President Cassis meets with Prime Minister Morawiecki in Poland and is briefed at the border about the situation on the ground

21.03.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 21 March, President Ignazio Cassis met with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Warsaw, where they discussed the crisis triggered by the Russian attack on Ukraine – in particular, the humanitarian emergency in Ukraine, refugee movements, the situation in Poland and Switzerland's humanitarian aid. President Cassis then travelled to the Ukrainian-Polish border in Dorohusk, where he visited a refugee reception centre and Switzerland's transfer point for humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.

Ukraine: Adoption of further EU sanctions against Russia

18.03.2022 — Press release DEA
On 18 March, the Federal Council took the decision to adopt the new EU sanctions against Russia. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER had already amended Annex 8 of the Ordinance on Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine on 16 March, thereby imposing the current EU sanctions on a further 197 individuals and 9 entities. Work has also begun at the EAER to add further provisions to the Ordinance in accordance with the decision of 18 March.

President Ignazio Cassis to travel to Poland and Moldova

17.03.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis will travel to Poland and Moldova next week for talks with authorities on the ground about the situation of refugees from Ukraine and also Switzerland's humanitarian aid for Ukraine and neighbouring countries. In Poland, Mr Cassis will meet with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Monday, 21 March. In Moldova, an exchange with President Maia Sandu is scheduled for Tuesday.

Violations of international law in Ukraine: further individuals sanctioned

16.03.2022 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) today approved the sanctioning of over 200 further individuals and entities in connection with serious violations of international law by Russia in Ukraine. Switzerland’s list of sanctioned individuals and entities now fully mirrors that of the EU.

Horizon Europe: Federal Council adopts transitional measures for SMEs and start-ups

04.03.2022 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council is staggering the entry into force of the revised Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA). A new legislative provision will come into force on 15 April 2022 to support SMEs and start-ups that currently do not have access to the European Innovation Council's Accelerator funding instrument. The Federal Council also approved and submitted to Parliament the related financial measures on 4 March 2022. The remaining provisions of the revised Act are to enter into force on 1 January 2023.

Ukraine: Further trade and financial sanctions imposed against Russia

04.03.2022 — Press release DEA
On 4 March, the Federal Council approved the total revision of the Ordinance on Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine, thereby adopting further packages of European Union sanctions against Russia. The newly adopted measures concern in particular certain goods and financial services. Switzerland’s list of sanctions has been extended accordingly. The implementation of these sanctions is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. Due consideration is being given to humanitarian activities.

Switzerland adopts EU sanctions against Russia

28.02.2022 — Press release EDA
In view of Russia’s continuing military intervention in Ukraine, the Federal Council took the decision on 28 February to adopt the packages of sanctions imposed by the EU on 23 and 25 February. The assets of the individuals and companies listed are frozen with immediate effect; the financial sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are also to be implemented with immediate effect. Switzerland reaffirms its solidarity with Ukraine and its people; it will be delivering relief supplies for people who have fled to Poland.

Situation in Ukraine: Switzerland extends its measures

25.02.2022 — Press release DEA
On 25 February 2022 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER modified Annex 3 of the Ordinance on measures to prevent the circumvention of international sanctions in relation to the situation in Ukraine. These modifications enter into force at 6pm today.

EU relations: Federal Council sets out approach for negotiations

25.02.2022 — Press release EDA
At its retreat dealing with European policy on 23 February 2022, the Federal Council continued to debate the issues at hand and adopted a set of guidelines for its negotiating package with the EU. Regarding the institutional issues, the Federal Council decided on a vertical approach aimed at anchoring the different aspects in each individual single market agreement. This will be the basis for initiating exploratory talks with the EU. Ongoing work on the existing regulatory differences will continue in parallel.

Federal Council to seek participation in Copernicus

16.02.2022 — Press release DEA
At the end of January, the Federal Council decided to seek participation in Copernicus, the EU's Earth observation programme, in the current 2021–2027 programme period. On 16 February, it instructed DETEC to initiate technical talks with the EU in cooperation with the DDPS, the FDFA, DETEC and the EAER.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to attend a meeting of European labour ministers

14.02.2022 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin is to attend an informal meeting of EU ministers for work, employment and social affairs in Bordeaux on Tuesday, 14 February. The meeting will focus on the impact of digitalisation and climate change on the labour market.

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

14.02.2022 — Press release 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.

