Participation in the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes

07.03.2014 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council has acknowledged the decision of the European Commission to suspend Switzerland’s association to the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes and instead give Switzerland third-country status from 2014. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) have been asked to draw up interim solutions for the three programmes.

Participation in the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes

07.03.2014 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has acknowledged the decision of the European Commission to suspend Switzerland’s association to the EU’s Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and MEDIA programmes and instead give Switzerland third-country status from 2014. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) have been asked to draw up interim solutions for the three programmes.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics in 4th quarter 2013 – Rise in number of cross-border commuters continues

03.03.2014 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, According to the Cross-border Commuter Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the number of foreign nationals crossing the border to work in Switzerland rose by 3.8% during 2013. More than half of the cross-border workforce lives in France (52.4%). Approximately a quarter lives in Italy (23.7%) and a fifth in Germany (20.5%). The cross-border workforce still tends to work in lower-skilled jobs.

State Secretary Jacques de Watteville's working visit in Bern with Pascal Saint-Amans, Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration

03.03.2014 — Press release DEA

Bern, Today in Bern, State Secretary Jacques de Watteville and the Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, Pascal Saint-Amans, met for a working visit. They discussed the status of the OECD project on corporate taxation (BEPS, base erosion and profit shifting) and the work on developing the global standard for the automatic exchange of information. The Swiss delegation also included the Director of the Federal Tax Administration, Adrian Hug.drian Hug.

Preisausgleich beim Handel mit landwirtschaftlichen Verarbeitungserzeugnissen: Aktualisierung der Referenzpreise per 1. März 2014

21.02.2014 — Press release DEA
Die Referenzpreise gemäss Protokoll Nr. 2 des Freihandelsabkommens Schweiz-EU von 1972 über bestimmte landwirtschaftliche Verarbeitungserzeugnisse werden per 1. März 2014 aktualisiert. Die Vertreter der Schweiz und der EU im Gemischten Ausschuss des Freihandelsabkommens haben am 13. Februar 2014 dem entsprechenden Beschluss zugestimmt. Der Bundesrat hat die Unterzeichnung des Beschlusses zur Anpassung der Referenzpreise am 12. Februar 2014 genehmigt. Parallel zu den Referenzpreisen zur EU werden jene zu Drittländern angepasst.

German Chancellor Merkel assures President of the Swiss Confederation Burkhalter that Germany will play a constructive part in the dialogue on EU policy

18.02.2014 — DEA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter, informed German Chancellor Angela Merkel today about the outcome of the popular vote on the mass immigration initiative and the next steps to be taken by the Federal Council to implement the new constitutional provision on immigration. Ms Merkel assured Mr Burkhalter that Germany would play a constructive part in the aspects of the discussions that touch on EU policy. The meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier centred on the situation in Ukraine and the possible role of the OSCE, which is chaired by Switzerland in 2014, in defusing the crisis. Mr Burkhalter will travel from Berlin to Paris, where he will meet with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius this evening.

Change in immigration system: Yes to popular initiative aimed at stopping mass immigration

09.02.2014 — Press release DEA
The Swiss population has adopted a popular initiative aimed at stopping mass immigration. This brings with it a change of system in Switzerland’s immigration policy. The new constitutional provisions require that immigration be restricted by means of quantitative limits and quotas. The Federal Council will set to work on implementing these without delay.

Working visit of Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to Greece

04.02.2014 — Press release DEA

Bern, 04.02.2014 - Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), paid a working visit to Athens today, where the focus was on talks with the Greek Finance Minister, Yannis Stournaras.

Switzerland committed to international cooperation in research and innovation

14.01.2014 — Press release DEA
Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, gave a speech at the national conference in Bern to inaugurate the 8th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020". In his speech, he stressed the great importance that international cooperation in research and innovation has for Switzerland. "International cooperation will continue to increase in response to major global challenges", explained Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann. The conference took place in the presence of EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, who stressed that "Horizon 2020" will improve living standards in Europe and strengthen Europe's economy in the face of international competition.

