All news (716)
Federal Council adopts dispatch on agreement with the United Kingdom on mutual recognition in financial services
04.09.2024
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Press releases
Europa
At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the approval of an agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK) on mutual recognition in financial services. The agreement boosts competitiveness and fosters the close cooperation between the two major international financial centres.
No lifting of protection status S
04.09.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The situation in Ukraine is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. The Federal Council therefore decided at its meeting on 4 September not to lift the protection status S for Ukrainian refugees before 4 March 2026 and to extend the support measures for this group of people (Programme S) until then.
Federal Council to adopt EU Pact on Migration and Asylum regulations and start consultations
14.08.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is a set of rules and measures aimed at making the European migration and asylum system more efficient, crisis-resilient and solidarity-based. Switzerland will participate in this programme as an associated Schengen/Dublin State. At its meeting on 14 August, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s participation in principle and launched the consultation process, which will run until 14 November.
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attends meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries
13.08.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 13 August 2024, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attended the meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries in Lochau, Austria. The discussions centred on strengthening competitiveness and financial policy aspects of the climate transition.
Ignazio Cassis meets Italy's foreign affairs minister Antonio Tajani, with whom he attends Locarno Film Festival
12.08.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani paid an official visit to Switzerland today, where he met with the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. On the Brissago Islands, they discussed bilateral relations and international affairs. The two ministers then attended the traditional Diplomacy Day, an event promoted by the Locarno Film Festival, which this year enjoys the support of the Italian embassy in Switzerland.
President Amherd to represent Switzerland at fourth meeting of the European Political Community
15.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On Thursday, 18 July, President Viola Amherd will attend the fourth meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), which will take place at the historic Blenheim Palace in the market town of Woodstock in southern England. In addition to the UK and Switzerland, 45 states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations will also attend the meeting.
Chief of Armament signs application for membership with regard to accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
09.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The Federal Council wants to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and thus increase opportunities for international cooperation in ground-based air defence. Following the decision of the Federal Council, Chief of Armament Urs Loher now signed an application for membership addressed to the Chairperson of the ESSI on 8 July 2024. All member states of ESSI can now express themselves on the application, after which Switzerland can sign the statement of accession.
Switzerland and EU resume dialogue on financial market regulation
04.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 4 July 2024 in Berne, the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) and the European Commission resumed their dialogue on financial market regulation, which had been suspended since 2017.
Horizon Europe: Extended access for researchers in Switzerland
04.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The EU has decided that researchers in Switzerland will be eligible to participate in the first three European Research Council calls for proposals for the 2025 programme year.
“D-A-CH” meeting on the security policy situation
02.07.2024
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Press releases
Europa
President Viola Amherd, head of the DDPS, is attending the annual high-level meeting of the defence ministers of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The meeting takes place on 2 and 3 July in Vienna.
Switzerland–EU: Federal Council takes stock of current negotiations
26.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 26 June 2024, the Federal Council took stock of the negotiations with the EU and the internal implementation of the package which aims to stabilise and further develop the bilateral path. While tangible progress has been made in several areas, in others, such as immigration and wage protection, the positions of the two sides have not yet converged sufficiently. Meanwhile parallel discussions continue in Switzerland with interest groups on key sectors.
EasyGov.swiss: Work permits for postings and cross-border services of more than 90 days
25.06.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 19 June 2024, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) again expanded EasyGov.swiss, the online desk for companies. EasyGov will become a UID service for foreign companies as part of the 'Integration of reports and permits to pursue employment under the law on foreign nationals' programme. Furthermore, it is now possible to apply on the portal for permits for postings of more than 90 days for employees from companies based abroad and for self-employed service providers from abroad, in the canton of Zurich.