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Working meeting between Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider

14.03.2023 — Press release Europa
On 14 March, the Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider exchanged views on various internal security issues and federalism at a working meeting in Bern. The two countries work together closely, particularly in the fight against organised crime.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Slovenian foreign minister in Riehen (BS)

21.02.2023 — Press release EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ignazio Cassis, received Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon in Riehen (Basel-Stadt). Their discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, the work of the UN Security Council, Switzerland's European policy and the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and Slovenia.

Switzerland – UK: Federal Council approves negotiating mandate

15.02.2023 — Press release Europa
At its meeting on 15 February, the Federal Council approved the mandate to launch negotiations on enhancing the bilateral trade agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK). The decision is subject to consultation with the relevant parliamentary committees and the Conference of Cantonal Governments.

Ukraine: price caps for Russian petroleum products to take effect

15.02.2023 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council today aligned its sanctions regime on crude oil and petroleum products from Russia with the latest package of sanctions adopted by the European Union (EU). The new measures enter into effect at 6pm on 15 February 2023.

Talks conducted by the President of the Swiss Confederation in Davos focused on security situation in Europe and the work of the UN Security Council

19.01.2023 — Press release Europa
The security situation in Europe and Switzerland's commitment to the UN Security Council: these were the two topics that largely dominated President Alain Berset’s agenda in Davos. Mr Berset held lengthy bilateral talks with more than a dozen heads of state and government on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting.

WEF Annual Meeting: Switzerland and Germany hold talks on energy and economic issues

16.01.2023 — Press release Europa
On 16 January, Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Albert Rösti met with Robert Habeck, the German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. The talks covered a range of matters including bilateral economic relations and Switzerland's relations with the EU. Against the backdrop of the tense situation in the energy sector worldwide, the three ministers also discussed common challenges in the field of energy security.

Last official visit as Federal Councillor: Ueli Maurer meets his UK counterpart

22.12.2022 — Press release Europa
Today in London, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met his British counterpart and the United Kingdom's new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt. The two finance ministers welcomed the progress made in the negotiations on a mutual recognition agreement in the financial sector, and looked forward to its finalisation by the end of summer 2023.

Neue Plattform für die elektronische Kommunikation im FlaM-Vollzug

14.12.2022 — Press release Europa
Gemeinsam mit den Sozialpartnern und den Kantonen treibt das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (SECO) stetig Vollzugsverbesserungen der flankierenden Massnahmen (FlaM) voran. Mit dem Start des Betriebs der Plattform für die elektronische Kommunikation im Vollzug der FlaM wurde ein weiterer wichtiger Schritt in die Digitalisierung unternommen.

MRA Schweiz-EU: Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses

14.12.2022 — Press release Europa
Am 14. Dezember 2022 hat die 17. Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Abkommen über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen (MRA) stattgefunden. Die EU lehnt die Aktualisierung des Abkommens im Bereich der Medizinprodukte weiterhin ab.

President of the Swiss Confederation attends high-level conference in Paris in support of Ukraine

13.12.2022 — Press release EDA
Co-chaired by France and Ukraine, the high-level conference aims to coordinate the emergency and humanitarian response in support of Ukraine ahead of the winter months. An international network has been established to represent the states and international organisations in the future mechanism to coordinate aid to Ukraine, particularly in the areas of electricity, water, food security, health, and transport. Switzerland is contributing CHF 100 million to the international aid effort for Ukraine this winter.

Switzerland and Romania sign agreement on implementation of second Swiss contribution

12.12.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 12 December, President Ignazio Cassis met with President Klaus Werner Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă in Bucharest. President Cassis then signed an agreement on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution with Finance Minister Adrian Câciu. Under the agreement, Switzerland will provide CHF 221.5 million to finance various projects in Romania until 2029. Prior to visiting Bucharest, Mr Cassis had a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Federal Council presents draft report Assessment of Swiss-EU relations

09.12.2022 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 9 December, the Federal Council discussed the draft report 'Assessment of Swiss–EU relations. The Federal Council concludes in the report that the bilateral approach remains the most favourable solution for Switzerland. The report was adopted subject to the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees of both chambers of Parliament. Parliament, for its part, had repeatedly called on the Federal Council to conduct an assessment of Swiss policy on the EU.

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Treffen des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Freihandelsabkommen Schweiz–EU

04.11.2022 — Press release Europa
Am 4. November 2022 tagte der Gemischte Ausschuss zum Freihandelsabkommen zwischen der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union (EU) in Zürich. Die Schweiz und die EU tauschten sich über das Funktionieren des Freihandelsabkommens und aktuelle handelspolitische Entwicklungen aus.

