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Ukraine: Switzerland to implement tenth package of sanctions

29.03.2023 — Press release Europa
At its meeting on 29 March, the Federal Council decided to enact further sanctions against Russia. This aligns Switzerland with the European Union, which recently adopted a tenth package of sanctions. The latest measures also include humanitarian exemptions and introduce a new means of safeguarding Swiss economic interests in specific cases. The changes come into effect at 8pm on 29 March.

Die Schweiz und Liechtenstein feiern das 100-Jahr-Jubiläum des Zollvertrags

29.03.2023 — Press release Europa
Die Schweiz und Liechtenstein haben anlässlich einer Feier zum 100-Jahr-Jubiläum des Zollvertrags in Schaan/FL die engen Beziehungen gewürdigt, die beide Länder verbinden. Mit der Vertragsunterzeichnung am 29. März 1923 ist ein gemeinsamer Wirtschaftsraum entstanden und damit die Basis für die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit. An der Jubiläumsfeier auf Einladung der liechtensteinischen Regierung nahmen seitens der Schweiz Bundespräsident Alain Berset sowie zahlreiche Repräsentantinnen und Repräsentanten des Bundes, von Kantonen und Gemeinden teil.

Two Swiss take on important roles at the European Space Agency ESA

24.03.2023 — Press release Europa
Renato Krpoun, Head of the Swiss Space Office at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, will be the first Swiss to chair the ESA Council at delegate level. The two-year term of Renato Krpoun will start from 1st July 2023. Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Space Transportation since mid-2016, will take over responsibility for the Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate as from 1st July 2023.

Working meeting between Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider

14.03.2023 — Press release Europa
On 14 March, the Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider exchanged views on various internal security issues and federalism at a working meeting in Bern. The two countries work together closely, particularly in the fight against organised crime.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Slovenian foreign minister in Riehen (BS)

21.02.2023 — Press release EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ignazio Cassis, received Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon in Riehen (Basel-Stadt). Their discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, the work of the UN Security Council, Switzerland's European policy and the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and Slovenia.

Switzerland – UK: Federal Council approves negotiating mandate

15.02.2023 — Press release Europa
At its meeting on 15 February, the Federal Council approved the mandate to launch negotiations on enhancing the bilateral trade agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK). The decision is subject to consultation with the relevant parliamentary committees and the Conference of Cantonal Governments.

Ukraine: price caps for Russian petroleum products to take effect

15.02.2023 — Press release Europa
The Federal Council today aligned its sanctions regime on crude oil and petroleum products from Russia with the latest package of sanctions adopted by the European Union (EU). The new measures enter into effect at 6pm on 15 February 2023.

Talks conducted by the President of the Swiss Confederation in Davos focused on security situation in Europe and the work of the UN Security Council

19.01.2023 — Press release Europa
The security situation in Europe and Switzerland's commitment to the UN Security Council: these were the two topics that largely dominated President Alain Berset’s agenda in Davos. Mr Berset held lengthy bilateral talks with more than a dozen heads of state and government on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting.

WEF Annual Meeting: Switzerland and Germany hold talks on energy and economic issues

16.01.2023 — Press release Europa
On 16 January, Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Albert Rösti met with Robert Habeck, the German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. The talks covered a range of matters including bilateral economic relations and Switzerland's relations with the EU. Against the backdrop of the tense situation in the energy sector worldwide, the three ministers also discussed common challenges in the field of energy security.

Last official visit as Federal Councillor: Ueli Maurer meets his UK counterpart

22.12.2022 — Press release Europa
Today in London, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met his British counterpart and the United Kingdom's new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt. The two finance ministers welcomed the progress made in the negotiations on a mutual recognition agreement in the financial sector, and looked forward to its finalisation by the end of summer 2023.

Neue Plattform für die elektronische Kommunikation im FlaM-Vollzug

14.12.2022 — Press release Europa
Gemeinsam mit den Sozialpartnern und den Kantonen treibt das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (SECO) stetig Vollzugsverbesserungen der flankierenden Massnahmen (FlaM) voran. Mit dem Start des Betriebs der Plattform für die elektronische Kommunikation im Vollzug der FlaM wurde ein weiterer wichtiger Schritt in die Digitalisierung unternommen.

MRA Schweiz-EU: Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses

14.12.2022 — Press release Europa
Am 14. Dezember 2022 hat die 17. Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses zum Abkommen über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen (MRA) stattgefunden. Die EU lehnt die Aktualisierung des Abkommens im Bereich der Medizinprodukte weiterhin ab.

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Foreign policy cooperation and bilateral relations: State Secretary Livia Leu holds foreign policy consultations with EU's European External Action Service

13.09.2022 — Press release EDA
State Secretary Livia Leu received the Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Stefano Sannino, for political consultations in Bern on 13 September. They focused on the European and global crisis caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, its impact on European security architecture, and cooperation between Switzerland and the EU.

