Press releases

Federal Council reaffirms support for three international humanitarian organisations

16.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 16 April 2025, the Federal Council decided to allocate a total of almost CHF 250 million to support the operations of Switzerland's three main humanitarian partners for 2025 and 2026. The funding will benefit the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is thus reaffirming its support for key humanitarian organisations that provide urgently needed assistance worldwide.

'From Heidi to High Tech': the Swiss pavilion opens its doors at Osaka World Expo 2025

13.04.2025 — Press releases EDA

The Swiss pavilion was inaugurated on Sunday 13 April in the presence of the president of the National Council, Maja Riniker. An immersive exhibition entitled 'From Heidi to High Tech' showcases Switzerland's diversity and outstanding features: from its iconic Alpine heritage to its status as a world centre for innovation and cutting-edge technology. Presence Switzerland, which is part of the FDFA General Secretariat, is responsible for Switzerland's presence in Osaka. FDFA General Secretary Markus Seiler also attended the inauguration of the World Expo in Osaka, representing the FDFA.

Switzerland–EU: Federal Council approves EU Programmes Agreement

10.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved the EU Programmes Agreement (EUPA) along with the associated protocols on education, research, innovation and health. It also authorised Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to sign the agreement. Signature of the EUPA will enable Swiss association in Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme to be applied retroactively from 1 January 2025. The agreement will come into effect following ratification of the Switzerland-EU package

Federal Council reaffirms its support for UNDP

09.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF 31.8 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CHF 2 million to the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), thereby reaffirming Switzerland's support for sustainable development, the fight against poverty and multilateralism. The UNDP and UNCDF play a key role in implementing the 2030 Agenda, supporting governments in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Swiss–US relations: Federal Council establishes steering body

09.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council took the decision to set up a project structure responsible for steering Swiss–US relations. The body, which will be led by the head of the FDFA, will operate until the end of 2025 and involve all departments.

Ignazio Cassis to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum

08.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which will be held in Turkey from 11 to 13 April. Mr Cassis will have discussions on geopolitical challenges during the forum, including a meeting with the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. Prior to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Mr Cassis will visit the Turkish capital Ankara to attend an event marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship between Switzerland and Turkey.

Switzerland gains ground in promoting its human rights priorities

04.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
After six weeks of work, the first session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) chaired by a Swiss national has drawn to a close at the UN in Geneva. Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber led the deliberations of the 58th session of the HRC, during which the 47 member states, including Switzerland, discussed several critical global challenges, including those in Ukraine, the Middle East and Syria. On the latter, steps on a possible path towards peace and stability were taken. Efforts to abolish the death penalty – one of Switzerland's priorities – also continued to make headway.

Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva: Switzerland calls for joint efforts by all actors to achieve goals of 2030 Agenda

03.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
How can we move forward with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in a time dominated by crises and conflict? This was the focus of the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development on 2 and 3 April 2025. As explained by the head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda Markus Reubi, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be implemented if all actors work together. This includes states, regions, cities, civil society, and the academic and business communities.

Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes

02.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 2 April, the chief negotiators from Switzerland and the European Union initialled an agreement in Brussels on Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes. The agreement comes into force once the overall Switzerland-EU package has been ratified, but could already be applied provisionally after the signing, which is due to take place in November.

Earthquake in Myanmar: FDFA releases CHF 2.5 million and steps up its support

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
The number of dead and injured continues to rise following the earthquake in Myanmar. The disaster has worsened an already precarious humanitarian situation, exacerbated by an armed conflict that has lasted several years. To meet these new needs, Switzerland is releasing CHF 2.5 million and is making specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) available to UN agencies.

Working meeting between Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger

01.04.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Bern on Tuesday. This is the first visit to Switzerland by Austria's new minister for European and international affairs. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, European policy and security, and current international affairs.

Humanitarian office in Kabul opens

31.03.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is once again represented in Afghanistan. A team of experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) has opened a Swiss humanitarian office in Kabul. This local presence will facilitate targeted support for the Afghan population in need. The humanitarian office is using the premises of the former Swiss cooperation office that was closed after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

State visit by the Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev on 21 and 22 September 2009

14.09.2009 — Press releases EDA
The President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry A. Medvedev and his spouse Svetlana V. Medvedeva, will make a state visit to Switzerland on 21 and 22 September 2009.

