Didier Burkhalter to meet Federica Mogherini in Brussels

22.04.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

Bern, 22.04.2016 - Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will meet Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Brussels on Tuesday.

Working meeting with the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn

14.04.2016 — Press releases Europa
On 14 April 2016, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter met in Bern with the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, for a working breakfast to discuss bilateral relations, matters related to European policy and current international issues. Mr Asselborn, who is visiting Switzerland for several days, will also be meeting with Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga.

Switzerland to support the reform of the civilian security sector in Mali and Ukraine

13.04.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

Bern, 13.04.2016 - Today, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have signed two agreements on Switzerland's participation in EUCAP Sahel Mali, the EU's civilian mission for the reform of the security sector in Mali, and in EUAM Ukraine, the EU advisory mission for civilian security sector reform in Ukraine. These two agreements form the basis for the secondment of Swiss civilian experts to these missions.

Switzerland to support the reform of the civilian security sector in Mali and Ukraine

13.04.2016 — Europa
Today, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have signed two agreements on Switzerland's participation in EUCAP Sahel Mali, the EU's civilian mission for the reform of the security sector in Mali, and in EUAM Ukraine, the EU advisory mission for civilian security sector reform in Ukraine. These two agreements form the basis for the secondment of Swiss civilian experts to these missions.

Peace, security and immigration: Switzerland and Germany's foreign ministers meet in Berlin

06.04.2016 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met with Germany's foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin today for official talks. They discussed the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy towards the EU, security issues, policy measures to support peace and bilateral topics. It was decided that the FDFA and the German Federal Foreign Office would cooperate more closely in future to train mediators.

Swiss Foreign Policy strategy 2016-19

05.04.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

The strategy sets out the Federal Council's priorities and areas of special interest in foreign policy. Its strategic objectives for the 2016-2019 legislative period include consolidating and regulating relations with the EU and the EU and EFTA countries, working more closely with global partners, expanding mediation activities in the field of peace and security, and pursuing the commitment to sustainable development and prosperity.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström discuss article on immigration and bilateral matters

05.04.2016 — Press releases Europa
Today, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter held bilateral talks with the Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström in Stockholm. The main topic of the meeting was Switzerland's policy towards the EU, in particular progress with the implementation of the new article in the Federal Constitution on immigration.

Switzerland’s enlargement contribution rated highly

21.03.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

Bern, 21.03.2016 - An independent evaluation has confirmed the federal authorities responsible have achieved good results in implementing Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the new EU member states. The in-depth assessment showed that the projects, of which there are some 300, are making a positive contribution towards promoting social and economic development in the 13 partner states. The objectives are being attained or even exceeded in the vast majority of projects. Various recommendations encourage further efficiency and greater thematic and geographic focus.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer receives Luxembourg's Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna

15.03.2016 — Press releases Europa

Bern, This afternoon, Finance Minister Ueli Maurer received his Luxembourg counterpart Pierre Gramegna in Bern. The talks focused on an exchange on the macroeconomic situation in Europe and the most important international financial and tax issues.

Swiss-EU relations at the focus of visit to Malta and Slovakia by the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

09.03.2016 — Press releases Europa

Bern, The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Didier Burkhalter, met with his Maltese counterpart George W. Vella on Wednesday in Valletta. The two foreign ministers mainly discussed the issue of Switzerland's relationship with the European Union (EU) and the political situation in the Mediterranean region. The Federal Councillor then gave a speech at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies on mediation and Switzerland's policy of providing good offices.

Federal Council submits draft legislation to manage immigration

04.03.2016 — Press releases Mission EU Brussels

Bern, 04.03.2016 - On Friday the Federal Council submitted to Parliament several pieces of draft legislation to implement the constitutional provisions on immigration. The Federal Council is continuing to push for a mutually agreed solution with the EU. Since it has not yet been possible to reach an agreement with the EU, however, as announced, the Federal Council is now proposing a unilateral safeguard clause to control immigration that will allow it to fix annual limits if immigration exceeds a certain level. To better utilise the resident workforce, the Federal Council also wants it to be easier for people from the asylum system who are allowed to remain in Switzerland to find employment. At the same time it approved an amendment to the Foreign Nationals Act which prevents foreign jobseekers from accessing social welfare. The Federal Council also adopted the dispatch on the extension of the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) to Croatia. Ratification of the Croatia protocol is a requirement for Switzerland to continue to take part in the Horizon 2020 framework programme for research.

