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Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter to meet German Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner, in Berlin

04.06.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 5 June 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will meet the German Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner, in Berlin. The exchange will focus on the state of public finances and the debt brake, as well as international financial market stability and the minimum taxation of multinational enterprises.

Schweiz – EU: Diskussionen zu den Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren

04.06.2024 — Press releases Europa
Am 4. Juni 2024 hat auf Antrag der Schweiz ein ausserordentliches Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses des Freihandelsabkommens zwischen der Schweiz und der EU stattgefunden. Diskutiert wurden die geplante Verlängerung und die vorgesehenen Anpassungen an den Schutzmassnahmen der EU auf Stahleinfuhren sowie deren Auswirkungen auf die Schweiz.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter meets Hungary's Minister for Finance, Varga Mihály, in Budapest

27.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter met Hungary's Minister for Finance, Varga Mihály, in Budapest on 27 May 2024. They discussed current financial and tax issues in the run-up to Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union.

President Amherd and Bulgarian president Radev discuss bilateral relations, Europe and the security situation

27.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On Monday 27 May, Swiss president Viola Amherd and Bulgarian president Rumen Radev discussed bilateral relations between their two countries, European policy, the security situation on the continent and the strengthening of multilateralism. The meeting took place in Bern.

ESA and EU strengthen Europe’s competitiveness both in and through space

23.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama took part in the 11th meeting of the EU/ESA Space Council, which was held in Brussels on 23 May 2024. On this occasion, a joint resolution was adopted on the role of the space sector in boosting European competitiveness. The resolution also recognises that concerted action by ESA, the EU and their respective member states is important and that European space policy can be shaped more effectively when activities are coordinated through the EU/ESA Space Council.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Türkiye

23.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay in Ankara on 22 May 2024. The talks focused on bilateral relations, human rights, regional developments, European integration and the war against Ukraine.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Hungary and the Western Balkans

21.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Wednesday, 22 May, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Budapest to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó and Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Bóka. He will also pay a courtesy visit to President Tamás Sulyok. Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024. Following his visit to Hungary, Mr Cassis will travel to Montenegro on 23 May at the invitation of Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, before meeting Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali in Belgrade on Friday, 24 May.The meetings will focus on Switzerland's bilateral relations with the three countries, European policy and the European security situation.

Second Swiss contribution, migration framework credit: Implementation agreement with Italy signed

17.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 17 May in Rome, Switzerland and Italy signed an agreement on the implementation of projects under the second Swiss contribution to the migration framework credit. CHF 20 million has been earmarked to fund the accommodation and care of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Italy. This is a further Swiss contribution to addressing migration in Europe. The agreement was signed by State Secretary Christine Schraner Burgener and the Italian head of cabinet of the Ministry of the Interior, Maria Teresa Sempreviva.

President Viola Amherd discusses bilateral and international matters with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

15.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 15 May, President Viola Amherd met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The main topics of discussion were bilateral cooperation on issues including transport, energy and migration, European policy and the security situation. On Thursday, 16 May, Ms Amherd will hold talks with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

President Viola Amherd to hold talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz

13.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd will travel to Germany this week for talks with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the state of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Germany and the commitment of both countries to security and prosperity. The meeting with Chancellor Scholz is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 May, and the meeting with President Steinmeier for Thursday, 16 May.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend Council of Europe ministerial meeting in Strasbourg

13.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter meets with Luxembourg's Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth

07.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 7 May 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), received her Luxembourg counterpart Gilles Roth for a working visit. The ministers discussed global and European financial developments and the most important international financial and tax issues. As export-oriented economies with major financial centres, Switzerland and Luxembourg often pursue common interests and represent converging views in international bodies.

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DDPS cedes anti-tank guided missile delivery date to Germany

09.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
The DDPS has agreed to Germany’s request to postpone the delivery of some of the RGW90 shoulder-launched anti-tank guided missiles ordered by both countries. This is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. The Federal Council was informed of this decision at its meeting on 9 October

State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal Meeting of EU Higher Education and Research Ministers in Budapest

17.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, represented Switzerland at the Informal Meeting of Higher Education and Research Ministers of the EU member states in Budapest on 16 and 17 September. Discussions at this biannual event focused on the introduction of a common European degree in higher education and strengthening European competitiveness through research and innovation. Other topics included reducing fragmentation in the European Research Area and ensuring freedom of research.

