Switzerland renews its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

31.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has officially renewed its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE) for the period 2026–31. The appointments will ensure Switzerland maintains its presence at the CLRAE's 50th session, scheduled for the end of March 2026.

Angola, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso: Ignazio Cassis holds talks on the economy, science and security

26.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has just completed visits to three economic heavyweights in Africa: Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. In addition to trade and economic affairs, his political discussions also focused on security issues and cooperation in the field of science. The fourth country that Mr Cassis will visit tomorrow is Burkina Faso, where the focus will be on international cooperation: The head of the FDFA will visit a project supported by Switzerland that uses digital technology to give people better access to financial services and loans, thereby improving local economic prospects.

Federal Council reaffirms partnership with four UN organisations

20.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council is continuing its cooperation with four UN organisations in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. At its meeting on 20 March 2026, it decided to support the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with around CHF 70 million per year from 2026 to 2028. In addition to ensuring the effective implementation of Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28, the partnership with these UN organisations boosts the standing of International Geneva.

The economy, science and security at the heart of Ignazio Cassis' visit to four African countries

19.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Angola, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso from 23 to 27 March 2026. In Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, the focus will be on trade, economic relations and scientific cooperation, while the trip to Burkina Faso will centre on international cooperation, humanitarian aid and the security situation in the Sahel region.

OSCE press release: OSCE participating States adopt 2026 Budget

19.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) today reached consensus on the Organization’s Budget for 2026, ensuring the continued implementation of its comprehensive security mandate. This ends a five-year stalemate since the last approved budget in 2021. The adoption of the budget confirms that the OSCE remains an important platform for dialogue, even in times of heightened tensions. This decision therefore also contributes to the implementation of a key priority of the Swiss Chairpersonship – ensuring the OSCE’s ability to act.

SDC steps up humanitarian support for people in Lebanon, Syria and Iran

16.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The war in the Middle East is having a serious impact on the populations of Lebanon, Syria and Iran. In view of this situation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has set aside a humanitarian support package of CHF 6.5 million, which will focus on Lebanon and includes a regional component for Syria. The SDC will also release emergency aid for Iran.

Federal Council adopts report on foreign policy implications of growing antisemitism in Switzerland

13.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Bern, 6 March 2026 – The Federal Council has adopted the report in response to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council (FAC-N) postulate 23.4340 ‘Foreign policy implications of the massive rise in antisemitism in Switzerland. Review of potential countermeasures’. The Federal Council notes that the resurgence of antisemitism since autumn 2023 represents a serious challenge for social cohesion and security, but concludes that the situation, as it currently stands, does not warrant the introduction of additional foreign policy measures.

Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package

13.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved the dispatch to Parliament on the stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council's intention with this bill is to stabilise and future-proof the tried-and-tested bilateral approach with the EU. The package is in Switzerland's interest. It ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner. In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance.

The FDFA temporarily closes its embassy in Iran

11.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
In view of the war in the Middle East and the increasing security risk, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land today and are now safely outside the country. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries.

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti attends Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris

10.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 10 March, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti represented Switzerland at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris. The international gathering focused on the civil use of nuclear energy in addressing major energy, climate and sovereignty related challenges. Mr Rösti recalled that nuclear energy is an important pillar of Switzerland's low-carbon energy mix, with safe, secure and sustainable waste management and disposal.

Negotiations on a trade agreement between Switzerland and the USA to continue

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 6 March, the Federal Council discussed how to proceed regarding the negotiations on a trade agreement with the USA. Switzerland will continue negotiations with the USA even after the decision of the US Supreme Court and the subsequent introduction of a new base tariff by the US government. The Federal Council continues to pursue the goal of concluding an agreement that will stabilise bilateral trade relations and improve export opportunities for Swiss companies.

Foreign Policy Report 2025: Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to focused and effective multilateralism

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2025 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 6 March 2026. The report gives an account of the foreign policy activities of the past year and takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at the halfway point. The core question it seeks to address is how Switzerland can safeguard its interests in an increasingly polarised environment and play its part in advancing effective multilateralism.