President Ignazio Cassis attends meeting of German-speaking heads of state in Liechtenstein

13.09.2022 — Press release EDA
At the invitation of Alois, Hereditary Prince and Regent of Liechtenstein, the annual meeting of the six German-speaking heads of state took place in Vaduz from 12 to 13 September. The talks focused on current domestic and foreign policy issues, in particular the war in Ukraine. Philanthropy and its benefits for society were also discussed as a thematic focus of the meeting.

Second Swiss contribution: Federal Council approves implementation agreements between Switzerland and eight EU states

31.08.2022 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council approved the bilateral implementation agreements for the Swiss contribution to cohesion in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Romania and Poland on 31 August 2022. The agreements provide the basis for Switzerland's cooperation programmes in those areas where its support will add value. Now that the agreements have been approved, Switzerland can move into the operational stage.

State Secretary Hirayama attends informal EU ministerial meeting on competition in research and innovation

22.07.2022 — Press release Europa
State Secretary Martina Hirayama attended the informal meeting of ministers responsible for research and innovation from the EU member states in Prague (Czech Republic) on 21 and 22 July. The event, which takes place twice a year, focused on two different policy debates, namely synergies in the funding of research and innovation in Europe, and possible measures in the area of research and innovation in response to Russia's military aggression in Ukraine. State Secretary Hirayama also held bilateral talks with the representatives from Romania, Finland, Norway and Lithuania.

Official visit to Greece by State Secretary Martina Hirayama to focus on education, research, innovation and archaeology

19.07.2022 — Press release Europa
On 19 July, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, held official talks in Athens with the Minister for Development and Investment, Adonis Georgiadis, and with the Minister for Education and Religious Affairs, Niki Kerameus. She also visited the excavation site of the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG), which has received federal support since 2008.

Personenfreizügigkeit: Zuwanderung dämpft Arbeitskräftemangel

07.07.2022 — Press release Europa
Die Auswirkungen der Covid-Krise auf den Arbeitsmarkt sind weitgehend überwunden. Der Wiederaufschwung hat in verschiedenen Wirtschaftszweigen Arbeitskräfteengpässe nach sich gezogen. Die Zuwanderung von Arbeitskräften aus dem Ausland hilft mit, diese zu entschärfen. Die Personenfreizügigkeit bleibt zur bedarfsgerechten Deckung der Arbeitskräftenachfrage wichtig, wie der diesjährige Bericht des Observatoriums zum Freizügigkeitsabkommen unter anderem am Beispiel des Berufsfelds der IT zeigt.

Switzerland and EU sign memorandum of understanding on second Swiss contribution

30.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and the EU signed earlier today in Brussels a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. State Secretary Livia Leu, who was in Brussels for exploratory talks, signed the MoU on behalf of Switzerland. The signing of this MOU marks another important milestone towards a swift implementation of the contribution.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama in Brussels

28.06.2022 — Press release Europa
On 28 June, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, opened the SwissCore Annual Event in Brussels. During her visit, the State Secretary also held talks with Flemish Minister Jo Brouns and representatives of the Faroe Islands.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama attends Eureka Ministerial Conference

23.06.2022 — Press release Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the Eureka Ministerial Conference in Lisbon (Portugal) on 22 June. Eureka is an initiative of 47 countries aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation projects in market-oriented research and development independent of the EU’s framework programmes. State Secretary Hirayama also took the opportunity to talk with German education minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, UK science minister George Freeman and South Korean deputy trade minister Soosung Hwang.

Confederation arranges for implementation of OECD minimum tax rate in Switzerland

23.06.2022 — Press release Europa
In order to implement the OECD/G20 project on taxing the digital economy, the Federal Council is proposing a supplementary tax. Based on the results of the consultation, the Confederation should receive 25% of the receipts from the supplementary tax and use the funds for the benefit of Switzerland as a business location. The remaining 75% will go to the cantons and communes.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart

23.06.2022 — Press release EDA
During his visit to Stuttgart, the President of the Confederation met with the Minister-President of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. The meeting focused on Switzerland's relations with the European Union and their impact on close cross-border relations between Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg. The war in Ukraine was also discussed.

EFTA-Ministerkonferenz in Island

18.06.2022 — Press release Europa
Die Staatssekretärin für Wirtschaft Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch wird am 20. Juni 2022 an der Ministerkonferenz der Europäischen Freihandelsassoziation (EFTA) in Island teilnehmen. Hauptgesprächsthemen auf Ministerebene sind aktuelle und zukünftige Freihandelsprozesse sowie die militärische Aggression Russlands in der Ukraine, die seit Langem ein Freihandelspartner der EFTA ist.

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Coronavirus: Further easing of entry restrictions from 8 June

27.05.2020 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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 — Europa
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.

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