Press releases

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OSCE press release: Meeting between OSCE Chairman Cassis and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow

06.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow today. This was the first visit by an OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to the Russian Federation since February 24, 2022.

OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Cassis to visit Moscow

04.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu will travel to Moscow on 5-6 February for meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov.

OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis in Ukraine

02.02.2026 — Press releases EDA
In his role as OSCE chairman-in-office, Ignazio Cassis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on 2 February 2026.

Federal Council adopts Anti-Corruption Strategy 2026–29

28.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 January, the Federal Council adopted its Anti-Corruption Strategy 2026–29. The strategy sets priorities for fighting corruption in areas of the Federal Administration that are particularly exposed and present an increased risk, and for reducing the vulnerability of Swiss businesses to corruption abroad. The strategy is mainly intended for the Federal Administration but also for target groups outside the Federal Administration.

AI Summit 2027: Switzerland indicates willingness to host event

28.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 January, the Federal Council confirmed Switzerland's intention to organise a summit on artificial intelligence (AI) in Geneva in 2027. A final decision will be taken at the next AI summit in Delhi in February.

Switzerland condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria

27.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland takes note of the fifth report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was mandated to identify the perpetrators of chemical weapons use in Kafr Zita in the Hama Governorate of Syria on 1 October 2016. Switzerland condemns the use of chemical weapons in the strongest terms and calls for those responsible to be held accountable.

Security and multilateral cooperation in today's changing world at the forefront of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' talks in Davos

22.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
During his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, focused his discussions on security and stability in Europe and the Middle East, multilateral cooperation and Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Switzerland assumes the presidency of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine in 2026 and 2027

16.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 1 January 2026, Switzerland assumed the rotating presidency of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). The CCNR defines the international regulations for free navigation on the Rhine and thus ensures, among other things, that ships can travel from Basel to Rotterdam or Antwerp or from there to Basel without restrictions or fees. Access to the largest European seaports, which is guaranteed under international law, is important for Switzerland's security of supply. In particular, the Swiss presidency will advocate the digitalisation, sustainability and safety of the critical infrastructure of Rhine navigation.

Federal Council programme announced for WEF Annual Meeting 2026

16.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) takes place in Davos next week, with four members of the Federal Council in attendance. President Guy Parmelin will open proceedings on Tuesday, 20 January, alongside the two interim co-chairs of the Board of Trustees, André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in Vienna

12.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna on 15 January 2026 to officially open Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In his capacity as chairman-in-office, Mr Cassis will present the focus, programme and special representatives of the Swiss chairpersonship. He will also meet with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, among others.

National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana

07.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
This coming Friday, 9 January, will be dedicated nationwide to remembering the victims of the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, showing solidarity with the injured and expressing sympathy for all those affected. On this day of mourning, President Guy Parmelin, together with Switzerland’s official religious communities, invites people across the country to observe a minute's silence and a moment of reflection. Church bells will ring throughout the country. A memorial service will take place in Martigny in the canton of Valais.

Federal Council freezes any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro

05.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 5 January 2026, the Federal Council decided to freeze any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolás Maduro and other persons associated with him with immediate effect. In doing so, the Federal Council aims to prevent an outflow of assets. The asset freeze does not affect members of the current Venezuelan government. Should future legal proceedings reveal that the funds were illicitly acquired, Switzerland will endeavour to ensure that they benefit the Venezuelan people. The asset freeze is in addition to the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018 under the Embargo Act.

Media (3589)

Co-operation in the interests of business, human rights and peace

11.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
Bern, 11 September 2012 – This year’s Annual Conference of the Human Security Division (HSD) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) focuses on the vision of an economy that creates prosperity for many and promotes both compliance with human rights and the interests of peace. About 500 people gathered in the “Kursaal” in Bern to listen to the contributions of representatives of the Swiss Confederation, private business, academia, international organisations and civil society on the theme of “Business, Human Rights and Peace”.

The SDC will increase its contribution to the Kantha Bopha hospitals from 2013

11.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Kantha Bopha hospitals in Cambodia celebrate the 20th anniversary of their foundation this year. Established in 1992 on the initiative of Dr Beat Richner, these paediatric hospitals make a major contribution to the improvement of the health of children and to public health generally in Cambodia. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has supported Dr Richner's work since 1994. In this anniversary year it has decided to raise its contribution by CHF 1 million, bringing the total of Switzerland's aid to CHF 4 million a year.