Second Swiss contribution, migration framework credit: Opening of negotiations with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria

13.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
The migration framework credit in the second Swiss contribution is being applied in two phases. With a view to implementing the second phase (2025–29), the Federal Council has approved the opening of negotiations with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. This financial contribution supports better management of migration in Europe, which also benefits Switzerland.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on agreement with the United Kingdom on mutual recognition in financial services

04.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the approval of an agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK) on mutual recognition in financial services. The agreement boosts competitiveness and fosters the close cooperation between the two major international financial centres.

No lifting of protection status S

04.09.2024 — Press releases Europa
The situation in Ukraine is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. The Federal Council therefore decided at its meeting on 4 September not to lift the protection status S for Ukrainian refugees before 4 March 2026 and to extend the support measures for this group of people (Programme S) until then.

Federal Council to adopt EU Pact on Migration and Asylum regulations and start consultations

14.08.2024 — Press releases Europa
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is a set of rules and measures aimed at making the European migration and asylum system more efficient, crisis-resilient and solidarity-based. Switzerland will participate in this programme as an associated Schengen/Dublin State. At its meeting on 14 August, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s participation in principle and launched the consultation process, which will run until 14 November.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attends meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries

13.08.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 13 August 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attended the meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries in Lochau, Austria. The discussions centred on strengthening competitiveness and financial policy aspects of the climate transition.

Ignazio Cassis meets Italy's foreign affairs minister Antonio Tajani, with whom he attends Locarno Film Festival

12.08.2024 — Press releases EDA
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani paid an official visit to Switzerland today, where he met with the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. On the Brissago Islands, they discussed bilateral relations and international affairs. The two ministers then attended the traditional Diplomacy Day, an event promoted by the Locarno Film Festival, which this year enjoys the support of the Italian embassy in Switzerland.

President Amherd to represent Switzerland at fourth meeting of the European Political Community

15.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
On Thursday, 18 July, President Viola Amherd will attend the fourth meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), which will take place at the historic Blenheim Palace in the market town of Woodstock in southern England. In addition to the UK and Switzerland, 45 states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations will also attend the meeting.

Chief of Armament signs application for membership with regard to accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)

09.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
The Federal Council wants to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and thus increase opportunities for international cooperation in ground-based air defence. Following the decision of the Federal Council, Chief of Armament Urs Loher now signed an application for membership addressed to the Chairperson of the ESSI on 8 July 2024. All member states of ESSI can now express themselves on the application, after which Switzerland can sign the statement of accession.

Horizon Europe: Extended access for researchers in Switzerland

04.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
The EU has decided that researchers in Switzerland will be eligible to participate in the first three European Research Council calls for proposals for the 2025 programme year.

Switzerland and EU resume dialogue on financial market regulation

04.07.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 4 July 2024 in Berne, the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) and the European Commission resumed their dialogue on financial market regulation, which had been suspended since 2017.

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Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
The Federal Council is to further relax entry restrictions in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions will be lifted in step with the reopening of the economy. From 8 June, the cantons will begin processing applications from workers from the EU/EFTA member states. In addition, Swiss companies will be allowed to employ highly skilled workers from third countries if this is in the public interest, or if they are urgently required. To benefit the domestic workforce, companies will again be required to give notification of job vacancies, a measure that was temporarily suspended during the lockdown. Lastly, the Federal Council plans to lift all travel restrictions and re-establish the free movement of persons across the Schengen area no later than 6 July. Border controls with Germany, Austria and France will be lifted as early as 15 June, as previously announced.