Federal Council invokes safeguard clause for EU-17 and EU-8 states (last modification, the 24.04.2013)

24.04.2013 — Press release DEA
In the coming 12 months, workers from EU states will have only restricted access to the Swiss labour market. The Federal Council decided today to invoke the safeguard clause contained in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. The quotas apply to category B residence permits for persons from EU-8 states, and, provided the requirements are met by the end of May, from EU-17 states.

IMF supports Switzerland’s stability-oriented economic policy

18.03.2013 — Press release DEA

Bern, 18.03.2013 - In its preliminary findings, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledged Switzerland's stability-oriented fiscal and monetary policy. It is expecting growth to pick up only slightly this year. The IMF continues to see risks for Switzerland in developments in the euro area as well as in the fiscal policy of major advanced countries. It recommended that the SNB should maintain the exchange rate floor of CHF 1.20 per euro. It welcomed the advances made in financial sector regulation. Furthermore, the IMF supports the measures introduced since mid-2012 to stem the risks in the mortgage and real estate market.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics for 4th quarter 2012 – Continued increase in cross-border commuters

04.03.2013 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, According to the Cross-border Commuter Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the number of foreign cross-border commuters working in Switzerland rose by 4.8% last year. In the Lake Geneva region and in Northwestern Switzerland, about one in ten employed persons is a cross-border commuter; in Ticino, the figure is one in four. Comparing the numbers over a five-year period, there has been an above-average increase among office workers, unskilled workers and managers.

Continuing successful participation in EU Framework Programmes

27.02.2013 — Press release DEA

Berne, The Federal Council has referred to parliament two dispatches on funding for Swiss participation in the EU Framework Programmes in the areas of Research and Innovation on the one hand, and education, training, youth and sport on the other. The former is intended to give researchers in Switzerland continued access to the second most significant source of public funding and to the European research network. The second dispatch is designed to continue the mobility opportunities of students in education, training and on youth and sport courses. The total budget set in both dispatches is approximately 4.7 billion Swiss francs (including reserves) for the years 2014 to 2020. Their approval by parliament will allow the Federal Council to conduct negotiations with the EU on renewing both bilateral agreements.

Swiss project achieves FET Flagship status

28.01.2013 — Press release DEA

Bern, In the drive to secure EU research funding, Switzerland has achieved a leading position in the area of Future and Emerging Technologies. For Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, this confirms the strength of the Swiss education, research and innovation model. Research groups from both of Switzerland’s federal institutes of technology were involved in five (as project leaders in three) of the six FET Flagship project proposals that reached the final phase of the selection process. The EPFL’s “Human Brain Project” was one of the two projects chosen. Starting in 2013, this project will receive substantial FP7 and FP8 funding over a ten-year period.

Statistik 2012: Anstieg der Asylgesuche – Zunahme der Erledigungen und Ausreisen

22.01.2013 — Press release DEA

Bern - Im Jahr 2012 wurden 28 631 Asylgesuche in der Schweiz eingereicht, was einer Zunahme um 27 % gegenüber 2011 entspricht. Es wurden mehr Asylgesuche erledigt, wobei die erstinstanzlichen Erledigungen um 28 % zunahmen. Auch bei den Ausreisen war ein deutlicher Anstieg zu verzeichnen: Die kontrollierten Ausreisen auf freiwilliger Basis nahmen um 84 % zu, die Rückführungen in die Herkunfts- und Drittländer sowie in die Dublin-Staaten um 22 %.

Bilateral relations at the heart of foreign economic policy

09.01.2013 — Press release DEA

Bern, 09.01.2013 - On 9 January 2013 the Federal Council approved the 2012 Foreign Economic Policy Report. The report's main topic focusing on the importance of border regions from a business location and foreign economic policy perspective reaffirms the intention of the Federal Council to strengthen cross-border cooperation in border regions. The Federal Council regards such cooperation as vital to good relations both with Switzerland's neighbouring states and the European Union. Further progress has been made on free trade agreements with non-EU countries. In the year under review, issues relating to sustainability and raw materials continued to assume greater importance in foreign economic policy. Moreover, the strategic focus and financial basis for international development cooperation were confirmed.