Project organisation fleshes out third series of corporate tax reforms

19.12.2013 — Press release DEA

Bern, 19.12.2013 - The joint project organisation of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) and the Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors has further developed the tax and fiscal policy thrust of the next series of corporate tax reforms and evaluated various measures. The Federal Council has taken note of this and instructed the FDF to consult the cantons on this basis. The reforms should cause Switzerland to maintain its tax appeal, strengthen its ability to innovate and give a boost to the country as a business location. They are based on solutions that ensure legal certainty, are accepted internationally and are balanced from a fiscal policy viewpoint. Based on the results of the consultation and international developments, the Federal Council will decide how to proceed and instruct the Federal Department of Finance to prepare a consultation draft.

Zuwanderung: Effekte der Standortförderung gering und überwiegend im ländlichen Raum

19.12.2013 — Press release DEA
Der Bericht "Standortförderung und Zuwanderung" im Auftrag des Staatssekretariats für Wirtschaft (SECO) analysiert die Wirkungszusammenhänge zwischen den Standortförderungsmassnahmen des Bundes und der Zuwanderung. Die Studie von Ecoplan untersucht insbesondere die Standortpromotion, Steuererleichterungen im Rahmen der Regionalpolitik und die Förderung der Beherbergungswirtschaft. In dem die Standortförderung zum Erhalt und zur Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen beiträgt, wird auch eine leicht erhöhte Zuwanderung von rund vier Prozent ausgelöst. Rund drei Viertel des Zuwanderungseffektes entfallen auf ländliche oder strukturschwache Gebiete abseits der Ballungszentren. Weiter kommt die Studie zum Schluss, dass geförderte Unternehmen ihr Personal nicht wesentlich stärker im Ausland rekrutieren als übrige Unternehmen.

Fifth Round of Swiss-EU Negotiations on Linking their Emissions Trading Systems

13.12.2013 — Press release DEA
On 11 December 2013, the fifth round of negotiations were held between Switzerland and the European Union with a view to linking their respective CO2 emissions systems. The draft agreement was also fine-tuned.

Countdown running: Exactly a year to the opening of the Gotthard base tunnel

01.06.2015 — Press release DEA
In a year’s time, the Gotthard base tunnel will be inaugurated. At 57 kilometres in length, it will be the world’s longest tunnel. Today in Lucerne, transport minister Doris Leuthard started the countdown to the ceremony. On 1 June 2016, the official state occasion will take place, and the following weekend, a large-scale celebration will be held to thank the public.

Official meeting between Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Bern

28.05.2015 — Press release DEA
Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni for official talks in Bern today, and praised the excellent relations between the two countries. Among the topics discussed by Mr Burkhalter and Mr Gentiloni were Expo Milano 2015, the opening of the Gotthard base tunnel in 2016 and the significance of the New Transalpine Rail Link, progress made on fiscal and financial matters, and Switzerland's policy on the EU. The two ministers also discussed international matters, specifically migration policy and the situation in North Africa and the Middle East.

Official visit to Bern by Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charles Flanagan

06.05.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern, The Head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, received the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Flanagan, for an official visit to Bern on Wednesday 6 May 2015. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, the EU and Switzerland's policy on Europe. They also discussed cooperation within international bodies, particularly the UN, and the situation in the Middle East.

Record values despite a difficult environment

04.05.2015 — Press release DEA
In spite of the difficult environment in the wake of the adoption of the immigration initiative, the ETH Domain was able to successfully fulfil the mandate of the Federal Council and Parliament. The attraction of the two Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne continues unabated: with more than 28,500 students and doctoral students, a new record value was reached in 2014. In terms of knowledge and technology transfer, the ETH Domain with ETH Zurich, EPFL and the four research institutes PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag also climbed record heights. However, if the ETH Domain is expected to be able to fulfil its mandate for the benefit of Switzerland as a centre of knowledge and industry, it is absolutely dependent on optimal parameters. These include planning security, stable basic funding and international openness.

