Press releases

All news (3665)

Meeting with Ukraine's prime minister

28.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation, hosted Yuliia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, for a courtesy visit on 28 August 2025 in Bern. The talks focused on the peace process and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Swiss diplomats meet in Bern to discuss foreign policy challenges

18.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Ambassadors and International Network Conference will take place from 18 to 22 August 2025 in Bern. This unique platform enables diplomats to exchange views on the geopolitical context and to engage with one another directly on Swiss domestic policy. The vice-president of Italy's Council of Ministers and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Antonio Tajani, has been invited by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend the event.

Wildfires in Montenegro: Switzerland deploys emergency support mission

15.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
After Montenegro was hit by violent forest fires threatening the capital Podgorica and several other regions, Switzerland has deployed an emergency mission under the auspices of the FDFA with the support of the Geneva fire and rescue service. The aim of the mission is to support the local authorities in their fight against the blazes and strengthen the resources already mobilised.

Humanitarian crisis in Sudan: the FDFA steps up its emergency aid

15.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is deteriorating rapidly, with famine affecting the population of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP). In response to this crisis, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is allocatig CHF 4 million from its budget to the UN's Sudan Humanitarian Fund.

Sanctions: Federal Council extends humanitarian exemptions

13.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council is strengthening measures to protect humanitarian activities in numerous sanctions ordinances. Among other things, it is introducing humanitarian exemptions in line with UN sanctions. At the same time, it has standardised and clarified various financial regulations. The amendments will enter into force on 15 September.

Official meeting between Head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Locarno Film Festival

11.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Secretary David Lammy made an official visit to Locarno, his first to Switzerland. The meeting between the two foreign ministers served as an opportunity to discuss the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as a number of topical issues in European and international affairs. They then attended Diplomacy Day, a long-standing event at the Locarno Film Festival.

UN conference on the Middle East: Switzerland calls emphatically for diplomatic steps towards a two-state solution

30.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the UN conference on the two-state solution which took place from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, Switzerland called for respect for international humanitarian law by all parties, including the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages, an immediate and lasting ceasefire and serious diplomatic efforts to implement the two-state solution. Around 120 states attended the conference.

Switzerland to take part in high-level conference on Middle East and two-state solution

25.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair the high-level international conference to promote a lasting peace in the Middle East and the implementation of the two-state solution. The conference will be held from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, under the auspices of the United Nations. Switzerland will be taking part alongside numerous international partners.

UN Sustainable Development Goals: Switzerland calls on all stakeholders to step up cooperation

18.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
This year's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is taking place from 14 to 23 July 2025 at the UN headquarters in New York. The Swiss delegation is being led by Markus Reubi, the Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda at the FDFA and will focus on economic growth and decent work.

State Secretary for Security Policy to travel to Chisinau for security policy dialogue with Moldova

17.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will hold talks on current security policy developments and bilateral cooperation with his counterparts in Chisinau (Moldova) from 17 to 18 July.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Conference: global security and bilateral relations at centre of talks

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 10 and 11 July, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. His participation underlines South East Asia's growing economic importance to Switzerland. Mr Cassis used the platform to discuss economic ties, bilateral relations and global challenges with his counterparts from Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. For the first time, he also met the new Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on the margins of the conference.

Victims of National Socialism: Call for proposals to design the memorial in Bern

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
In April 2023, the Federal Council decided to establish a memorial in the centre of Bern for the victims of National Socialism. The Federal Council considers it vital to keep alive the memory of the consequences of National Socialism, as well as the fate of the six million Jews and all other victims of the Nazi regime. On the recommendation of the communal parliament of the City of Bern, the Casinoterrasse near the Federal Parliament was selected as the location for the site of remembrance. A call is now being organised to gather proposals for the its creation from multidisciplinary teams in the fields of art, architecture and history.

Media (3514)

Swiss chairship of International IDEA calls for focused action to strengthen resilience of democracies

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is chairing the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in 2025. At the meeting of the organisation's Council of Member States, the current chair of International IDEA and Swiss ambassador to Sweden, Adrian Junker, called for focused action to promote democracy worldwide and thus counter the growing pressure on democratic systems. International IDEA was founded in 1995 to bolster democracies around the globe. The council meeting in Stockholm to mark the organisation's 30th anniversary was chaired by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), who reaffirmed Switzerland's ongoing commitment to promoting the resilience of democratic systems.

