Press releases

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Ignazio Cassis in Asia for ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and bilateral talks

03.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be travelling to Asia from 7 to 13 July 2025. He will attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. His participation highlights the growing economic and geopolitical importance of the South East Asian states. Official working visits to Nepal, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore are also planned around the conference.

Presentation of credentials

02.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel in Germany for political consultations

01.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, was in Berlin on 1 July 2025 to hold political consultations with his German counterpart, the state secretary of the Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr. Talks focused on current geopolitical developments, bilateral issues and the opening of the consultation procedure in Switzerland on the agreements in the new Swiss-EU package. Mr Fasel also met with the state secretary of Germany's Federal Chancellery, Jörg Semmler.

Switzerland attends 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

30.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will be participating in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. Organised under the auspices of the United Nations, this global event aims to address financing challenges in order to help achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will cover a wide range of issues relating to development policy, environmental, economic and social sustainability, and macroeconomics. The Swiss delegation is being led by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Karin Keller-Sutter to meet Emmanuel Macron in Paris

27.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, is to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday, 1 July. The geopolitical situation and security issues will be at the centre of their discussions. Also on the agenda are bilateral relations between Switzerland and France, European policy and competitiveness.

Switzerland to host a global summit on artificial intelligence in 2027

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 25 June 2025, the Federal Council expressed its intention to host an artificial intelligence (AI) summit in Geneva in 2027.

Security and defence partnership: Federal Council to seek exploratory talks with the EU

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 25 June 2025, the Federal Council decided to enter into exploratory talks with the EU with a view to concluding a security and defence partnership. These partnerships provide the EU with a framework for enhancing cooperation with third countries in this field. A security and defence partnership takes the form of non-legally-binding declaration of intent and can be designed individually. A partnership of this kind is a prerequisite for any joint procurements in the defence sector. It is compatible with neutrality and helps to strengthen Switzerland's defence capabilities.

Earthquake simulation exercise: 12 countries train in Kriens to save lives

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The earthquakes in Myanmar in April 2025 and in Turkey in February 2023 claimed countless lives. Internationally deployable rescue teams provide vital assistance in such emergencies, and regular training is key to ensuring the efficiency of their operations. To that end Switzerland is conducting the international earthquake simulation exercise ‘SIMEX25’ in Kriens (canton of Lucerne) from 23 to 27 June. Rescue teams from 12 countries are taking part.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations in France

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel was in Paris on 25 June 2025 for political consultations. In addition to bilateral topics and cross-border issues, the talks at France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs centred on current geopolitical developments and the opening of the consultation procedure in Switzerland on the agreements in the new Swiss–EU package to stabilise and develop relations.

Switzerland and EU regulate cooperation during ratification phase of package

24.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 24 June 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will sign a joint declaration in Brussels. It sets out arrangements for cooperation between Switzerland and the EU from the end of 2024 until the entry into force of the Swiss–EU package. At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements, protocols and statements for the new package to stabilise and further develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process.

New Swiss ambassadors

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.

The Federal Council is investing a quarter of a billion Swiss francs to strengthen International Geneva

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council allocated CHF 269 million to International Geneva. It approved an urgent package of measures and a new dispatch on Switzerland as a host state for the period 2026–29. It is thus reaffirming the central role of International Geneva in Swiss foreign policy and its unique place in global governance. The measures are a response to the financial difficulties faced by international organisations and the increasing competition between states to host them. For comparison, the FDFA's contribution to International Geneva over the last four years amounted to almost CHF 2 billion.

Media (3498)

Le Conseil fédéral présente son projet de loi sur la gestion de l’immigration

04.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Ce vendredi, le Conseil fédéral a adopté, à l’intention du Parlement, plusieurs projets de loi visant à mettre en œuvre les dispositions constitutionnelles relatives à l’immigration. Il s’efforce par ailleurs de parvenir à une solution consensuelle avec l’Union européenne (UE). Toutefois, étant donné qu’aucun accord n’a encore pu être trouvé avec l’UE, il propose, comme il l’avait annoncé, de gérer l’immigration au moyen d’une clause de sauvegarde unilatérale : lorsqu’un certain seuil sera dépassé, le Conseil fédéral devra fixer des nombres maximaux annuels. Afin de mieux exploiter le potentiel des travailleurs en Suisse, le Conseil fédéral souhaite que les personnes qui relèvent de la législation sur l’asile et qui peuvent demeurer dans notre pays puissent trouver du travail plus facilement. En outre, il a arrêté une modification de la loi fédérale sur les étrangers (LEtr) en vue d’empêcher que les étrangers en quête d’un emploi en Suisse aient accès à l’aide sociale. Enfin, le Conseil fédéral a adopté le message concernant l’extension de l’accord sur la libre circulation des personnes (ALCP) à la Croatie. La ratification du protocole sur la Croatie est une condition de la poursuite de la participation de la Suisse au programme-cadre de recherche Horizon 2020.

