and engender hope for peace.

Federal Council appoints future commissioner general for Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2017 in Astana

07.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
Manuel Salchli, head of major international events at Presence Switzerland, has been appointed by the Federal Council as commissioner general for the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2017, which will take place from 10 June to 10 September in Astana, Kazakhstan. Mauro Reina, Swiss ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, has been appointed deputy commissioner general.

New Swiss Abroad Act comes into force on 1 November 2015

07.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting today the Federal Council adopted the Swiss Abroad Ordinance as well as the Ordinance on Fees of the FDFA, to come into force on 1 November 2015 together with the Swiss Abroad Act. This act brings together the most important provisions governing the Swiss abroad in a single piece of legislation. The two ordinances contain provisions for its implementation.

Disasters: what can be done to protect displaced people?

05.10.2015 — Article EDA

The Nansen Initiative, launched by Switzerland and Norway in 2012, will present its findings on 12-13 October in Geneva. For three years its members collected best practices from states that have faced an influx of people displaced by disasters. Walter Kälin, a professor of public international law at the University of Bern who also serves as Envoy of the Chairmanship of the Nansen Initiative, describes the consultation process and discusses the next steps.  

Human Rights Council approves Switzerland’s resolution on the death penalty

02.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Human Rights Council ends its three-week autumn session today in Geneva. For the second time after 2014, Switzerland successfully tabled a resolution that endorses efforts over the medium term to abolish the death penalty worldwide. It also voiced concerns at the session regarding the impact of drugs on human rights as well as the situation in specific countries such as Bahrain and Sri Lanka

Didier Burkhalter at UN General Assembly: the international community should double its efforts to end the war in Syria and reduce suffering

28.09.2015 — Press releases EDA
Stop the war in Syria, respond to immediate humanitarian needs created by the crisis in the region, introduce long-term prevention measures and make a case for a reform of the UN in order to serve the international community – these are the priorities which Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will be speaking out in favour of at the annual general debate of the UN General Assembly, which opened on Monday in New York. The 70th session of the Assembly is being held at a time marked by numerous crises throughout the world, in the most troubled period the world has known since the Second World War.

20 years after Beijing Conference: President Sommaruga calls in New York for pace of progress on gender equality to be stepped up

27.09.2015 — Press releases EDA
Equality between men and women, active involvement of citizens in a sustainable development agenda and efforts to put in place effective, accountable institutions: President Simonetta Sommaruga spoke at events on these and other themes on the fringes of the Sustainable Development Summit in New York at the weekend. At a high-level meeting on gender equality – 20 years after the World Conference on Women in Beijing – President Sommaruga stressed that it was time to step up the pace of progress.

Sciex programme: Research training placements in Switzerland spur scientific and economic development in eastern Europe

25.09.2015 — Press releases EDA
A ceremony to mark the end of the Scientific Exchange Programme between the New Member States and Switzerland (Sciex), which has offered over 500 researchers from ten new EU member states research training placements in Switzerland since it was launched in 2009, was held today at ETH Zurich. Part of Switzerland’s contribution to the enlarged EU was allocated to fund the fellowship programme in recognition of the fact that enhancing the capacity of scientists in central and eastern Europe to conduct research is a critical factor in the region's economic development.

Sustainable Development Goals until 2030: President Sommaruga supports new UN agenda on behalf of Switzerland

25.09.2015 — Press releases EDA
Over 150 heads of state and government adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at a summit in New York on Friday. The agenda, comprising 17 goals and 169 targets, sets out the priority areas for sustainable development worldwide for the period to 2030. Switzerland was represented at the summit by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, who described the 2030 Agenda as "an extremely promising approach to resolving numerous problems".

Ignazio Cassis presents Swiss policy of good offices in Hong Kong

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, was in Hong Kong today at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, to attend the launch of the International Organization for Mediation. The event brought together some 50 states, including several represented at ministerial level. Mr Cassis gave a speech outlining Switzerland's approach to mediation.

