All news (763)
European cohesion at centre of this year's meeting of German-speaking foreign ministers in Salzburg
27.04.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At the invitation of the Austrian foreign minister, the foreign ministers of the five German-speaking countries met today in Salzburg. The talks focused on Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and its impact on Europe.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama on working visit to Riga
24.04.2023
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Press releases
Europa
On 24 April 2023, State Secretary Martina Hirayama met with Latvian State Secretary for Education and Science, Ms Santa Šmīdlere, in Riga to discuss bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Latvia in the area of education and research. She also gave an opening speech at the Swiss Innovation Healthcare Day.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin receives Bulgarian deputy prime minister and minister for education and science
21.04.2023
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Press releases
Europa
The topics of discussion at the working meeting on 21 April in Bern were cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, research and innovation, the second Swiss contribution to selected EU states and the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), which was opened in Sofia in 2022 with support from Switzerland.
Ignazio Cassis inaugurates first Swiss embassy to Holy See and meets with Italian and Vatican authorities

21.04.2023
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Press releases
EDA
During a three-day visit to Rome, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, officially inaugurated Switzerland's new diplomatic mission to the Vatican. He said that this new presence will strengthen bilateral relations with the Holy See, during his meeting with the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. As part of this official working visit, Mr Cassis also held discussions with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and the Italian minister of economy and finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti.
EU Digital policy: Analysis of the impact on Switzerland
18.04.2023
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Press releases
Europa
Switzerland is affected in a range of areas by the European Union's digital policy regulations. That is the upshot of an analysis conducted by the Federal Administration that was published on 18 April. Based on EU digital policy, there is no immediate need for regulation in Switzerland, as there are no significant market access barriers. It can, however, initiate regulation at its own initiative in individual areas.
Ignazio Cassis on working visit to Italy and the Vatican
13.04.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 19 April Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Rome for a three-day working visit and a series of talks with officials of the Holy See and the Italian Republic. The head of the FDFA will meet with the secretary of state of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. In addition to opening the new premises of the Swiss embassy to the Vatican, he will meet with Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani and economy and finance minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti.
More than 800 000 Swiss nationals lived abroad at the end of 2022
06.04.2023
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Press releases
Europa
In 2022, the population of Swiss citizens residing abroad exceeded the 800 000 mark. This number showed continued growth compared with 2021 (+1.5%), but also between 2002 and 2022 (+34%). Europe was still the preferred continent, although more and more Swiss citizens lived in parts of Asia. These are some of the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg in Ticino
03.04.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On Monday, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Ian Borg, Malta's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade during an official working visit to Ticino. Their talks focused on Switzerland's and Malta's non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council and bilateral relations.
Delegation from Greenland to visit Switzerland
03.04.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Government officials and scientists from Greenland are in Switzerland from 3 to 5 April 2023 for a visit organised by the Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) and coordinated by the FDFA as part of its participation in the Arctic Council. The discussions will focus on the integrated management of natural risks and hazards.
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter receives Austrian Minister of Finance, Magnus Brunner
31.03.2023
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Press releases
Europa
On 31 March 2023, Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter met her Austrian counterpart, Magnus Brunner, in St Gallen. Following a visit to the Abbey Library, they discussed current financial and tax topics. The conversation centred around, among other things, the OECD's minimum taxation rules, the uncertain global economic situation and the repercussions of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The meeting also provided an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries and to acknowledge the importance of cooperation among the four countries that border Lake Constance.
Ukraine: Switzerland to implement tenth package of sanctions
29.03.2023
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Press releases
Europa
At its meeting on 29 March, the Federal Council decided to enact further sanctions against Russia. This aligns Switzerland with the European Union, which recently adopted a tenth package of sanctions. The latest measures also include humanitarian exemptions and introduce a new means of safeguarding Swiss economic interests in specific cases. The changes come into effect at 8pm on 29 March.
Die Schweiz und Liechtenstein feiern das 100-Jahr-Jubiläum des Zollvertrags
29.03.2023
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Press releases
Europa
Die Schweiz und Liechtenstein haben anlässlich einer Feier zum 100-Jahr-Jubiläum des Zollvertrags in Schaan/FL die engen Beziehungen gewürdigt, die beide Länder verbinden. Mit der Vertragsunterzeichnung am 29. März 1923 ist ein gemeinsamer Wirtschaftsraum entstanden und damit die Basis für die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit. An der Jubiläumsfeier auf Einladung der liechtensteinischen Regierung nahmen seitens der Schweiz Bundespräsident Alain Berset sowie zahlreiche Repräsentantinnen und Repräsentanten des Bundes, von Kantonen und Gemeinden teil.