International Bioterrorism Response Coordination Exercise (Black Ice II)

09.09.2009 — Press releases EDA
On September 7-8, 2009, the United States Government and the Government of Switzerland co-hosted an International Bioterrorism Response Coordination Exercise (called “Black ICE II”) in Montreux, Switzerland. This two-day tabletop exercise was an opportunity for officials from numerous international and regional organizations and national governments to examine the critical cooperation and coordination issues that would be necessary to respond to an international bioterrorism attack. Black ICE II built on the lessons learned through the original Black ICE exercise, also held in Montreux, in September 2006.

Switzerland accredits an ambassador to ASEAN

04.09.2009 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland today accredited an ambassador to ASEAN, the South-East Asian community of states. The Swiss ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Bernardino Regazzoni, handed over his accreditation papers to ASEAN General Secretary Dr. Surin Pitsuwan on 4 September 2009.

Meeting between the head of the FDFA and Kofi Annan

03.09.2009 — Press releases EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey received the former UN Secretary-General and Nobel peace prize winner, Kofi Annan, for talks in Bern.

World Climate Conference-3 Establishes a Global Framework on Climate Services

03.09.2009 — Press releases EDA
World Climate Conference-3 (WCC-3), which has brought together from 31 August to 4 September 2009, in Geneva, Switzerland, more than 2000 climate scientists, sectoral experts and decision-makers today established a Global Framework for Climate Services "to strengthen production, availability, delivery and application of science-based climate prediction and services."

Press release by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey

01.09.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols – the “Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations” and the “Protocol on the development of bilateral relations” – which have been initialled in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.

WCC-3: Working to make climate services available to all

31.08.2009 — Press releases EDA
Experts and politicians from around the world are meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, this week to ensure that the current and future generations have access to the climate predictions and information necessary for various socio-economic sectors to cope with climate variability and change. This will be done in particular by identifying the key components required for a Global Framework for Climate Services.

Switzerland – Libya: Federal Council designates arbitrator for arbitral tribuna

30.08.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Implementation of the agreement between Switzerland and Libya is following its course in time. As a next step, both countries must establish an arbitral tribunal and designate each an independent third country personality. The Federal Council has designated the British lawyer Elizabeth Wilmshurst as arbitrator.

Annual Development Cooperation Conference: Climate Protection and Development belong together

21.08.2009 — Press releases EDA
Climate change particularly impacts the countries in the South, jeopardizing the progress made in development over the past years. How can climate protection be reconciled with the right to development? This was the question addressed at the Annual Development Conference organized by the SDC and SECO on the theme of “Climate Protection and Development”, which took place on 21 August in Zurich. Some 2500 persons attended the Annual Conference which featured Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, SDC Director-General Martin Dahinden, the Peruvian Minister of Environment Antonio Brack, as well as numerous speakers from both Switzerland and abroad.

UBS: New Treaty Request Instead Of Unilateral Action

19.08.2009 — Press releases EDA
Agreement between Switzerland and the USA enters into force In the UBS case, the United States will submit a new treaty request to Switzerland and will withdraw the John Doe summons that demands disclosure of the identity of 52,000 UBS account-holders. In return, Switzerland has undertaken to process the new treaty request, concerning approx. 4,450 accounts, within a year. These are the terms of the agreement between Switzerland and the USA to settle the looming conflict between the two nations' legal systems.

50 Years of Development Cooperation in Nepal - Opening of an Embassy in Kathmandu

17.08.2009 — Press releases EDA
On 17 August, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Swiss development cooperation with Nepal took place in Kathmandu. The event coincided with the festive opening of a Swiss Embassy in the presence of the Nepal’s Premier Minister Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal and Foreign Minister Ms. Sujata Koirola.

US civil proceedings against UBS: Switzerland and USA agree in principle

12.08.2009 — Press releases EDA
The US civil proceedings against UBS are to be settled out of court after Switzerland and the USA reached an Agreement in Principle on Friday.

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.