Visit to Rome by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

10.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter will pay an official working visit to Rome on 13 September. He will meet the Italian minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Giulio Terzi. Bilateral issues, in particular the fiscal dialogue and cross-border co-operation, will be discussed. Mr Burkhalter and Mr Terzi will also discuss European policy, multilateral and international questions.

Official visit of the President of Slovakia

10.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf received the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič in Bern on an official visit. President Gašparovič was accompanied by the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák, who met his opposite number Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter for a working meeting. Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met the Slovak Minister for Economic Affairs Tomáš Malatinský, who was also part of the official delegation.

Official Visit to Switzerland by UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi

10.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi is on an official visit to Switzerland from 10 to 12 September 2012. On Monday he held talks in Berne with State Secretary Yves Rossier, Director-General of the SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Martin Dahinden, Federal Council Delegate for Humanitarian Aid Manuel Bessler and various members of parliament. Switzerland has decided to pledge an additional one million Swiss francs in support of Palestinian refugees affected by the conflict in Syria.

Anniversary of Switzerland joining the UN: official visit by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (last modification, the 07.09.2012)

07.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will pay an official visit to Switzerland on 10 and 11 September, when Switzerland will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its membership of the United Nations. Mr Ban will meet the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mrs Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, and Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the FDFA. Mr Ban will also speak before the Federal Assembly. This is a rare event.

Raumtransporter Albert Einstein macht den ersten Schritt auf dem Weg zur Internationalen Raumstation ISS

07.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
Die europäischen Raumtransporter vom Typ ATV sind wichtige Bestandteile in der Versorgungslogistik der Internationalen Raumstation ISS. Diese Raumschiffe transportieren Güter für die Besatzung der Raumstation, wissenschaftliche Experimente, Wasser und Treibstoff und erlauben Orbitalmanöver. Der vierte in der Serie dieser geräumigen Transporter hat am 29. August die Integrationshallen der Firma Astrium GmbH in Bremen verlassen und befindet sich jetzt auf dem Weg zum Startgelände in Kourou, Französisch-Guayana. Die ESA hat ATV4 auf Vorschlag der Schweizer Delegation auf den Namen Albert Einstein getauft.

Switzerland presents the United Nations with an apiary to celebrate 10 years of UN membership

07.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
Ten years ago Switzerland became the 190th member state of the UN. To mark this milestone the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, will present UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, with a symbolic and original gift of an apiary to be set up in the grounds of Ariana Park, the UN headquarters in Geneva. The presentation will take place on Monday 10 September 2012.

Amendment to the Ordinance on measures against certain persons from the Arab Republic of Egypt

06.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has amended the annex to the Ordinance on measures against certain persons from the Arab Republic of Egypt. The amendment has been made in consultation with the Egyptian authorities and enters into force on 6 September 2012. The annex to the Ordinance now contains the names of 31 natural persons whose assets have been frozen in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance.

Visit to Paris of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

05.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter will visit Paris for an official working visit on Thursday 6 September. He will meet the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Laurent Fabius. During the working visit the two ministers will discuss bilateral, European and international matters. This will be the first official visit by Mr Burkhalter to Mr Laurent Fabius, an official meeting with Mr Alain Juppé took place at the beginning of the year. Meetings are also planned with the Minister of European Affairs Mr Bernard Cazeneuve and with the Secretary General of Francophonie, Mr Abdou Diouf.

20 years of Swiss membership of IMF and World Bank

04.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
On 7 and 8 September 2012 in Montreux, a meeting of the Swiss constituency in the IMF and World Bank will take place on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend for Switzerland. Membership of the Bretton Woods Institutions is of particular importance for an economically open country with a major financial centre like Switzerland.

Official visit to Bern by the Hungarian Foreign Minister János Martonyi

03.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today received his Hungarian counterpart Janos Martonyi for an official working visit at the Von Wattenwyl House in Bern. In addition to bilateral relations, the talks covered the European policy of both countries, aspects of multilateral cooperation, and current international issues.

Other news (151)

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.

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