Securing access to research cooperation and funding programmes in Europe

20.05.2020 — Europa
Horizon Europe, the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, is due to start in 2021. Along with three other European initiatives, Horizon Europe forms the ‘2021–2027 Horizon package’. On 20 May 2020 the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on funding requesting Parliament to approve CHF 6,154 million in funding to secure Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon package. Provided Parliament approves this funding, the Federal Council and the EU will be able to renew their bilateral research agreement and secureSwitzerland’s continued and uninterrupted participation in the Horizon package as an associated state.

Coronavirus: Switzerland reaches agreement with Germany, Austria and France on opening borders

13.05.2020 — Europa
Switzerland plans to open all borders with Germany, Austria and France on 15 June 2020, if the epidemiological situation allows. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter has reached agreement on this move following talks with the interior ministers of these three neighbouring countries. She advised the Federal Council of the agreement at its meeting on 13 May 2020.

New slides provide handy, up-to-date information on Switzerland’s European policy

26.11.2019 — Article Europa
Switzerland enjoys close, important and diverse relations with the European Union. They are based on the bilateral approach and influence many aspects of citizens’ lives, both in Switzerland and in the EU.

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabić attends working meeting with President Maurer

03.09.2019 — Europa
On Tuesday, 3 September, President Ueli Maurer received Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić at the Bernerhof for a working visit on the fringes of Swiss Digital Day. Discussions covered bilateral issues such as business and digital transformation, Serbia’s relations with the European Union, and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Samos refugee camp and meets new Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

10.07.2019 — EDA
Mr Cassis's visit to Greece has mainly been concerned with the situation of refugees and the challenges posed by migration. On Tuesday, the head of the FDFA visited the refugee camp on Samos and today met Nikos Dendias, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, and President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Switzerland and EU adapt their insurance agreement

05.07.2018 — Europa
Switzerland and the EU have been adapting their Direct Insurance Agreement which has existed since 1989 to the new regulatory requirements. The mixed committee with representatives from both sides adopted the changes on 3 July 2018 and brought them into effect. Thereby the agreement is also in line with the future requirements of the Swiss insurance business.

Switzerland and France give go-ahead to implementation of EuroAirport agreement

19.12.2017 — EDA
At their first meeting, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian brought the issue of the tax regime at Basel-Mulhouse (EuroAirport) to a conclusion: the agreement regulating Swiss companies operating at EuroAirport will be applicable from next year. The two foreign ministers' working meeting also focused on other bilateral issues, the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy with regard to the EU.

EU-Switzerland Financial Regulatory Dialogue held in Bern

19.10.2017 — Europa
The Swiss State Secretariat for International Financial Matters and the European Commission held their 2017 Financial Regulatory Dialogue on October 19 in Berne. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Jörg Gasser, State Secretary for International Financial Matters, and Olivier Guersent, European Commission's Director General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Participants included staff from the European Commission, European Supervisory Authorities, Single Resolution Board, the Swiss federal administration, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority FINMA.

European Parliament’s PANA Committee to visit Switzerland

15.09.2017 — Europa
The Swiss authorities will receive a delegation from the European Parliament's PANA Committee on 15 September. The focus of the talks will be the current system and the ongoing work to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and tax offences.

Switzerland once again a full member of partnership-funded EU innovation programmes

23.08.2017 — Europa
On 23 August, the Federal Council approved the agreements on Switzerland’s participation in the Eurostars-2 and the Active and Assisted Living research and development programmes. This means that Switzerland is once again a full member of both programmes and is co-financed by the EU. The programmes are particularly interesting for research-intensive SMEs looking to enter new European or global markets through cross-border cooperation. Switzerland’s participation in the AAL programme is one of the many measures that form part of the federal government’s Skilled Workers Initiative.

Linking of the Swiss and European emissions trading systems: big step forward

16.08.2017 — Europa
Switzerland and the European Union are preparing to link their emissions trading systems. The Federal Council approved the signing of the corresponding agreement at its meeting of 16 August 2017. The European Commission has also adopted proposals for the signature and ratification of the agreement and has submitted them to the Council of the European Union for approval. The agreement could be signed before the end of this year. Its ratification must then be approved by the Swiss and European parliaments.

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