Press releases

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OECD publishes development cooperation peer review on Switzerland

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 June 2025, the OECD published its latest development cooperation peer review on Switzerland. The peer review takes place as part of a regular review process that the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) undergo every six years. The report recognises the continuous development of Swiss international cooperation and formulates recommendations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, today received the Serbian foreign minister, Marko Đurić, in Bern for an official working visit. Talks focused on bilateral relations, developments in the Western Balkans, the situation in the Middle East, the war against Ukraine and Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship next year.

Swiss–EU package: Federal Council approves agreements and opens consultation process

13.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements in the new package to stabilise and develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process. After Switzerland brought the negotiations with the EU to a successful close in December 2024, the Federal Council finalised the implementing legislation and accompanying measures. Previously unresolved issues concerning wage protection, immigration, electricity and the type of referendum to be held have since been settled and presented to the public over the last five months. The consultation process will last until 31 October 2025. With this package, the Federal Council is aiming for customised sectoral participation in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas. Given the current global unrest, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is key.

UN Ocean Conference – Switzerland calls for global cooperation

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. The summit, which was co-organised by France and Costa Rica, aims to advance action and mobilise all stakeholders on the conservation and sustainable use of the world's oceans. The Swiss delegation is being led by Ambassador Alexandra Baumann, head of the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division.

Swiss chairship of International IDEA calls for focused action to strengthen resilience of democracies

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is chairing the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in 2025. At the meeting of the organisation's Council of Member States, the current chair of International IDEA and Swiss ambassador to Sweden, Adrian Junker, called for focused action to promote democracy worldwide and thus counter the growing pressure on democratic systems. International IDEA was founded in 1995 to bolster democracies around the globe. The council meeting in Stockholm to mark the organisation's 30th anniversary was chaired by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), who reaffirmed Switzerland's ongoing commitment to promoting the resilience of democratic systems.

Visite du Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis au Proche Orient : la Suisse réaffirme son engagement en faveur du droit international humanitaire et d’une paix durable

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Le Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE), a effectué les 10 et 11 juin une visite officielle en Israël et dans le Territoire palestinien occupé. Cette visite s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’engagement de la Suisse pour le dialogue, le respect du droit international humanitaire et la recherche d’une paix durable au Proche-Orient.

Ignazio Cassis visits Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

11.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be in the Middle East on 10 and 11 June 2025 for official visits to the Palestinian and Israeli authorities. The trip is part of Switzerland's ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, peace and respect for international humanitarian law in the region.

Humanitarian aid: Switzerland releases CHF 28 million in response to global emergency

05.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Within days of announcing that CHF 20 million had been earmarked for the crisis in the Middle East, Switzerland is releasing CHF 28 million in response to humanitarian emergencies in other parts of the world. Roughly 50% will be used for ICRC operations in Africa. The SDC has therefore disbursed practically all of its emergency funds for 2025. This decision was taken in response to growing humanitarian needs around the world.

Natural hazards: Ignazio Cassis officially opens Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva

03.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, has officially opened the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) in Geneva. This international conference, organised under the aegis of the United Nations, is the leading forum for discussing global progress in disaster reduction and sharing new knowledge in this area. Natural hazards are a highly topical issue that affects countries around the world to varying degrees, significantly impacting affected populations and the economy.

Ignazio Cassis presents Swiss policy of good offices in Hong Kong

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, was in Hong Kong today at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, to attend the launch of the International Organization for Mediation. The event brought together some 50 states, including several represented at ministerial level. Mr Cassis gave a speech outlining Switzerland's approach to mediation.

Situation in Gaza: Federal Council calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire

30.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 May 2025, the Federal Council once again discussed the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas and made a full assessment of the situation. It is deeply dismayed at the unbearable human suffering and calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire. A week ago, the Federal Council allocated CHF 10 million to humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territory. At the same time, Switzerland continues to work internationally for a political solution to the conflict.

Ignazio Cassis attending new mediation forum in Hong Kong on 30 May 2025

27.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Hong Kong on 30 May at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Mr Cassis, head of the FDFA, is to attend a mediation forum which will bring together some 60 countries. The event coincides with China's launch of the International Organization for Mediation.

