Here you will find media information on matters concerning European policy. Press releases and other information for the media from the various federal departments and offices can be accessed via the Federal Administration’s media portal.
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14.03.2023
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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.
21.02.2023
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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.
15.02.2023
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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.
15.02.2023
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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.
19.01.2023
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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.
16.01.2023
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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.
22.12.2022
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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.
14.12.2022
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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.
14.12.2022
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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.
13.12.2022
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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.
12.12.2022
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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.
09.12.2022
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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.
22.07.2022 —
Press release
Europa
State Secretary Martina Hirayama attended the informal meeting of ministers responsible for research and innovation from the EU member states in Prague (Czech Republic) on 21 and 22 July. The event, which takes place twice a year, focused on two different policy debates, namely synergies in the funding of research and innovation in Europe, and possible measures in the area of research and innovation in response to Russia's military aggression in Ukraine. State Secretary Hirayama also held bilateral talks with the representatives from Romania, Finland, Norway and Lithuania.
19.07.2022 —
Press release
Europa
On 19 July, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, held official talks in Athens with the Minister for Development and Investment, Adonis Georgiadis, and with the Minister for Education and Religious Affairs, Niki Kerameus. She also visited the excavation site of the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG), which has received federal support since 2008.
07.07.2022 —
Press release
Europa
Die Auswirkungen der Covid-Krise auf den Arbeitsmarkt sind weitgehend überwunden. Der Wiederaufschwung hat in verschiedenen Wirtschaftszweigen Arbeitskräfteengpässe nach sich gezogen. Die Zuwanderung von Arbeitskräften aus dem Ausland hilft mit, diese zu entschärfen. Die Personenfreizügigkeit bleibt zur bedarfsgerechten Deckung der Arbeitskräftenachfrage wichtig, wie der diesjährige Bericht des Observatoriums zum Freizügigkeitsabkommen unter anderem am Beispiel des Berufsfelds der IT zeigt.
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.
28.06.2022 —
Press release
Europa
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.
23.06.2022 —
Press release
Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the Eureka Ministerial Conference in Lisbon (Portugal) on 22 June. Eureka is an initiative of 47 countries aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation projects in market-oriented research and development independent of the EU’s framework programmes. State Secretary Hirayama also took the opportunity to talk with German education minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, UK science minister George Freeman and South Korean deputy trade minister Soosung Hwang.
23.06.2022 —
Press release
Europa
In order to implement the OECD/G20 project on taxing the digital economy, the Federal Council is proposing a supplementary tax. Based on the results of the consultation, the Confederation should receive 25% of the receipts from the supplementary tax and use the funds for the benefit of Switzerland as a business location. The remaining 75% will go to the cantons and communes.
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.
18.06.2022 —
Press release
Europa
Die Staatssekretärin für Wirtschaft Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch wird am 20. Juni 2022 an der Ministerkonferenz der Europäischen Freihandelsassoziation (EFTA) in Island teilnehmen. Hauptgesprächsthemen auf Ministerebene sind aktuelle und zukünftige Freihandelsprozesse sowie die militärische Aggression Russlands in der Ukraine, die seit Langem ein Freihandelspartner der EFTA ist.
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.
19.05.2022 —
Press release
Europa
On Thursday, 19 May, President Zuzana Čaputová became the first head of state of the Slovak Republic to pay a State Visit to Switzerland. The Swiss government, headed by President Ignazio Cassis, welcomed the Slovak president at the start of the visit on Bundesplatz in Bern. Besides bilateral relations, official talks focused in particular on the war in Ukraine. Other topics on the agenda included European policy and climate and environmental issues.
13.05.2022 —
Press release
EDA
President Zuzana Čaputová of Slovakia will pay a state visit to Switzerland next week. Switzerland and the Slovak Republic share many similarities and enjoy a close relationship. President Čaputová is the first Slovak head of state to visit Switzerland and will be received with full military honours. The Federal Council hopes that the visit will further strengthen ties between the two countries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.