Federal Council submits draft legislation to manage immigration

04.03.2016 — Press releases Europa

Bern, On Friday the Federal Council submitted to Parliament several pieces of draft legislation to implement the constitutional provisions on immigration. The Federal Council is continuing to push for a mutually agreed solution with the EU. Since it has not yet been possible to reach an agreement with the EU, however, as announced, the Federal Council is now proposing a unilateral safeguard clause to control immigration that will allow it to fix annual limits if immigration exceeds a certain level. To better utilise the resident workforce, the Federal Council also wants it to be easier for people from the asylum system who are allowed to remain in Switzerland to find employment. At the same time it approved an amendment to the Foreign Nationals Act which prevents foreign jobseekers from accessing social welfare. The Federal Council also adopted the dispatch on the extension of the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) to Croatia. Ratification of the Croatia protocol is a requirement for Switzerland to continue to take part in the Horizon 2020 framework programme for research.

President Viola Amherd to hold talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz

13.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd will travel to Germany this week for talks with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the state of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Germany and the commitment of both countries to security and prosperity. The meeting with Chancellor Scholz is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 May, and the meeting with President Steinmeier for Thursday, 16 May.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend Council of Europe ministerial meeting in Strasbourg

13.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter meets with Luxembourg's Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth

07.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 7 May 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), received her Luxembourg counterpart Gilles Roth for a working visit. The ministers discussed global and European financial developments and the most important international financial and tax issues. As export-oriented economies with major financial centres, Switzerland and Luxembourg often pursue common interests and represent converging views in international bodies.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin in Greece

06.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
From 8 to 11 May, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will pay a visit to Greece. Official talks on economic and scientific topics are planned in Athens. On the island of Euboea, Mr Parmelin will visit an archaeological site of the École Suisse d'Archéologie en Grèce (ESAG), which is supported by the Confederation.

President Amherd to visit Italy and the Holy See

29.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Swiss President Viola Amherd will travel to Rome this week to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday, 3 May. She will then spend a long weekend visiting the Holy See. While at the Vatican, Ms Amherd will meet with Pope Francis and State Secretary Pietro Parolin and attend the swearing in ceremony for new recruits to the Pontifical Swiss Guard on Monday, 6 May. A meeting with Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto is planned for the following day.

Ignazio Cassis receives Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern

23.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern today. Their discussions focused on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Switzerland's European policy, current international affairs and the security situation. Both ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting global peace.

President Amherd meets the president and prime minister of Hungary prior to it assuming EU Council presidency

19.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On Friday, 19 April, President Viola Amherd met President Tamás Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Parliamentary Speaker László Kövér in Budapest to discuss bilateral relations, the European policy of both countries and the European security situation. Hungary will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year.

President Amherd to visit Hungary, holder of next EU Council presidency

15.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
In a few days’ time President Viola Amherd will travel to Hungary, which will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of the year. The main topics for discussion at meetings with President Tamás Sulyok, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Speaker of the National Assembly László Kövér on Friday, 19 April, will include bilateral relations between Switzerland and Hungary, European policy and the security situation in Europe. On Thursday, 18 April, Ms Amherd will give a speech on these topics at Andrássy University in Budapest.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Croatia

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

Launch of the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE: Computers heat buildings

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
Zero heat waste: This is the goal of a dozen European companies and research institutions, including Empa, in the Horizon Europe project HEATWISE. The focus is on buildings with extensive IT loads. All waste heat from these systems is to be integrated and utilized in the buildings.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama visits Poland with science delegation

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 9 and 10 April, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (ERI), met with Polish government representatives in Warsaw. She opened the kick-off event of the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme. The visit to Warsaw will strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland in the ERI sector.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin meets with Slovenia’s Minister for Economic Affairs Matjaž Han

10.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 10 April, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin received Slovenia’s Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han. The excellent economic relations between Switzerland and Slovenia were at the centre of the exchange in Bern.

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.