Situation in Gaza: Federal Council calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 May 2025, the Federal Council once again discussed the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas and made a full assessment of the situation. It is deeply dismayed at the unbearable human suffering and calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire. A week ago, the Federal Council allocated CHF 10 million to humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territory. At the same time, Switzerland continues to work internationally for a political solution to the conflict.

Ignazio Cassis attending new mediation forum in Hong Kong on 30 May 2025

27.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Hong Kong on 30 May at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Mr Cassis, head of the FDFA, is to attend a mediation forum which will bring together some 60 countries. The event coincides with China's launch of the International Organization for Mediation.

Lugano proposed as venue for meeting of OSCE Ministerial Council

23.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was welcomed by a plenary session of the Cantonal Council of Ticino today as part of their regular political dialogue. The council's chosen venue, the Mezzana Cantonal Agricultural Organisation, is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. Discussions focused on topics of mutual interest, including the promotion of Italian language and culture, cross-border relations, and more international matters such as relations with the EU and current geopolitical challenges. Mr Cassis also informed the Cantonal Council of the FDFA's intention to hold the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano.

Federal Council allocates CHF 20 million to occupied Palestinian territory and to UNRWA in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council decided to grant CHF 9 million to four humanitarian organisations to support Palestinians affected by the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory. A further CHF 10 million will be allocated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its programme in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. CHF 1 million will also be earmarked to implement the Colonna report's recommendations for reinforcing UNRWA's impartiality.

Federal Council sets priorities for Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council set the thematic priorities for Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026. These will be definitively adopted following consultation with the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and the Council of States. The Federal Council also approved the budget for organising the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which will be held in Switzerland in December 2026.

Swiss–EU package: chief negotiators initial agreements

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
The chief negotiators of Switzerland and the EU, Patric Franzen and Richard Szostak, and the Swiss co-negotiators from the relevant federal offices initialled the agreements of the Switzerland–EU package in Bern on 21 May 2025. The initialling formally concluded the negotiation process with the EU. The Federal Council will decide before the summer whether to approve the agreements and open the consultation process, and publish the texts.

Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu on a state visit to Switzerland

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 21 May, the entire Federal Council welcomed Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu and her husband Prindon Sadriu with military honours in front of the Federal Palace for a state visit. The delegations then held talks on opportunities and prospects for the close and wide-ranging bilateral relationship. They also exchanged views on goals for European stability and prosperity, with particular focus on the situation in the Western Balkans.

50 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and San Marino: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomes his counterpart, State Secretary Luca Beccari

19.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On Monday 19 May 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Luca Beccari, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Political Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Digital Transition of the Republic of San Marino, who was on an official working visit, at Münchenwiler Castle in the canton of Bern. The highlight of the visit was the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and San Marino. An agreement on the exchange of young professionals was also signed.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Costa Rican foreign minister André in Bern to discuss geopolitics, trade and democracy

16.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 May 2025 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the foreign minister of Costa Rica, Arnoldo André Tinoco, for bilateral talks in Bern. The meeting focused on current geopolitical and trade policy challenges as well as bilateral issues. The visit follows Mr Cassis' trip to Costa Rica in July 2024, the first by a federal councillor. Switzerland and Costa Rica are celebrating 160 years of bilateral relations in 2025.

President Keller-Sutter attends sixth European Political Community Summit in Tirana

16.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 May, in the Albanian capital Tirana, President Karin Keller-Sutter attended the sixth summit of the European Political Community (EPC). With Denmark set to hold the EU Council Presidency in the second half of the year, she met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The summit focused on Europe’s competitiveness, democratic resilience and security.

Private security services provided abroad in 2024: ninth FDFA report on PSSA implementation

14.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 14 May 2025, the Federal Council took note of the ninth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). In 2024, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) received 111 declarations from companies. No activities were prohibited.

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.

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.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.