Press release

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets with Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for talks in Bellinzona

06.08.2022 — Press release EDA
The talks between President Cassis and Prime Minister Kallas focused not only on bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine, but also on European policy. The use of new technologies in foreign policy was also discussed.

The danger of nuclear weapons: President Cassis calls for concrete measures in New York

02.08.2022 — Press release EDA
President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis took part on 2 August 2022 in the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York. In his speech, Mr Cassis emphasised that Russia's nuclear threats illustrated the need for a package of measures to reduce nuclear risks. Recent developments in Ukraine have also shown that civilian nuclear facilities must be protected in situations of armed conflict. Switzerland thus wants to ensure nuclear safety and security and give new impetus to nuclear disarmament. The Conference will end on 26 August.

Digitalisation, UN Security Council, bilateral relations: State Secretary Livia Leu holds political consultations in India

02.08.2022 — Press release EDA
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met with Indian Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma in New Delhi on 2 August for political consultations on bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation and current foreign policy issues. India is one of the priority countries of Swiss foreign policy and Switzerland has close economic and scientific ties with the South Asian country.

President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis travels to New York for NPT review conference

29.07.2022 — Press release EDA
The 191 states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will meet in New York from 1 to 26 August 2022 for a review conference. President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis will attend the conference on 2 August 2022. The NPT is the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament, a process that has recently stalled due to increasing challenges. At the conference in New York, Switzerland will work to achieve concrete results that enable decisive action on nuclear disarmament.

Switzerland’s contribution to recognising the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

28.07.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is also committed at multilateral level to the respect of human rights, a healthy environment and a consistent, unified approach to environmental and human rights issues. As one of the initiators of a resolution in the UN General Assembly, it has contributed to the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a separate human right. The international community has reaffirmed that a healthy environment is an essential prerequisite for the full enjoyment of human rights, thus sending a strong political signal.

Switzerland hosts third NATO Partnerships 360 Symposium at Maison de la Paix in Geneva

12.07.2022 — Press release EDA
The Partnerships 360 Symposium, which takes place from 11 to 13 July, brings together allied and partner nations for a free exchange of ideas on the future evolution of NATO's partnerships policy. The symposium will be attended by 250 civilian and military representatives from NATO member and partner states. This is the first time that the symposium is being hosted by a NATO partner nation.

2030 Agenda: President Cassis calls for innovation, diversity and determination to implement the Sustainable Development Goals

12.07.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has made progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. If it is to achieve the SDGs by 2030, however, it will have to pick up the pace. This was underlined by Jacques Ducrest, Delegate of the Federal Council for the 2030 Agenda, at the official presentation of Switzerland's second comprehensive voluntary national review to UN member states in New York. Representing Switzerland at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), State Secretary Ducrest highlighted three priority themes: responsible consumption and production; climate, energy and biodiversity; and equal opportunities and social cohesion. The Federal Council adopted Switzerland's voluntary national review on 4 May 2022.

UN Human Rights Council holds emergency debate on Afghanistan and adopts resolution put forward by Switzerland

08.07.2022 — Press release EDA
The 50th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), based in Geneva, concludes today after an intensive four-week programme of work. An emergency debate was held in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the human rights situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. This was also the final session for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, who has announced her intention to step down at the end of August.

Presentation of the Lugano Declaration as a political framework for reconstruction in Ukraine

05.07.2022 — Press release EDA
On Tuesday, 5 July, Switzerland and Ukraine, with the support of their international partners, closed the political segment of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) by presenting the Lugano Declaration. The document provides a framework for the political process of Ukraine's reconstruction and sets out the Lugano Principles as common benchmarks for the future.

Speech - Opening of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022)

04.07.2022 — Press release EDA
Speech by Ignazio Cassis, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA - Check against delivery

President Cassis, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Shmyhal open URC2022

04.07.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 4 July, President Ignazio Cassis together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, via video link from Kyiv, and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in person in Lugano, opened the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) to launch the reconstruction process at the international level. The conference, which in addition to Switzerland and Ukraine, was attended by delegations from the European Union, 39 states and 16 international organisations, runs until Tuesday. In his opening speech, President Cassis outlined the objectives of URC2022.