Switzerland renews its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

31.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has officially renewed its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE) for the period 2026–31. The appointments will ensure Switzerland maintains its presence at the CLRAE's 50th session, scheduled for the end of March 2026.

Angola, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso: Ignazio Cassis holds talks on the economy, science and security

26.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has just completed visits to three economic heavyweights in Africa: Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. In addition to trade and economic affairs, his political discussions also focused on security issues and cooperation in the field of science. The fourth country that Mr Cassis will visit tomorrow is Burkina Faso, where the focus will be on international cooperation: The head of the FDFA will visit a project supported by Switzerland that uses digital technology to give people better access to financial services and loans, thereby improving local economic prospects.

Federal Council reaffirms partnership with four UN organisations

20.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council is continuing its cooperation with four UN organisations in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. At its meeting on 20 March 2026, it decided to support the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with around CHF 70 million per year from 2026 to 2028. In addition to ensuring the effective implementation of Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28, the partnership with these UN organisations boosts the standing of International Geneva.

The economy, science and security at the heart of Ignazio Cassis' visit to four African countries

19.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Angola, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso from 23 to 27 March 2026. In Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, the focus will be on trade, economic relations and scientific cooperation, while the trip to Burkina Faso will centre on international cooperation, humanitarian aid and the security situation in the Sahel region.

OSCE press release: OSCE participating States adopt 2026 Budget

19.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) today reached consensus on the Organization’s Budget for 2026, ensuring the continued implementation of its comprehensive security mandate. This ends a five-year stalemate since the last approved budget in 2021. The adoption of the budget confirms that the OSCE remains an important platform for dialogue, even in times of heightened tensions. This decision therefore also contributes to the implementation of a key priority of the Swiss Chairpersonship – ensuring the OSCE’s ability to act.

SDC steps up humanitarian support for people in Lebanon, Syria and Iran

16.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The war in the Middle East is having a serious impact on the populations of Lebanon, Syria and Iran. In view of this situation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has set aside a humanitarian support package of CHF 6.5 million, which will focus on Lebanon and includes a regional component for Syria. The SDC will also release emergency aid for Iran.

Federal Council adopts report on foreign policy implications of growing antisemitism in Switzerland

13.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
Bern, 6 March 2026 – The Federal Council has adopted the report in response to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council (FAC-N) postulate 23.4340 ‘Foreign policy implications of the massive rise in antisemitism in Switzerland. Review of potential countermeasures’. The Federal Council notes that the resurgence of antisemitism since autumn 2023 represents a serious challenge for social cohesion and security, but concludes that the situation, as it currently stands, does not warrant the introduction of additional foreign policy measures.

Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package

13.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved the dispatch to Parliament on the stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council's intention with this bill is to stabilise and future-proof the tried-and-tested bilateral approach with the EU. The package is in Switzerland's interest. It ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner. In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance.

The FDFA temporarily closes its embassy in Iran

11.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
In view of the war in the Middle East and the increasing security risk, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land today and are now safely outside the country. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries.

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti attends Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris

10.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 10 March, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti represented Switzerland at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris. The international gathering focused on the civil use of nuclear energy in addressing major energy, climate and sovereignty related challenges. Mr Rösti recalled that nuclear energy is an important pillar of Switzerland's low-carbon energy mix, with safe, secure and sustainable waste management and disposal.

Negotiations on a trade agreement between Switzerland and the USA to continue

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 6 March, the Federal Council discussed how to proceed regarding the negotiations on a trade agreement with the USA. Switzerland will continue negotiations with the USA even after the decision of the US Supreme Court and the subsequent introduction of a new base tariff by the US government. The Federal Council continues to pursue the goal of concluding an agreement that will stabilise bilateral trade relations and improve export opportunities for Swiss companies.

Foreign Policy Report 2025: Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to focused and effective multilateralism

06.03.2026 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2025 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 6 March 2026. The report gives an account of the foreign policy activities of the past year and takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at the halfway point. The core question it seeks to address is how Switzerland can safeguard its interests in an increasingly polarised environment and play its part in advancing effective multilateralism.

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

Swiss National Day 2020

23.07.2020 — Local news Kuwait

Celebrating 1 August differently

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.