Migration Framework Credit: Federal Councillor Keller-Sutter signs implementation agreement with Cyprus

31.10.2022 — Press release Europa
Switzerland will support Cyprus with specific projects and programmes related to migration from 2023 to 2026. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and the Cypriot Minister of Interior Nicos Nouris signed an agreement to this effect in Bern on 31 October. The two countries are deepening their cooperation through the Migration Framework Credit, which is part of Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states. The framework credit provides targeted support to EU countries that are subject to serious migratory pressure. Cyprus will receive CHF 10 million.

President Ignazio Cassis to travel to Romania

31.10.2022 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 3 November, President Ignazio Cassis will travel to Romania, where he will meet with President Klaus Werner Iohannis, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă and the presidents of both chambers of the Romanian parliament. In Bucharest, President Cassis will sign an agreement implementing Switzerland’s second contribution. Further topics likely to be addressed during the visit include the war in Ukraine and Switzerland’s relations with the European Union.

Second Swiss contribution – migration framework credit: Karin Keller-Sutter signs first implementation agreement with Greece

14.10.2022 — Press release Europa
The second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states will be used to fund projects and programmes that support countries facing high migratory pressure. On 14 October in Luxembourg, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi signed an implementation agreement on bilateral cooperation in this matter. Switzerland has earmarked CHF 40 million for the support of migration-related projects and programmes in Greece.

Exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU: organisational structure to ensure better management of policy and content

11.10.2022 — Press release EDA
On 31 August 2022, the Federal Council decided to establish an organisational structure to ensure better management of policy and content for Switzerland's exploratory talks with the EU. This consists of a steering group involving all departments and a sounding board with representatives from the cantons, social partners and the business community. Both bodies are chaired by head of the FDFA and President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis. The steering group was formed in September and the sounding board has been set up today.

President Cassis visits Council of Europe in Strasbourg

10.10.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday 10 October, President Ignazio Cassis presented to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg Switzerland's goals and visions for the future of the organisation and held talks with its leading figures. He also mentioned the missile attacks on several Ukrainian cities and strongly condemned them. It was the first visit paid to the Council of Europe by a Swiss president in over thirty years.

President Cassis to represent Switzerland at the first meeting of the European Political Community in Prague

03.10.2022 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 6 October, President Ignazio Cassis will attend the first meeting of the European Political Community. The summit is taking place at the invitation of the European Council and the Czech EU presidency in Prague. The aim is to foster political dialogue and cooperation in Europe. The event will be attended by the European Union (EU) and its member states as well as more than a dozen European states that are not members of the EU.

Swiss President to travel for state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and to UN General Assembly

15.09.2022 — Press release EDA
On 19 September 2022, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis will attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. Mr Cassis will then travel on to New York to represent Switzerland at the high-level opening week of the 77th UN General Assembly.

Einfuhrzölle auf landwirtschaftliche Verarbeitungsprodukte: Anpassung der Referenzpreise

14.09.2022 — Press release Europa
Der Gemischte Ausschuss des Freihandelsabkommens Schweiz-EU hat am 8. September 2022 beschlossen, die Referenzpreise für landwirtschaftliche Rohstoffe auf den 1. Oktober 2022 anzupassen. Diese Preise dienen zur Berechnung der Einfuhrzölle für bestimmte landwirtschaftliche Verarbeitungserzeugnisse aus der EU. Auf das gleiche Datum werden auch die Zölle auf Importe dieser Produkte aus Drittländern aktualisiert.

Foreign policy cooperation and bilateral relations: State Secretary Livia Leu holds foreign policy consultations with EU's European External Action Service

13.09.2022 — Press release EDA
State Secretary Livia Leu received the Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Stefano Sannino, for political consultations in Bern on 13 September. They focused on the European and global crisis caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, its impact on European security architecture, and cooperation between Switzerland and the EU.

President Ignazio Cassis attends meeting of German-speaking heads of state in Liechtenstein

13.09.2022 — Press release EDA
At the invitation of Alois, Hereditary Prince and Regent of Liechtenstein, the annual meeting of the six German-speaking heads of state took place in Vaduz from 12 to 13 September. The talks focused on current domestic and foreign policy issues, in particular the war in Ukraine. Philanthropy and its benefits for society were also discussed as a thematic focus of the meeting.

Second Swiss contribution: Federal Council approves implementation agreements between Switzerland and eight EU states

31.08.2022 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council approved the bilateral implementation agreements for the Swiss contribution to cohesion in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Romania and Poland on 31 August 2022. The agreements provide the basis for Switzerland's cooperation programmes in those areas where its support will add value. Now that the agreements have been approved, Switzerland can move into the operational stage.

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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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