All news (3708)
Ignazio Cassis highlights Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East at Davos 2025
23.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, placed particular emphasis on European policy and the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also raised matters relating to security and cooperation, particularly as Switzerland prepares to chair the OSCE in 2026.
Official working visit by Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People's Republic of China, Mr Ding Xuexiang
20.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On 20 January 2025, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), welcomed Mr Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People's Republic of China, in Bern for an official working visit. Switzerland and the People's Republic of China are currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting
17.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place in Davos next week. Six members of the Federal Council will be attending the event. President Karin Keller-Sutter will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Tuesday, 21 January.
Presentation of credentials
14.01.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials
Switzerland to chair the OSCE in 2026
30.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
In 2026, Switzerland will chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the third time, following its chairpersonships in 1996 and 2014. Switzerland was elected by the participating states of the organisation in a secret ballot. It will assume first executive functions already from 1 January 2025: as a member of the troika – comprising the 2024 (Malta), 2025 (Finland) and 2026 (Switzerland) chairs – it will be responsible for relations with the Mediterranean states, among other things.
Federal Council adopts its new Africa Strategy 2025–28
20.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted its new Africa strategy. For the first time, the strategy covers all regions of the continent, setting out objectives and measures that Switzerland intends to implement in the 2025–28 period. The strategy prioritises peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, the environment, and democracy and governance. It also sets out the objective of building relations with African countries using a partnership-based approach to cooperation.
New Swiss ambassadors
20.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.
Switzerland and the European Union welcome outcome of negotiations
20.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
President Viola Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen met in Bern on Friday, 20 December, to mark the conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union. They welcomed the outcome of the negotiations and discussed current issues regarding European policy and global developments.
Federal Council takes note of substantive conclusion of Swiss–EU negotiations
20.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2024, the Federal Council took note with satisfaction the material conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). It noted that the Swiss delegation, led by chief negotiator Patric Franzen, has met the objectives set under the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has instructed the relevant departments to undertake the preparatory work needed to formally conclude negotiations.
Switzerland takes on protecting power mandate for Ecuador and Venezuela
19.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At the request of the Ecuadorian government, Switzerland will represent Ecuador's interests in relation to Venezuela. On 19 December 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis signed the applicable agreement with Ecuador's ambassador to Switzerland, Verónica Bustamante Ponce. In taking on this role, Switzerland is ensuring that diplomatic and consular channels between the two countries remain open. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed following the Venezuelan presidential elections in July 2024. Diplomatic tensions between the two countries had been building prior to this.
Switzerland submits candidature to chair OSCE in 2026
19.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Today, Switzerland’s official candidature for the 2026 OSCE chairpersonship was transmitted by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to the current OSCE chair, Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg. Numerous countries have approached Switzerland to assume the chairpersonship for a third time. Given the particularly difficult geopolitical times that currently prevail, which also pose major challenges for the OSCE, the Swiss candidature underscores the fact that the only way to bring about peaceful and sustainable solutions to crises is through dialogue and cooperation.
New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure
18.12.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.
