News overview European topics of the FDFA
Press releases
Here you will find media information on matters concerning European policy. Press releases and other information for the media from the various federal departments and offices can be accessed via the Federal Administration’s media portal.
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All news (690)
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter to meet UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in London
06.11.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 7 November 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will meet the United Kingdom's finance minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, for a working visit. The meeting will focus on multilateral and bilateral financial and tax topics.
Switzerland–EU: Federal Council takes stock
06.11.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 6 November 2024, the Federal Council held an in-depth discussion on the status of negotiations with the EU and internal implementation of the package. In most dossiers, negotiations are well advanced. Negotiations on the free movement of persons, electricity and Switzerland's contribution to cohesion within the EU are continuing apace, with the aim of achieving a convergence of positions. Internal work and discussions with the cantons, the social and economic partners and interest groups have enabled progress to be made on a number of fronts.
Czech President Petr Pavel on state visit to Switzerland
06.11.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 6 November, the second day of the state visit, the president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and First Lady Eva Pavlová were received on Bundesplatz by the federal government, led by President Viola Amherd. The official speeches and the talks that followed focused on the security situation and outlook for the European continent, as well as on bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic.
President Amherd to travel to Budapest for fifth European Political Community Summit
04.11.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The fifth European Political Community (EPC) Summit will take place in Budapest on Thursday, 7 November. President Amherd will represent Switzerland at the meeting, which will be attended by representatives from around 45 European states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations.
Ukraine: Switzerland adopts new sanctions against Belarus
30.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 30 October, the Federal Council decided to adopt further sanctions against Belarus. This brings Switzerland in line with the measures adopted by the European Union on 29 June and reaffirms Switzerland’s close partnership with the EU with regard to sanctions. The changes will come into effect on 31 October.
Czech President Petr Pavel to pay state visit to Switzerland
29.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
Next week the Federal Council, led by President Viola Amherd, will receive the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, for a state visit. The Federal Council’s invitation to President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová reflects the excellent relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic. In addition to shared values and vibrant political, economic and cultural exchanges, the two countries share close personal and historical ties.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to meet with Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti
29.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will receive Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti on 1 November. The meeting follows the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between EFTA and Kosovo.
armasuisse takes part in DACH meeting of research directors
21.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 21 and 22 October 2024, Thomas Rothacher, Head of armasuisse Science and Technology, will take part with a delegation in a meeting of the research directors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The meeting will be characterised by increased international cooperation with the focus on robotics, drone defence and systems for the soldiers.
Switzerland signs declaration of accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
18.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
After the member states of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) agreed to Switzerland’s application for admission, Chief of Armament Urs Loher signed the MoU and the unilateral declaration of accession by Switzerland on 17 October 2024. Switzerland will thus become the 15th member of the ESSI.
President Amherd visits Poland in view of its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union
17.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On Thursday, 17 October, President Viola Amherd met with Poland’s President Andrzej Duda to discuss their countries’ bilateral relations, the negotiations between Switzerland and the EU, the security situation in Europe, migration matters and geopolitical developments. Poland will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2025.
President Amherd visits Poland in the run-up to Polish presidency of the Council of the EU
14.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
President Viola Amherd will travel to Warsaw this week. During her visit, she will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda on 17 October and also hold talks with the heads of Poland’s parliamentary chambers, Marshall of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Marshall of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. Poland will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2025.
Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider on working visit to Spain to discuss digital healthcare
14.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 14 and 15 October 2024, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider is in Madrid on a working visit, focused on sharing experience on the digital transformation of healthcare. The visit by the Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) included a meeting on Monday with the Spanish Health Minister Mónica García Gómez. The second day of this working visit is dedicated to equality and the fight against violence against women.