Media (3482)

The Federal Council proposes a new law on the restitution of assets of illicit origin

24.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
In the context of the prolongation of the freeze on the Duvalier assets, which the Federal Council decided on 3 February 2010, today the Federal Council has decided to submit the draft Federal Act on the restitution of assets of illicit origin to a consultation procedure. The Duvalier assets could be first case to which the law would apply once it enters into force. For this to happen however it must first be passed by Parliament. With this draft law, Switzerland confirms its leading position worldwide in the restitution of assets of illicit origin.

Strengthening of cooperation with Serbia

24.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Serbia about assistance in intellectual property matters

Reform of the European Court of Human Rights: joint declaration reached in Interlaken

19.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
In the framework of its Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, on 18 and 19 February 2010 Switzerland organised a Ministerial Conference in Interlaken in order to decisively spur the reform of the overburdened European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). By issuing a joint declaration the representatives of the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe confirm their intention to secure the long-term future of the ECHR.

Combating the Food Crisis is the primary Objective

18.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
At the Annual Media Conference held in Bern, the SDC acquainted the audience with the priority activities planned for 2010. Making a contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and enhancing food security are vested with a prominent role.

Federal Councillor Calmy–Rey meets the Spanish and Libyan Foregin Ministers in Madrid

18.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today met her Spanish and Libyan counterparts in Madrid. Spain currently holds the presidency of the EU Council of ministers. They discussed the differences between Switzerland and Libya as well as visa issues.

Water Security in the Middle East

17.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
An international workshop on Water Security in the Middle East was held at Montreux on February 15-16., attracting participation of 60 leading policymakers, including members of Parliament, former Cabinet Ministers, research senior leaders of Water Commissions and heads of research institutions from across the Middle East.

Almost 685,000 Swiss nationals living abroad

17.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
The number of Swiss nationals living abroad rose in 2009 by 8,798 to 684,974. In 2000, 580,396 Swiss nationals were living abroad. The increase is caused mainly by the number of persons with dual nationality, which has risen from 405,921 to 493,468.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter signs Swiss-EU bilateral agreement

15.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, a new Swiss-EU bilateral agreement was signed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Ms Androulla Vassiliou, the EU Commissioner for Culture, Education, Multiligualism, and Youth and Mr Ángel Gabilondo Pujol, Spanish Minister of Education and representative of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This bilateral agreement will enable Switzerland to officially take part in EU education, training and youth programmes.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey in the Democratic Republic of Congo

10.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Today, Wednesday, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey had talks at ministerial-level in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The discussions centred around bilateral relations, Francophonie, and development cooperation, specifically in regard to healthcare. Afterwards the head of the FDFA travelled to the province of South Kivu to visit programmes run by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Interlaken Conference: Switzerland spurs the reform of the European Court of Human Rights

10.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
The Ministerial Conference planned by Switzerland for Thursday and Friday of next week, 18 and 19 February, in Interlaken aims at decisively encouraging the reform of the chronically overburdened European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In this way Switzerland confirms its traditional commitment to protect human rights and ensures in the long term the future of the ECHR.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo and to Tanzania

08.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey will travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo and to Tanzania from 9-13 February 2010 to hold talks on ministerial level. While in the DRC, she will visit SDC programmes in South Kivu Province in the east of the country. The trip will focus on Switzerland’s cooperation and development activities, in particular in the health sector.

The Duvalier accounts remain blocked while a draft law will be reviewed that could permit illicit assets to be confiscated

03.02.2010 — Press releases EDA
In pursuing its policy to avoid allowing the Swiss financial centre to become a haven for illicitly acquired assets, the Federal Council has reached a decision to continue the freeze on the Duvalier assets on the basis of the Constitution. In view of the criminal origin of these funds, the Federal Council in this way avoids releasing the approximately USD 5.7 million for the benefit of the Duvalier clan, which the Federal Criminal Court deems to be a criminal organisation. At the same time, the Federal Council has instructed the FDFA to complete by the end of the month its work on drafting a federal law that would ultimately allow such assets to be confiscated, and to submit the draft law for consultation.

Other news (151)

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.

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.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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