Rapport sur les différences entre les cantons dans l’application de l’accord sur la libre circulation des personnes

04.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Le Conseil fédéral a adopté, vendredi, un rapport qui présente plusieurs mesures envisageables pour réduire les différences constatées entre les cantons dans la mise en œuvre de l’accord sur la libre circulation des personnes (ALCP). Les recommandations comprennent notamment l’exercice d’une surveillance plus active de la Confédération et un développement du soutien apporté aux cantons pour appliquer l’ALCP.

The FDFA supports an exhibition on the death penalty in the United States

04.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
The abolition of the death penalty throughout the world is a priority for Switzerland's diplomatic human rights efforts, which it pursues through various means and aims at various countries. This exhibition aims to raise awareness and make a positive contribution to the debate on the death penalty in one particular country.

Switzerland commits to stronger environmental protection and research as well as sustainable tourism in the Antarctic

04.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
On 4 March 2016, the Federal Council submitted its dispatch to the Federal Assembly on the ratification of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This international agreement strengthens both the protection of the Antarctic environment and Switzerland as a centre for research and innovation. It also harmonises the demand for tourism with the need to preserve this virtually untouched ecosystem. An environmental approval procedure is designed to ensure that scientific and private expeditions do not have a negative impact on the continent's flora and fauna.

Switzerland commits to stronger environmental protection and research as well as sustainable tourism in the Antarctic

Switzerland continues support for reconciliation and reforms in Sri Lanka and strengthens bilateral relations

03.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
A meeting between Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter centred on progress in the reform and reconciliation process in Sri Lanka and the expansion of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the island state in the Indian Ocean. The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on regular political consultations between representatives of the two states. They also agreed to explore the possibility of a migration partnership between Switzerland and Sri Lanka.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter visits countries in Africa and Europe

03.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
On Monday 7 March, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will set off on a tour during which he will visit four countries in three days. In Africa on Monday the head of the FDFA will visit Burkina Faso, a priority country for Swiss development cooperation. On Tuesday he will arrive in Nigeria, the country in Africa with the largest population and economy, where he will open the new Swiss consulate in the economic capital Lagos. On Wednesday Mr Burkhalter will make an official visit to Malta, before travelling to Slovakia. Slovakia and Malta are the next two countries to assume the six-month presidency of the European Union.

The Asia-Europe Meeting turns 20: Switzerland stresses the role of dialogue between Europe and Asia in rising to common challenges

01.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
ASEM Day was held today in Bern 20 years to the day after the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was launched as an inter-regional forum for political dialogue between Asia and Europe. Participants took stock of the development of relations between European and Asian partner states and discussed the current challenges facing the region. In his opening address, Deputy FDFA State Secretary Georges Martin noted that mutual respect is an essential prerequisite for effective and fruitful cooperation between partner countries. Switzerland has been one of the most important platforms for dialogue between Europe and Asia since 2012.

Head of the FDFA Didier Burkhalter receives the minister of foreign affairs of Colombia

01.03.2016 — Press releases EDA
Ms María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar met with Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in Bern on Tuesday. She had earlier held talks with FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier in the framework of the fifth round of the regular political consultations between Switzerland and Colombia. The peace process in Colombia, the dynamics within the Pacific Alliance and economic relations between the two countries were among the topics discussed.

FDFA Human Rights Strategy 2016–19: Switzerland steps up its commitment to human rights

29.02.2016 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has a new human rights strategy for the 2016–19 period which aims to step up its commitment in this area at the international level. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter presented the new strategy of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at a high-level discussion as a side-event to the Human Rights Council session in Geneva. The strategy is based on Swiss values, expertise and the opportunities particular to Switzerland in a volatile and ever-changing global context, and sets out the principles and objectives of Switzerland's commitment to human rights.

10 years of the UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter calls for broader commitment to human rights

Opening Address by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the 31st session of the Human Rights Council

29.02.2016 — Press releases EDA
In his capacity as representative of the host state, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has taken part in the opening of the main session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Council is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2016. Mr Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, urged the international community to show greater commitment to human rights. Switzerland became a member of the Council on 1 January 2016, for the third time since it was created.

Other news (151)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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