All news (104)
Federal Council presents draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27
29.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 29 September 2023, the Federal Council adopted the draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. This strategy outlines Switzerland's stance in a rapidly evolving global landscape and establishes key foreign policy priorities and objectives for the upcoming legislative period. The draft will be submitted to the cantons and the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation before the final version is adopted in early 2024.
Switzerland prioritises humanitarian demining in Ukraine
29.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 29 September 2023, the Federal Council approved a CHF 100 million package to demine civilian and agricultural areas in Ukraine and aid the country's recovery. The funding will be provided in equal shares by the Department of Defence, Civil Protection, and Sport (DDPS) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). In this way, Switzerland is offering its expertise to help tackle this enormous humanitarian challenge.
Ukraine: Switzerland tightens sanctions in connection with the supply of Iranian drones to Russia
29.09.2023
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Press releases
Europa
On 29 September, the Federal Council adopted further sanctions in connection with the supply of Iranian drones to Russia. This aligns Switzerland with the European Union, which has adopted new measures in response to the use of Iranian drones in Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. The new measures will come into force at 6pm on 29 September.
Ukraine digitalising public services with Swiss support
15.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 September 2023, the Federal Council approved additional support for digitalisation in Ukraine. This will enable citizens, refugees and businesses to access public services and have a political say despite the ongoing war. The 'E-governance for Accountability and Participation' (EGAP) project will receive a contribution of CHF 15 million this year.
Looking ahead to the 78th UN General Assembly
15.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 September, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The main items on the agenda are the international financial architecture, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, international law and UN reforms. The 78th session of the UNGA will open next Tuesday in New York. President of the Confederation Alain Berset and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will represent Switzerland.
Switzerland joins Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine
30.08.2023
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Press releases
EDA
In May 2023, the Council of Europe established the Register of Damage, a database containing evidence and information on damage caused to Ukraine by the Russian Federation. At its meeting on 30 August 2023, the Federal Council decided that Switzerland will join this Register of Damage. This membership underscores Switzerland's support for those affected by the war and for the political process of rebuilding Ukraine, which Switzerland initiated in conjunction with the Ukrainian government at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2022 in Lugano.
Ukraine: Switzerland implements new sanctions against Belarus
30.08.2023
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Press releases
Europa
On 30 August, the Federal Council decided to adopt further sanctions against Belarus to bring Switzerland in line with the latest measures adopted by the European Union (EU) on 3 August. The changes will come into effect at 6pm on 30 August. More than 40 individuals and entities were added to the sanctions list on 15 August.
Ukraine: Switzerland implements 11th package of sanctions
16.08.2023
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Press releases
Europa
On 16 August, the Federal Council decided to enact further sanctions against Russia. This aligns Switzerland with the EU, which adopted these latest measures as part of its eleventh package of sanctions. The new measures take effect at 6pm on Wednesday, 16 August. More than one hundred additional individuals and entities were already added to the sanctions list on 28 June.
Swiss expertise bolsters humanitarian demining efforts in Ukraine
17.07.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss Confederation is using Swiss expertise to support humanitarian demining in Ukraine. It supports the Ukrainian authorities' activities and contributes to the clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance through projects carried out by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD).
National Day: Greeting on 1 August 2023 for the Swiss abroad
11.07.2023
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Local news
Ukraine
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider visits aid projects for Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Slovakia
06.07.2023
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Press releases
Europa
Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider visited Poland and Slovakia on 5 and 6 July, two countries that have taken in large numbers of people fleeing the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Switzerland supports projects in these two countries under the Migration Framework Credit of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU Member States. Ms Baume-Schneider was able to see for herself the workings of a number of UNICEF projects that benefit refugee children in particular. She also held bilateral talks with government representatives in both countries.
Switzerland increases support for rehabilitation of Ukrainian schools
03.07.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland continues to provide aid to Ukraine. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has approved an additional CHF 5.5 million to renovate and refurbish around 30 schools in Ukraine. The aim is to ensure that nearly 15,000 schoolchildren have access to a decent and safe education.
