Press releases

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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.

Storms in South Asia: Switzerland deploys specialists and equipment

04.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
For several weeks now, cyclones and torrential rain have been causing major damage in many countries in South and South-East Asia. The situation is particularly serious in Sri Lanka, which has launched an appeal for international aid. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is deploying specialists and equipment to meet needs in the region, particularly in the field of water and sanitation.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev

02.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 2 December 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Kazakh foreign minister, Yermek Kosherbayev, in Bern for an official visit. The talks centred on bilateral relations, regional cooperation in Central Asia and Switzerland's chairpersonship of the OSCE next year. The delegations also signed a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of the Blue Peace initiative.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Brazil

01.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 1 December 2025 FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received the Brazilian Secretary General of Foreign Affairs Maria Laura da Rocha in Bern for political consultations. Both delegations took the opportunity to discuss key topics – from sustainability, the economy and multilateralism to regional security policy issues. Brazil is Switzerland's biggest trading partner in Latin America.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna

01.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Vienna on 3-4 December 2025 to represent Switzerland at the annual Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the European security architecture, particularly the war in Ukraine. Switzerland, which will assume the OSCE chairpersonship in 2026, will reaffirm its priorities at the meeting.

Second evacuation of injured children from Gaza completed

28.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has completed its second humanitarian operation to evacuate injured children from the Gaza Strip. In collaboration with Norway, 13 children and 51 family members, who had previously travelled from Gaza to Jordan, were transported to Switzerland on Friday. They will be hosted by eight Swiss cantons, where they will receive medical treatment at various university and cantonal hospitals. They will also undergo an asylum procedure in Switzerland. As part of this humanitarian operation, Switzerland has evacuated a total of 20 injured children and 78 accompanying family members from Gaza.

Ambassador Sabrina Dallafior appointed Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

27.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 27 November 2025, the Conference of the States Parties to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) appointed Ambassador Sabrina Dallafior as Director-General. She will take up her new post on 25 July 2026. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) supported Sabrina Dallafior's candidacy and welcomes her appointment as the new OPCW Director-General.

Media (3577)

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.

Green Climate Fund: Initial meeting of Board in Geneva

17.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
From 23 to 25 August 2012 Geneva will be hosting the first meeting of the Green Climate Fund Board. The Fund has been set up to manage a part of the USD 100 billion that the global community intends to invest in climate measures in emerging and developing countries from 2020. Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard will be in Geneva on 23 August to welcome the Board. Switzerland is a candidate to host the Fund.

Swiss Annual Development Cooperation Conference – effectiveness at the centre of debate

17.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
Approximately 2,000 delegates attended this year’s Swiss Annual Development Cooperation Conference (SDC-SECO), which was held on Friday 17 August 2012 in Bern. Participating at this event for the first time in his capacity as head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFD), Didier Burkhalter highlighted the effectiveness and the importance of Switzerland’s commitment to support the most disadvantaged nations.

House of Switzerland: A successful Swiss presence at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London

12.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
Following the Summer Olympics closing ceremony the House of Switzerland UK 2012 yesterday closed its doors. An initial assessment of the three weeks spent by the Thames is positive: the total number of visitors enjoying a multi-faceted, creative and entertaining Swiss presence amounted to some 255’000 people. Furthermore, the House was a popular meeting point for the Swiss athletes.

Official visits by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to Lebanon, Cyprus and the United Kingdom

26.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter is paying an official visit to Lebanon on 27 and 28 July 2012. The head of the FDFA intends to express Switzerland's support to this country, which is being directly affected by the crisis in Syria. He also seeks to obtain a picture of the humanitarian situation in the region. He will then proceed to Cyprus, which recently assumed the presidency of the EU, after which he will travel to the United Kingdom. In both these countries he will be outlining Switzerland's European policy.

Attack in Burgas (Bulgaria) – Statement of the FDFA

23.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA condemns the attack on a bus carrying Israeli tourists in the Bulgarian city of Burgas on Wednesday that killed at least six people.

House of Switzerland: the Swiss “Red Zone” at the Olympic Games in London is open

20.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss guest house opens its doors a week before the Olympic Games begin in London. As part of a celebratory ceremony, the House of Switzerland officially opens on the bank of the Thames on 20 July 2012. Over the coming 24 days, the House of Switzerland will offer Swiss athletes an oasis of calm in the middle of London and entertain the public with a varied programme of Swiss music, culture, art and culinary specialities. Swiss athletes, journalists, politicians and business people can use the House of Switzerland as a meeting place to hold discussions and make contacts.

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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