Federal Council approves the 2012 Foreign Policy Report

09.01.2013 — Press release DEA
At its meeting on 9 January 2013, the Federal Council approved the 2012 Foreign Policy Report. The report provides an overview on all aspects of Swiss foreign policy and gives an account of Switzerland’s most important foreign policy activities in 2012. It is structured to address the Federal Council’s foreign policy strategy for the period 2012-2015. In addition, it deals with the priority question of Switzerland’s relations with its neighbouring states.

Emissions trading scheme: acquisition of aviation data in 2018

02.06.2017 — DEA
The integration of greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector into the emissions trading scheme (ETS) is a necessary step in order to link the Swiss and European schemes. At its session on 2 June 2017 the Federal Council approved the Ordinance governing the acquisition and reporting of data from the aviation sector. In line with the intention of the European Union, it is only domestic flights in Switzerland or flights from Switzerland to member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) that are concerned.

Official working visit to Brussels by Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann

30.03.2017 — DEA
On 30 March Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), met European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip, who is responsible for the digital single market, and the Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström. The main themes included cooperation in the field of digitalisation and bilateral trade relations, particularly updating the existing bilateral agreements.

Withholding tax agreement with United Kingdom to be terminated

14.11.2016 — DEA
The withholding tax agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be terminated on 1 January 2017. The agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the automatic exchange of information in tax matters will enter into force on that date. On 14 November 2016, Switzerland and the United Kingdom signed a corresponding agreement in London to ensure a smooth transition between the two models.

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU - EU's reply

26.10.2016 — Article DEA

EU's reply letter of the 19.10.2016 (PDF, 1 Page, 110.9 kB)

Swiss Government's letter of the 27.7.2016 (in French) (PDF, 1 Page, 216.6 kB)

Federal Councillor Maurer at meeting of German-speaking finance ministers

23.08.2016 — DEA
Today, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer attended the informal working meeting of German-speaking finance ministers in Vaduz. He discussed current financial and fiscal policy issues with his counterparts Wolfgang Schäuble (Germany), Hans Jörg Schelling (Austria), Adrian Hasler (Liechtenstein) and Pierre Gramegna (Luxembourg).

Withdrawal of Switzerland’s membership application to the EU

27.07.2016 — Article DEA

Swiss Government's letter of the 27.7.2016 (in French) (PDF, 1 Page, 216.6 kB)

Federal Council adopts dispatch on automatic exchange of tax information with eight states and territories

06.07.2016 — DEA
Today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information with Iceland, Norway, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Japan, Canada and the Republic of Korea, and submitted it to Parliament for approval. The proposal met with widespread approval in the consultation.

Federal Council extends transitional periods for financial market infrastructures

29.06.2016 — DEA
During its meeting today, the Federal Council adjusted the Financial Market Infrastructure Ordinance. The transitional periods for financial market infrastructures were extended by a year in line with developments in the EU.

United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union

24.06.2016 — Article DEA

The electorate of the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum. The current regulations regarding Swiss citizens and companies will remain valid for the time being. A list of answers to frequently asked questions is available on the website of the DEA.

• FAQ Brexit
• Press Release FDFA: Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens

Everything ready for the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel

01.06.2016 — DEA
With the gathering this morning of the one thousand randomly selected representatives of the public for the first trips through the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT), the opening festivities for the world's longest railway tunnel have begun. For the festival involving half a dozen heads of state and government, everything is ready. More than 2,000 individuals from the army, police, federal government, Swiss Federal Railways, AlpTransit Gotthard (ATG) and private companies are in action. In addition, 300 media professionals have been accredited from around 20 nations, including the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Kuwait and Chile as well as Switzerland's neighbouring countries.

Meeting of transport ministers in Lugano

31.05.2016 — DEA
Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard met the transport ministers of the Alpine countries today as part of the Zurich Process. The conference was held in Lugano this year to mark the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Transport ministers from the Alpine countries meet regularly to discuss issues of transport safety as well as the modal shift policy. The presidency passed from Slovenian infrastructure minister, Peter Gašperšič, to his Italian colleague Graziano Delrio.

Switzerland to support the reform of the civilian security sector in Mali and Ukraine

13.04.2016 — DEA
Today, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have signed two agreements on Switzerland's participation in EUCAP Sahel Mali, the EU's civilian mission for the reform of the security sector in Mali, and in EUAM Ukraine, the EU advisory mission for civilian security sector reform in Ukraine. These two agreements form the basis for the secondment of Swiss civilian experts to these missions.