Press releases

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Seagoing vessels flying the Swiss flag: Federal Council relaxes regulations

09.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
The hurdles for registering a ship under the Swiss flag are high. To enable more ships to sail under the Swiss flag, the Federal Council relaxed the registration requirements at its meeting on 27 September 2024. The corresponding ordinances have been amended, as part of the planned revision of maritime shipping legislation.

Federal Council proposes to allocate CHF 7 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon and Syria

09.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
In view of the humanitarian impact of the escalating violence in the Middle East, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 9 October 2024 to allocate an additional CHF 7 million in aid for Lebanon and Syria. This sum will be taken from the funds set aside for emergency aid by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). In line with Parliament's decision in December 2023, the foreign affairs committees will be consulted on this decision. These funds are in addition to the CHF 79 million allocated for humanitarian operations in the Middle East in 2024.

Humanitarian demining in Ukraine: Federal Council reinforces cooperation with the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD)

09.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss government is to provide CHF 30 million to support the work of the Geneva-based Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD) in Ukraine until 2027. The decision, which was made at the Federal Council's meeting on 9 October 2024, underscores the importance of humanitarian demining in Ukraine's reconstruction.

Successful election: Switzerland to take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–27 term

09.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland was elected today to the UN Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York with 175 votes. It will serve as a member of the UN's most important intergovernmental human rights body for three years starting in early 2025.

Democratising access to tomorrow's scientific breakthroughs

08.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation, co-founded by the Swiss Confederation, will hold its fourth summit from 9 to 11 October in Geneva, in presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The high-level political segment, focused on anticipatory science diplomacy, will centre on the theme of ensuring widespread access to the groundbreaking scientific advances that will shape our future.

Switzerland delivers 30 rubble-clearing machines and 30 fire pumps to Ukraine

04.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is organising a new shipment of equipment for Ukraine. This includes machines to clear rubble and debris, as well as firefighting equipment, which will be handed over to Ukraine's civil protection agency.The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA will finance and coordinate the transport. The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) has donated the equipment, valued at CHF 5.6 million.

Second Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council

01.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Today, Switzerland has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. During its presidency in October, Switzerland will place its priorities at the centre of the Security Council's work, in particular promoting sustainable peace and protecting civilians –Swiss President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be traveling to New York for this purpose.

Federal Council requests CHF 13 million for humanitarian aid in Middle East

27.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council took a decision concerning the final instalment of the credit for humanitarian operations in the Middle East. A total of CHF 13 million will be used to support national and international organisations working in the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been instructed to consult the foreign affairs committees. In this context, the FDFA informed the Federal Council about how it intends to implement Parliament's decision to reduce the humanitarian credit for 2024. The Federal Council reiterates its call for a diplomatic solution that upholds international humanitarian law and leads to de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.

Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd at the UN Security Council

25.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the UN Security Council, open debate ‘Leadership for Peace’, New York, Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

SDG Flag Day in Lugano: Cities play a key role in implementing sustainable development goals

25.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
Since 2019, SDG Flag Day has been held every year on 25 September on the initiative of the business community (via the UN Global Compact). Schools, communes, organisations, companies and governments fly flags to symbolically express their support for the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the SDG Flag Day event in Lugano, the two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi and Daniel Dubas, emphasised the key role of cities in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

President Amherd emphasises Switzerland’s commitment to peace and calls for strengthening of multilateralism in New York

24.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
In her speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 24 September, President Viola Amherd focused on peacebuilding and international humanitarian law. She emphasised Switzerland's commitment to strong and effective multilateralism.

Switzerland hosts Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 in Lausanne

16.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 17 and 18 October 2024, the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) will be held at the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne. The aim of the conference, which is being co-organised with Ukraine, is to highlight the critical importance of humanitarian demining as part of the country's social and economic recovery. The conference by Lake Geneva will bring together representatives from governments, international organisations, humanitarian demining and civil society.

Media (3358)

Official working visit by the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou

09.04.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Markos Kyprianou, has made an official working visit to Bern today for talks with his counterpart, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey.

Earthquake in Italy: Switzerland offered assistance

06.04.2009 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has offered to provide immediate aid to the victims of a violent earthquake which struck the Abruzzo region in central Italy early this morning.

Switzerland takes part in the second Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations

03.04.2009 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will take part in the second Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, which will be held in Istanbul from 6-7 April 2009. For Switzerland, this decision is an expression of its commitment to promote the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and religions. The Swiss delegation will be led by Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey.

Humanitarian appeal

01.04.2009 — Press releases EDA

Switzerland participates in the Hague Conference on Afghanistan

31.03.2009 — Press releases EDA
By its civil activity on behalf of the Afghani population and institutions, Switzerland is participating in the efforts of the international community in Afghanistan. Martin Dahinden Director of the SDC confirmed this commitment by Switzerland during the conference held in the Hague today 31 March 2009 at the joint invitation of Afghanistan, the Netherlands and the UN.

Annual Conference 2009 of the Humanitarian Aid and the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit SHA

27.03.2009 — Press releases EDA
On the occasion of the 2009 edition of the Annual Conference, dedicated to the theme of “Save lives – alleviate suffering”, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit SHA presented a global survey of the situations requiring their intervention. In essence, their mission is to provide relief to those suffering in the wake of natural disasters and armed conflict.

Visit to Switzerland by the Polish Foreign Minister

26.03.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslav Sikorski, was in Switzerland today for an official visit to hold talks with Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey. The day’s programme included a visit to the Polish Museum in Rapperswil.

Growth in Switzerland’s Official Development Assistance in 2008

25.03.2009 — Press releases EDA

Human rights dialogue between Switzerland and Vietnam

23.03.2009 — Press releases EDA
From 13 to 18 March, a Swiss delegation visited Vietnam in the framework of the seventh round of dialogue on human rights and international organisations. The delegation visited ministeries and spoke to representatives of the Vietnamese communist party and of civil society.

3C Conference 2009: promoting security, development and peace in fragile states

19.03.2009 — Press releases EDA
Representatives from the UN, the OECD, the World Bank, and NATO meet in Geneva at a conference hosted by the Government of Switzerland on March 19-20, 2009. This “3C” Conference, standing for coherent, coordinated, and complementary, brings together for the first time some 250 decision-makers from 40 countries – representing such areas as foreign affairs, security, development cooperation, finance, trade, justice, and law enforcement – to discuss ways to achieve security, development, and peace objectives in fragile states. Using lessons learnt in Afghanistan, Haiti, Liberia and Sudan, conference participants will discuss the benefits, challenges and operational requirements of a coherent, coordinated and complementary (3C) approach among the various actors.

Demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem

19.03.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is seriously concerned by the possible destruction of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem near the Old Town. It calls on the Israeli government to comply with its obligations in international law and not to go ahead with the planned demolitions.

Visit to Bern by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

16.03.2009 — Press releases EDA
Mr Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, paid an official visit to the federal authorities in Bern on 16 March 2009.

Other news (300)

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

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

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.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

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.

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