Press releases

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Sécurité et coopération multilatérale dans un monde en mutation au cœur des entretiens du conseiller fédéral Cassis au WEF

22.01.2026 — Press releases EDA
À l’occasion de sa présence au World Economic Forum (WEF) à Davos, le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE), a placé au centre de ses échanges la sécurité et la stabilité en Europe et au Moyen Orient, la coopération multilatérale ainsi que la présidence suisse de l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en 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.

Federal Council adopts Consular Strategy 2026–29

19.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 19 December 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Consular Strategy 2026–29. In a world undergoing profound change, marked by the return of war to Europe, the erosion of the multilateral order and the fragmentation of alliances, consular action is taking on new importance. Whether it be assistance for Swiss nationals, administrative services or visa processing, consular action remains a key lever of Switzerland's presence abroad. By adopting its Consular Strategy the Federal Council aims to provide a coherent, structured and forward-looking response to the challenges facing this area of Swiss foreign policy and continue to offer Swiss citizens simple, easily accessible and reliable administrative services.

Switzerland concludes two new status agreements with organisations active in International Geneva

18.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has concluded privileges and immunities agreements with the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd) and Justice Rapid Response (JRR). In signing these agreements, Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting International Geneva and strengthening its role as a global centre for peace, justice and human rights.

Switzerland signs Convention establishing International Claims Commission for Ukraine

16.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has signed the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The Commission will review, assess and decide on claims resulting from damage caused by Russia in Ukraine. It will also determine the amount of compensation due in each case.

Federal Council adopts Digital Switzerland Strategy 2026

12.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 12 December, the Federal Council adopted the updated Digital Switzerland Strategy for 2026 and selected the new focus themes. The focus themes for next year are: digital sovereignty, digital host state and the introduction of the e-ID. This reflects the current priorities.

Programme of Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026

08.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
With less than a month to go before it assumes the chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Switzerland is setting out the programme and priorities that will guide its actions in 2026. The aim will be to contribute to European security and the strengthening of inclusive multilateralism, in line with the Swiss tradition of neutrality, dialogue promotion and conflict prevention. International conferences hosted in Switzerland will also take place during its year in office, offering opportunities for dialogue on the major challenges of our time.

Draft negotiating mandate for a trade agreement with the USA

05.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 5 December, the Federal Council approved a draft negotiating mandate for a trade agreement with the USA. The parliamentary foreign affairs committees and the cantons will now be consulted on the draft. The main aim of the upcoming negotiations is to consolidate the tariff relief for Swiss goods imported into the USA; this tariff relief was reached as part of the joint statement of 14 November.

Media (3583)

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.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter receives Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders for political talks

31.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will meet his Belgian counterpart next Tuesday in Neuchatel for working talks on bilateral, european and international topics. The Belgian Foreign Minister will also pay a courtesy visit to President of the Confederation Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. On Monday he will present members of the State Council of the Canton Valais and of the Town Council of Sierre with an award in recognition of their activity following the coach accident in March.

Official visit of Guatemalan Foreign Minister Harold Caballeros in Bern (last modification, the 27.08.2012)

27.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
On 27 August 2012, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Guatemalan Foreign Minister Harold Caballeros for an official working visit in Bern. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral matters, including the projects Switzerland is supporting in Guatemala, as well as current international issues.

Opening of the 2012 Ambassadors and International Network Conference

22.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
The 2012 Ambassadors and International Network Conference was opened in Bern with a speech by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. The three-day event, which is entitled "Die Schweiz in der Welt - Vision 2022: ein Jahrzehnt gestalten" [Switzerland's role in the world – Vision 2022: shaping a decade], will address the possible development of foreign policy in the next ten years A number of different scenarios and challenges will be discussed in plenary sessions and by working groups.

The Federal Council seeks to better protect the Marine Environment

22.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council seeks to contribute to enhancing the protection of the marine environment. On Wednesday, it adopted a draft Federal Decree on the approval of four conventions under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (OMI). The Federal Council also proposes a modification of the Federal Act on Navigation under the Swiss Flag so as to be able to autonomously adhere to maritime conventions in the future. The relevant Message will be transmitted to Parliament.

Quadripartite Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Vaduz

20.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Didier Burkhalter will travel to Vaduz on Wednesday for a working meeting with his Liechtenstein, German, and Austrian counterparts. The focus of the meeting between Mr. Didier Burkhalter, Ms. Aurelia Frick, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Mr. Guido Westerwelle, German Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Austria will primarily be on political, economic, and cultural issues.

40 Tonnes of Relief Supplies sent to Iran

18.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
On Saturday, Swiss Humanitarian Aid dispatched 40 tonnes of emergency relief materials to the earthquake region in north-western Iran. Among other items, the air shipment comprised 200 tents, 200 tent insulation accessories, 200 heaters, 2000 blankets, and basic medical supplies calculated to serve the needs of 10,000 persons for a three month period. The air freight shipment was expected to land on Saturday evening in Tabriz.

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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