Visite du Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis au Proche Orient : la Suisse réaffirme son engagement en faveur du droit international humanitaire et d’une paix durable

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Le Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE), a effectué les 10 et 11 juin une visite officielle en Israël et dans le Territoire palestinien occupé. Cette visite s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’engagement de la Suisse pour le dialogue, le respect du droit international humanitaire et la recherche d’une paix durable au Proche-Orient.

Ignazio Cassis visits Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

11.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be in the Middle East on 10 and 11 June 2025 for official visits to the Palestinian and Israeli authorities. The trip is part of Switzerland's ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, peace and respect for international humanitarian law in the region.

Humanitarian aid: Switzerland releases CHF 28 million in response to global emergency

05.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Within days of announcing that CHF 20 million had been earmarked for the crisis in the Middle East, Switzerland is releasing CHF 28 million in response to humanitarian emergencies in other parts of the world. Roughly 50% will be used for ICRC operations in Africa. The SDC has therefore disbursed practically all of its emergency funds for 2025. This decision was taken in response to growing humanitarian needs around the world.

Natural hazards: Ignazio Cassis officially opens Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva

03.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, has officially opened the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) in Geneva. This international conference, organised under the aegis of the United Nations, is the leading forum for discussing global progress in disaster reduction and sharing new knowledge in this area. Natural hazards are a highly topical issue that affects countries around the world to varying degrees, significantly impacting affected populations and the economy.

Ignazio Cassis presents Swiss policy of good offices in Hong Kong

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, was in Hong Kong today at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, to attend the launch of the International Organization for Mediation. The event brought together some 50 states, including several represented at ministerial level. Mr Cassis gave a speech outlining Switzerland's approach to mediation.

Situation in Gaza: Federal Council calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 May 2025, the Federal Council once again discussed the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas and made a full assessment of the situation. It is deeply dismayed at the unbearable human suffering and calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire. A week ago, the Federal Council allocated CHF 10 million to humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territory. At the same time, Switzerland continues to work internationally for a political solution to the conflict.

Ignazio Cassis attending new mediation forum in Hong Kong on 30 May 2025

27.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Hong Kong on 30 May at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Mr Cassis, head of the FDFA, is to attend a mediation forum which will bring together some 60 countries. The event coincides with China's launch of the International Organization for Mediation.

Lugano proposed as venue for meeting of OSCE Ministerial Council

23.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was welcomed by a plenary session of the Cantonal Council of Ticino today as part of their regular political dialogue. The council's chosen venue, the Mezzana Cantonal Agricultural Organisation, is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. Discussions focused on topics of mutual interest, including the promotion of Italian language and culture, cross-border relations, and more international matters such as relations with the EU and current geopolitical challenges. Mr Cassis also informed the Cantonal Council of the FDFA's intention to hold the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano.

Federal Council allocates CHF 20 million to occupied Palestinian territory and to UNRWA in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council decided to grant CHF 9 million to four humanitarian organisations to support Palestinians affected by the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory. A further CHF 10 million will be allocated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its programme in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. CHF 1 million will also be earmarked to implement the Colonna report's recommendations for reinforcing UNRWA's impartiality.

Federal Council sets priorities for Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council set the thematic priorities for Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026. These will be definitively adopted following consultation with the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and the Council of States. The Federal Council also approved the budget for organising the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which will be held in Switzerland in December 2026.

Swiss–EU package: chief negotiators initial agreements

21.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
The chief negotiators of Switzerland and the EU, Patric Franzen and Richard Szostak, and the Swiss co-negotiators from the relevant federal offices initialled the agreements of the Switzerland–EU package in Bern on 21 May 2025. The initialling formally concluded the negotiation process with the EU. The Federal Council will decide before the summer whether to approve the agreements and open the consultation process, and publish the texts.

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.

FDFA

News

Press releases

Press releases

All news (3665)

Media (3514)

Other news (151)

Links

Information for the media

Contact