French President François Hollande on state visit to Switzerland

15.04.2015 — Press release DEA
President Simonetta Sommaruga welcomed French President François Hollande to Bern on a two-day state visit – it is the first visit by a French president to Switzerland since 1998. EU policy, cooperation on international issues and economic relations are among the key topics to be addressed during President Hollande’s visit.

Switzerland and Greece have resumed tax discussions

26.03.2015 — Press release DEA
Today in Athens, State Secretary Jacques de Watteville and the Greek Minister of State Nikos Pappas resumed the discussions on unresolved tax issues which had been suspended a year ago. Switzerland and Greece wish to strengthen cooperation to combat tax crime. Within this framework, both sides discussed particularly the preparation of the planned automatic exchange of information from 2017/2018.

Cross-border Commuter Statistics 2014 – Growth in the number of cross-border commuters in 2014 slightly dampened

23.03.2015 — Press release DEA

Neuchâtel, 23.03.2015 - (FSO) - The number of foreign cross-border commuters working in Switzerland increased by 8600 persons (+3.1%) in 2014. Just over half of the cross-border commuters (52.4%) were resident in France, around a quarter (23.7%) were resident in Italy and a fifth in Germany (20.4%). In Ticino, the proportion of commuters out of all employed persons was highest at 26.2%. These are the findings of the Cross-border Commuter Statistics, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on a quarterly basis.

Switzerland admitted to phase 2 of Global Forum peer review

16.03.2015 — Press release DEA
Switzerland has been admitted to phase 2 of the peer review. Such was the conclusion of the Global Forum in its report published today on the statutory framework necessary for Switzerland for administrative assistance in tax matters. The decision recognises Switzerland's efforts to comply with the international standard for the exchange of information upon request. Phase 2 of the peer review on the practical implementation of Switzerland's system should start in the fourth quarter of 2015.

First working visit to Bern by Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna

26.02.2015 — Press release DEA

Bern, 26.02.2015 - Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter received his Polish counterpart, Grzegorz Schetyna, today in Bern. Their talks focused on bilateral relations one year after the adoption of a joint declaration on closer cooperation, Switzerland's enlargement contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the enlarged European Union (EU), and the two countries' relations with the EU.

Switzerland and Italy sign agreement on tax issues

23.02.2015 — Press release DEA
Today, Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and Italian Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan met in Milan and signed a Protocol of Amendment to the double taxation agreement and a roadmap for continued dialogue on financial and tax issues. The agreement will improve relations between Switzerland and Italy in the area of finance and taxation after years of controversy and simplify the regularisation of untaxed assets before the automatic exchange of information is introduced.

Programme of the Federal Councillors attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2015

20.01.2015 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council believes that the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting is of great importance to Davos and to Switzerland. Each year, this event brings together leaders from the worlds of business and government. It serves as a venue for an informal exchange of opinions on major topical issues. In view of the current economic and political challenges, the opportunity for such direct contact among decision-makers from government, business and civil society is extremely valuable.

Federal Council approves the 2014 Foreign Policy Report

14.01.2015 — Press release DEA
The Federal Council approved the 2014 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 14 January 2015. The report provides an overview of Swiss foreign policy and gives an account of Switzerland's most important foreign policy activities in 2014. It contains a chapter focusing on Switzerland's OSCE chairmanship in 2014.

Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — DEA
The Federal Council is to further relax entry restrictions in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions will be lifted in step with the reopening of the economy. From 8 June, the cantons will begin processing applications from workers from the EU/EFTA member states. In addition, Swiss companies will be allowed to employ highly skilled workers from third countries if this is in the public interest, or if they are urgently required. To benefit the domestic workforce, companies will again be required to give notification of job vacancies, a measure that was temporarily suspended during the lockdown. Lastly, the Federal Council plans to lift all travel restrictions and re-establish the free movement of persons across the Schengen area no later than 6 July. Border controls with Germany, Austria and France will be lifted as early as 15 June, as previously announced.