Switzerland and EU sign memorandum of understanding on second Swiss contribution

30.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and the EU signed earlier today in Brussels a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. State Secretary Livia Leu, who was in Brussels for exploratory talks, signed the MoU on behalf of Switzerland. The signing of this MOU marks another important milestone towards a swift implementation of the contribution.

Switzerland renews partnership with UN organisations

29.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Poverty, inequality, armed conflicts, pandemics and many other challenges can only be overcome if we join forces. The UN plays a central role in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Switzerland is part of these endeavours, which is why the Federal Council decided at its meeting of 29 June 2022 to contribute a total of CHF 316 million to four UN central development agencies for the period 2022–24.

New Swiss ambassadors

29.06.2022 — Press release EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for 2022 for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.

FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu holds bilateral talks in Serbia and Kosovo

28.06.2022 — Press release EDA
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met with Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Serbia's State Secretary Nemanja Starović, and others in Pristina and Belgrade on 27 and 28 June. Their talks focused on Switzerland's bilateral relations with these two countries and Switzerland's broad-based activities in the Western Balkans. Switzerland supports the greater involvement of both states in Europe in various ways. In addition, promoting the stability and economic development of the Western Balkans is a key pillar of Switzerland's foreign policy.

Presentation of credentials

28.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

State Secretary Martina Hirayama in Brussels

28.06.2022 — Press release EDA
On 28 June, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, opened the SwissCore Annual Event in Brussels. During her visit, the State Secretary also held talks with Flemish Minister Jo Brouns and representatives of the Faroe Islands.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart

23.06.2022 — Press release EDA
During his visit to Stuttgart, the President of the Confederation met with the Minister-President of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. The meeting focused on Switzerland's relations with the European Union and their impact on close cross-border relations between Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg. The war in Ukraine was also discussed.

Private security services provided abroad in 2021: sixth annual report of the FDFA

22.06.2022 — Press release EDA
In 2021, the FDFA received 157 declarations from companies based in Switzerland that provided private security services abroad. This figure is derived from the sixth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). Three review procedures were initiated. No activities were prohibited. 2021 was strongly influenced by the effects of the revised ordinance. As a result of the revision, the number of activities subject to the obligation to declare has decreased significantly. The Federal Council took note of the report at its meeting on 22 June 2022.

Confederation to help fund Foundation for the ICRC until 2031 centenary

22.06.2022 — Press release EDA
At its meeting of 22 June 2022, the Federal Council decided to contribute up to CHF 100 million to increase the capital of the Foundation for the International Committee of the Red Cross until 2031, the year it will mark its 100th anniversary.

Ukraine: Federal Council permits the exchange of cash for people seeking protection

22.06.2022 — Press release EDA
From 27 June 2022, people with Protection Status 'S' will be able to exchange a limited amount of Ukrainian banknotes for Swiss francs in a one-off transaction at selected bank branches. The Federal Council approved a cash exchange solution during its meeting on 22 June 2022.

Path to reconstruction passes through Lugano – President Cassis presents plans for URC2022

20.06.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 20 June, at their traditional meeting, President Ignazio Cassis and the government of Ticino held discussions on preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022). High-level delegations from around 40 countries and 20 international organisations have been invited to attend the conference, which will take place in Lugano on 4 and 5 July. President Cassis briefed the media today in Bellinzona together with Ticino Cantonal Councillor Norman Gobbi, Police Commander Matteo Cocchi and representatives from the armed forces and fedpol.

Federal Council intends to step up exploratory talks with the EU

17.06.2022 — Press release EDA
At its European policy retreat on 17 June 2022, the Federal Council was briefed on the status of the exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU. The Federal Council decided on this basis to step up the exploratory talks with the EU. It also took note of the final report on the removal of regulatory differences between Swiss and EU law. The scope for action and possible solutions identified in the final report will be taken into consideration in further exploratory talks with the EU.

Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano: comprehensive security measures

10.06.2022 — Press release EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2022) being held in Lugano on 4 and 5 July 2022 will focus on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The conference is taking place against the backdrop of heightened international tensions and comprehensive security measures are therefore needed. At its meeting on 10 June 2022, the Federal Council decided that the conference qualifies as an exceptional event. This means that the federal government will contribute to the security costs incurred by the canton of Ticino. The Federal Council also decided to deploy up to 1,600 military personnel on an ancillary basis, with air policing provided by the Swiss Armed Forces.

Projet de rapport sur la diversité culturelle en Suisse

29.02.2012 — Article DEZA

En ratifiant la Convention de l'UNESCO sur la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles, la Suisse acceptait d'établir tous les quatre ans un rapport sur la situation nationale en matière de diversité culturelle. Le premier d'entre eux sera livré en avril 2012.

Swiss Cooperation with Mali: Definition of the common perspectives for 2012-2015

09.02.2012 — Article DEZA

On 2 and 3 February 2012 in Bamako, Switzerland and its cooperation partner Mali met to take stock of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries and to launch their new strategy for the years 2012 to 2015. This new strategy formulates Swiss cooperation’s major points of thrust in this west African country over the next four years. The Memorandum of Understanding signed on this occasion paves the way to a new period of cooperation between Mali and Switzerland and defines their common perspectives for the coming years.

ADEA’s 2012 Triennale: Stepping up education and training for Africa’s sustainable development

08.02.2012 — Article DEZA

The ADEA Triennale on education and training in Africa brings together a range of people working for education on the continent: government ministers, representatives of bilateral and multilateral agencies, members of research networks, NGOs, the private sector and socio-professional organisations. Adapting education systems to the challenges of sustainable development is the focus of the broad dialogue. The event takes place from 12-17 February 2012 in Ouagadougou and is organised by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), a longstanding partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

«A Future Worth Choosing» – Final report of the UN High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability

06.02.2012 — Article DEZA

After a year and a half of intensive work, the United Nations High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability has published its final report entitled “Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing”. It contains 56 specific recommendations for achieving the goal of development that is truly sustainable. The recommendations focus on a growing economy which reduces poverty and social disparities and respects the natural limits of our planet.

The Horn of Africa: The delegate for Humanitarian Aid on a fact-finding mission about the current crisis

24.01.2012 — Article DEZA

Thousands of people are still living in appalling conditions in the Horn of Africa – in squalid accommodation, without clean drinking water and without access to schooling. Manuel Bessler, the delegate of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, visited Somalia and Kenya in January 2012 to see the situation for himself. What he saw there confirmed him in his conviction that the Horn of Africa must remain a focus of Switzerland’s humanitarian aid.

The President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey in talks with the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy

09.11.2011 — EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, for talks in Zurich on 9 November 2011. The topics of the discussion included the Swiss-EU relations, the debt crisis in the eurozone, co-operation on tax issues, and selected international issues.

Kidnapping of two Swiss citizens – statement by the FDFA

29.07.2011 — EDA
The FDFA has noted various new information published in the media regarding the two Swiss citizens kidnapped in Pakistan. The FDFA does not comment on such information.

Switzerland to strengthen its presence in Benghazi

11.07.2011 — EDA
Switzerland strengthens its presence in Benghazi, and sends a diplomat to the East Libyan city for the purpose of opening a liaison office. This will be in addition to the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit programme office which has already been up and running for the last four months.

Switzerland ready to send aid to Japan

11.03.2011 — EDA
It is with great consternation that the Federal Council has learned of the natural disaster in the northeast of Japan. Switzerland is ready to send emergency aid to the area, and has already submitted a corresponding offer to the Japanese government.

Report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” (last modification, the 18.02.2011)

10.02.2011 — EDA
On Thursday, 10 February 2011, Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey presented the report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” to the Swiss Press Club in Geneva. Supported by Switzerland and by the Swedish government, the report compiles a list of 10 recommendations whose objective is to contribute to building peace and to reducing the conflicts in the Middle East thanks to a sustainable trans-border management of water in the region.

50 years

06.01.2011 — EDA
6 January 2011 marks 50 years of Switzerland representing American interests in Cuba. Switzerland accepted the mandate in 1961 following the Cuban revolution which led to the break-off of relations between Cuba and the US.