Press releases

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Presentation of credentials

18.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

17.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Georgia, Mr Shota Getsadze; of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr Daovy Vongxay (with residence in Geneva); of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Ivan Trifunović; and of the Republic of Guatemala, Mr Rubén Estuardo Nájera Contreras (with residence in Paris) were received by President Karin Keller-Sutter at the Federal Palace on 17 June 2025 for the presentation of their credentials.

OECD publishes development cooperation peer review on Switzerland

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 June 2025, the OECD published its latest development cooperation peer review on Switzerland. The peer review takes place as part of a regular review process that the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) undergo every six years. The report recognises the continuous development of Swiss international cooperation and formulates recommendations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, today received the Serbian foreign minister, Marko Đurić, in Bern for an official working visit. Talks focused on bilateral relations, developments in the Western Balkans, the situation in the Middle East, the war against Ukraine and Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship next year.

Swiss–EU package: Federal Council approves agreements and opens consultation process

13.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements in the new package to stabilise and develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process. After Switzerland brought the negotiations with the EU to a successful close in December 2024, the Federal Council finalised the implementing legislation and accompanying measures. Previously unresolved issues concerning wage protection, immigration, electricity and the type of referendum to be held have since been settled and presented to the public over the last five months. The consultation process will last until 31 October 2025. With this package, the Federal Council is aiming for customised sectoral participation in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas. Given the current global unrest, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is key.

UN Ocean Conference – Switzerland calls for global cooperation

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. The summit, which was co-organised by France and Costa Rica, aims to advance action and mobilise all stakeholders on the conservation and sustainable use of the world's oceans. The Swiss delegation is being led by Ambassador Alexandra Baumann, head of the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division.

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.

Media (3484)

Eastern Ukraine: Federal Council condemns Russian action in violation of international law

23.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine at its meeting of 23 February 2022. It condemns Russia's recognition of two regions as independent states as a violation of international law and a breach of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Federal Council wishes to ensure that Switzerland will not be used as a platform to circumvent sanctions imposed by the EU and is therefore examining the sanctions closely.

A suitcase of Romansh ideas delivered to the Federal Palace

21.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
21 February 2022 marks the start of Romansh Language Week ('Emna rumantscha'), an initiative launched last year by the FDFA in cooperation with the Canton of Graubünden and the Lia Rumantscha. Young people remain at its heart: this year, the Swiss president, Ignazio Cassis, has invited a group of secondary school pupils from Scuol and Savognin to Bern to inaugurate the second edition of the event together with Jon Domenic Parolini, member of the Cantonal Council of Graubünden. The school delegation has arrived with a suitcase full of ideas for promoting the Romansh language and culture in Switzerland and for making them known abroad.

Swiss-Belarusian citizen Natallia Hersche released from prison

18.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
Natallia Hersche was released from Mogilev Prison earlier today, after almost a year and a half in Belarusian prisons. She was met by Swiss ambassador Christine Honegger Zolotukhin and will arrive in Switzerland later today.

Federal Council commissions maritime strategy

16.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting of 16 February 2022, the Federal Council mandated the FDFA to draw up a comprehensive maritime strategy in cooperation with the departments concerned and in consultation with the business community, the scientific community and the social partners. The strategy is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of Switzerland's interests in the maritime sector and to set out benchmarks, goals and measures. Accordingly, draft legislation on international shipping under the Swiss flag is to be drawn up in order to enhance the long-term effectiveness of Swiss legislation in this area and make Swiss shipping more competitive and sustainable.

Federal Council adopts Americas Strategy

16.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
Like Switzerland's interests, the background to the policy towards the countries of the Americas differs in each of the continent's regions. That is why the Federal Council has set various geographical priorities in this strategy, for each of which it has defined objectives and measures tailored to the specific situation. This strategy, adopted by the Federal Council at its meeting of 16 February 2022, seeks a coherent approach towards the countries of the Americas.

Sicherheitslage in der Ukraine: EDA rät von nicht dringenden Reisen ab

14.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
Mit grosser Sorge beobachtet die Schweiz die zunehmenden Spannungen an der ukrainischen Grenze sowie die Gefahr einer militärischen Eskalation. Sie hat entsprechende Sicherheitsmassnahmen getroffen. Die Lageentwicklung wird laufend und umfassend analysiert.

Close Swiss-Austrian relations reaffirmed: President of the Swiss Confederation Cassis receives Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in Zofingen

14.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
Today, Monday 14 February 2022, Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer began his first official visit to Switzerland, where he was welcomed by President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis. Switzerland's Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter also took part in the official talks and the joint lunch. The chancellor's visit marks the third high-level Swiss-Austrian meeting this year and demonstrates the neighbouring countries' desire to further strengthen their relations. The visit took place in Canton Aargau's town Zofingen – a symbol of the historical ties between the two states.

Niger – President Cassis deepens bilateral relations and pays tribute to ICRC partnership

09.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
Deepening bilateral relations, international cooperation and Switzerland's partnership with the ICRC: these were the key focus areas of Ignazio Cassis's visit to Niger from 7 to 9 February. The president of the ICRC, Peter Maurer, and the president of the National Council, Irène Kälin, accompanied the Swiss president on his visit.

Cyclone Batsirai hits Madagascar: Switzerland deploys specialists and equipment

07.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
Ten days after being battered by a tropical storm, Madagascar is facing a new disaster. Cyclone Batsirai, which made landfall on Saturday evening, has caused major damage. After powerful winds, with gusts exceeding 200 km/h, torrential rains flooded many parts of the country. Switzerland is deploying specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, as well as equipment for clean drinking water and to help reduce the risk of the spread of water-borne diseases.

President Ignazio Cassis, National Council President Irène Kälin and ICRC President Peter Maurer visit Niger

04.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
From 7 to 9 February 2022, Ignazio Cassis will travel to the West African country of Niger, which experienced the first democratic transfer of power in its history in 2021. He will be accompanied by the president of the National Council, Irène Kälin, and the Swiss delegation will be joined in Niger by the president of the ICRC, Peter Maurer. In his presidential year, Mr Cassis is placing an emphasis on Switzerland’s close cooperation with the ICRC.

Meeting of the Joint Swiss–EU Committee for Research and Innovation

04.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
On 4 February, the 26th meeting of the Joint Committee for Research and Innovation took place between Switzerland and the EU/Euratom. The meeting focused on Switzerland's association to Horizon 2020, the Euratom Programme, and its participation in the construction of the international fusion reactor ITER. Highlighted at the meeting was Switzerland's significant contribution to the success of these programmes and projects and their positive impact.

Innovative impetus for greater security: Federal Council adopts Arms Control and Disarmament Strategy 2022–25

02.02.2022 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting of 2 February 2022, the Federal Council adopted its first ever arms control and disarmament strategy. The strategy sets out goals and measures in five areas of action for the period running from 2022 to 2025. Current developments in Eastern Europe and Asia demonstrate how high security-related tensions currently are. This makes Switzerland's commitment to peace and security even more important. Disarmament and arms control is an important instrument in this context. The opportunities and risks entailed by new technological developments are becoming more significant. The strategy places a particular emphasis on the development of norms concerning autonomous weapons, cyberspace and outer space.

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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