Press releases

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Victims of National Socialism: Call for proposals to design the memorial in Bern

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
In April 2023, the Federal Council decided to establish a memorial in the centre of Bern for the victims of National Socialism. The Federal Council considers it vital to keep alive the memory of the consequences of National Socialism, as well as the fate of the six million Jews and all other victims of the Nazi regime. On the recommendation of the communal parliament of the City of Bern, the Casinoterrasse near the Federal Parliament was selected as the location for the site of remembrance. A call is now being organised to gather proposals for the its creation from multidisciplinary teams in the fields of art, architecture and history.

Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) has been held since 2022 to coordinate reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. At this year's conference, which took place in Rome from 10 to 11 July, the head of the Swiss delegation, Jacques Gerber, signed an international treaty with Ukraine. This forms the legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector in reconstruction. Projects in the areas of health, education and war risk insurance were also approved.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Conference: global security and bilateral relations at centre of talks

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 10 and 11 July, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. His participation underlines South East Asia's growing economic importance to Switzerland. Mr Cassis used the platform to discuss economic ties, bilateral relations and global challenges with his counterparts from Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. For the first time, he also met the new Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on the margins of the conference.

Strengthening economic ties is focus of talks by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Nepal and Bhutan

09.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited Nepal and Bhutan during his week-long trip to Asia from 7 to 9 July. The official talks with government representatives centred on bilateral relations and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.

Les droits des femmes et la non-discrimination au cœur du travail de la Suisse pendant la 59e session du Conseil des droits de l’homme.

08.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Dans un contexte global marqué par le recul de l’Etat de droit, la Suisse travaille avec détermination en faveur des droits de l’homme. Pour cette 59ème session du Conseil des droits de l’homme (CDH) des Nations Unies, un accent particulier a été placé sur la promotion des droits des femmes et de l’égalité de genre, ainsi que sur les droits des personnes LGBT. La session, qui s'est clôturée aujourd’hui après trois semaines et demie de débats, a été marquée par une adaptation du travail imposée par les restrictions budgétaires affectant l’ensemble du système onusien.

Switzerland reopens its embassy in Iran – ambassador returns to Tehran

06.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
As of today, 6 July 2025, the Swiss embassy in Tehran is open again after having temporarily closed on 20 June due to the unstable situation in Iran. Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano and a small team returned to Tehran yesterday overland via Azerbaijan. The embassy will gradually resume operations.

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.

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.

Media (3504)

Switzerland submits new proposals to the UN Security Council for better protection of human rights in the framework of the UN sanctions against terrorism

15.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
Article - Upon the renewed initiative of Switzerland, eleven States are calling on the UN Security Council to enhance the due process guarantees in the system of sanctions against Al-Qaida.They are asking, in particular, for a strengthening of the competences of the Ombudsperson as a contact point for persons affected by sanctions.

Official visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

15.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
On 15 November 2012, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, received the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Bernerhof in Bern for an official working visit. Their talks centred on bilateral issues and questions regarding the Middle East conflict, as well as on current multilateral issues. Following the working meeting with Federal Councillor Burkhalter, President Abbas paid a courtesy call on the President of the Swiss Confederation, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. Afterwards, President Abbas met with the Presidents of the two chambers of parliament.

The FDFA appeals to the Syrian authorities to respect international humanitarian law.

15.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is seriously concerned about the current humanitarian situation in Syria. The lack of respect for international humanitarian law is having serious consequences for the civilian population. For this reason, the FDFA reiterates its urgent appeal to all parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law. It is equally important that the violence stops and that a political solution be found.

Die Schweiz feiert mit der UNESCO 40 Jahre Welterbekonvention

14.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
In Anwesenheit von Bundesrat Alain Berset hat die Schweiz gestern Abend in Bern das 40-jährige Jubiläum des Übereinkommens zum Schutz des Kultur- und Naturgutes der Welt gefeiert. Dieser Gründungstext des Welterbes wurde seit seinem Inkrafttreten im Jahr 1972 bereits von 189 Mitgliedstaaten der UNESCO ratifiziert. Die Schweizerische UNESCO-Kommission hat zu diesem Anlass ein einzigartiges Buch über alle auf der Welterbeliste erfassten Kulturgüter in der Schweiz präsentiert.

The Federal Council decides on the level of Switzerland

14.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has decided on the level of Switzerland's contribution to the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The contributions to 2012 will remain stable, while those for 2013 will be increased by 5%. The Federal Council is responding to the financial needs of these organisations and to the will of Parliament, which increased the framework credit for international development cooperation for the period from 2013 to 2016.

International Organization for Migration: Federal Council recommends ratification of the amendments to the IOM Constitution

14.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has approved the Dispatch to Parliament on Ratification of the Amendments to the Constitution of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The amendments will strengthen the functioning of the IOM.

Federal Councillor Burkhalter at Meeting of the EU and EFTA Economics and Finance Ministers

12.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday, 13 November 2012, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will represent Switzerland at the joint meeting of the Ecofin Council of EU Economics and Finance Ministers with their counterparts from the EFTA States. This informal meeting will focus on financial market integration and economic growth.

Announcement - Visit to Washington by State Secretary Yves Rossier

12.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
During a visit to Washington on 15 and 16 November 2012, FDFA State Secretary will meet his American counterpart Wendy Sherman, Undersecretary for Political Affairs in the U.S. Department of State, and will also hold a number of other talks. Mr Rossier will be accompanied by a delegation of experts.

Die besten Köpfe für die Schweiz

09.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
Die Schweiz steht im globalen Wettbewerb um die besten Köpfe. Eine attraktive Präsenz im Ausland unseres Bildungs-, Forschungs- und Innovationsstandorts ist deshalb notwendig. Die Jahrestagung der Wissenschaftskonsulate swissnex behandelt das Thema ‚Brain Circulation‘.

Enhanced Migration Partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria

07.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
On 6 November 2012, Martin Uhomoibhi, Secretary of State for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a Swiss delegation headed by Mario Gattiker, director of the Federal Office for Migration, and Claude Wild, head of Human Security of EDA for talks on migration, in Abuja. This was the third meeting within the scope of the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria since its establishment in February 2011. The discussions highlighted the development of the partnership and the progress of the various projects.

Switzerland to open an embassy in Kyrgyzstan

05.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Cooperation Office in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, which has been in existence since 1995, has been upgraded to the status of embassy. In the presence of the President of the Council of States, Hans Altherr, SDC Assistant Director-General Kurt Kunz, Head of Department Cooperation with Eastern Europe, inaugurated the new embassy on 5 November 2012. This step represents further acknowledgement by Switzerland of the increasing political and economic importance it attaches to Central Asia, which has been one of the priority regions for Swiss development cooperation since the 1990s.

Visit to Switzerland by the Council of Europe Committee for the Protection of National Minorities

05.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
A delegation of experts from the Council of Europe is visiting Switzerland from 5 to 7 November 2012 to gather information about the implementation of the framework convention on the protection of national minorities. The meetings and visits in this country will look at the situation of Swiss population groups that are recognised as national minorities, for example the national linguistic minorities, travellers and the Jewish community.

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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