Securing access to research cooperation and funding programmes in Europe

20.05.2020 — DEA
Horizon Europe, the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, is due to start in 2021. Along with three other European initiatives, Horizon Europe forms the ‘2021–2027 Horizon package’. On 20 May 2020 the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on funding requesting Parliament to approve CHF 6,154 million in funding to secure Switzerland’s participation in the Horizon package. Provided Parliament approves this funding, the Federal Council and the EU will be able to renew their bilateral research agreement and secureSwitzerland’s continued and uninterrupted participation in the Horizon package as an associated state.

Coronavirus: Switzerland reaches agreement with Germany, Austria and France on opening borders

13.05.2020 — DEA
Switzerland plans to open all borders with Germany, Austria and France on 15 June 2020, if the epidemiological situation allows. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter has reached agreement on this move following talks with the interior ministers of these three neighbouring countries. She advised the Federal Council of the agreement at its meeting on 13 May 2020.

New slides provide handy, up-to-date information on Switzerland’s European policy

26.11.2019 — Article DEA
Switzerland enjoys close, important and diverse relations with the European Union. They are based on the bilateral approach and influence many aspects of citizens’ lives, both in Switzerland and in the EU.

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabić attends working meeting with President Maurer

03.09.2019 — DEA
On Tuesday, 3 September, President Ueli Maurer received Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić at the Bernerhof for a working visit on the fringes of Swiss Digital Day. Discussions covered bilateral issues such as business and digital transformation, Serbia’s relations with the European Union, and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Samos refugee camp and meets new Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

10.07.2019 — EDA
Mr Cassis's visit to Greece has mainly been concerned with the situation of refugees and the challenges posed by migration. On Tuesday, the head of the FDFA visited the refugee camp on Samos and today met Nikos Dendias, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, and President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Switzerland and EU adapt their insurance agreement

05.07.2018 — DEA
Switzerland and the EU have been adapting their Direct Insurance Agreement which has existed since 1989 to the new regulatory requirements. The mixed committee with representatives from both sides adopted the changes on 3 July 2018 and brought them into effect. Thereby the agreement is also in line with the future requirements of the Swiss insurance business.

Switzerland and France give go-ahead to implementation of EuroAirport agreement

19.12.2017 — EDA
At their first meeting, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian brought the issue of the tax regime at Basel-Mulhouse (EuroAirport) to a conclusion: the agreement regulating Swiss companies operating at EuroAirport will be applicable from next year. The two foreign ministers' working meeting also focused on other bilateral issues, the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy with regard to the EU.

EU-Switzerland Financial Regulatory Dialogue held in Bern

19.10.2017 — DEA
The Swiss State Secretariat for International Financial Matters and the European Commission held their 2017 Financial Regulatory Dialogue on October 19 in Berne. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Jörg Gasser, State Secretary for International Financial Matters, and Olivier Guersent, European Commission's Director General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Participants included staff from the European Commission, European Supervisory Authorities, Single Resolution Board, the Swiss federal administration, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority FINMA.

European Parliament’s PANA Committee to visit Switzerland

15.09.2017 — DEA
The Swiss authorities will receive a delegation from the European Parliament's PANA Committee on 15 September. The focus of the talks will be the current system and the ongoing work to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and tax offences.

Switzerland once again a full member of partnership-funded EU innovation programmes

23.08.2017 — DEA
On 23 August, the Federal Council approved the agreements on Switzerland’s participation in the Eurostars-2 and the Active and Assisted Living research and development programmes. This means that Switzerland is once again a full member of both programmes and is co-financed by the EU. The programmes are particularly interesting for research-intensive SMEs looking to enter new European or global markets through cross-border cooperation. Switzerland’s participation in the AAL programme is one of the many measures that form part of the federal government’s Skilled Workers Initiative.

Linking of the Swiss and European emissions trading systems: big step forward

16.08.2017 — DEA
Switzerland and the European Union are preparing to link their emissions trading systems. The Federal Council approved the signing of the corresponding agreement at its meeting of 16 August 2017. The European Commission has also adopted proposals for the signature and ratification of the agreement and has submitted them to the Council of the European Union for approval. The agreement could be signed before the end of this year. Its ratification must then be approved by the Swiss and European parliaments.