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 prioritises prevention and preparedness at international conference on disaster risk reduction in Bali

24.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will participate in the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, the largest international conference on disaster risk reduction, in Bali, Indonesia, from 23 to 28 May 2022. Government representatives and experts from business, academia and civil society will discuss global policies to prevent disasters and emergencies. The conference will mobilise governments, the UN system and key stakeholders to step up disaster risk reduction efforts and advance the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Ukraine Conference in Lugano to focus on recovery

24.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine on 24 February, Switzerland and Ukraine decided to realign the scheduled 5th Ukraine Reform Conference and dedicate it instead to the country’s recovery; the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) will take place in Lugano on 4-5 July. Invitations were sent out last week to around 40 states and 18 international organisations. President Ignazio Cassis, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba gave a briefing about the aims of the conference on the fringes of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos on Tuesday, 24 May.

Council of Europe: 132nd ministerial session marked by Ukraine war

20.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
On 19 and 20 May, State Secretary Livia Leu took part in the 132nd Council of Europe ministerial session in Turin, organised by the Italian chair of the Committee of Ministers. This year's session, which was marked by Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and its consequent exclusion from the Council, provided the high representatives of the other 46 member states with the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to common values: human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In her speech, Ms Leu underscored the long-standing partnership between Switzerland and the Council of Europe in Ukraine, and referred to the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) in Lugano.

Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2022

20.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
Following the cancellation of last year’s gathering and a postponement owing to the pandemic, the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is being held in spring for the first time. President Ignazio Cassis will open the Annual Meeting together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Monday, 23 May.

President Cassis receives Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

20.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis met with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Bern on Friday, 20 May 2022. Their talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations, the upcoming elections in Kenya, and matters related to the UN Security Council.

Women, Peace and Security agenda: Switzerland committed to bolstered implementation

19.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu has opened yesterday, Wednesday 18 May 2022, in Geneva the fourth capital-level meeting within the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network. About 200 participants – representing governments and international and regional organisations, and members of civil society – are coming together with a common goal at the two-day event: furthering the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The aim is to develop innovative strategies to better include women in peace processes and to protect their rights. The event was organised by the FDFA, as part of Switzerland's co-chairing of the network, together with South Africa.

Switzerland reopens its embassy in Kyiv

19.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
Two and a half months after the temporary closure, Switzerland is reopening its embassy in Ukraine: five FDFA staff will return to Kyiv over the next few days. This decision is based on an in-depth analysis of the security situation in the Ukrainian capital.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová on a State Visit to Switzerland

19.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday, 19 May, President Zuzana Čaputová became the first head of state of the Slovak Republic to pay a State Visit to Switzerland. The Swiss government, headed by President Ignazio Cassis, welcomed the Slovak president at the start of the visit on Bundesplatz in Bern. Besides bilateral relations, official talks focused in particular on the war in Ukraine. Other topics on the agenda included European policy and climate and environmental issues.

Switzerland supports the World Bank in poverty reduction and sustainable reconstruction after the COVID-19 crisis

18.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will contribute USD 725 million to the 20th replenishment of the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA). The funds will be used in the 74 poorest countries in the world to fight poverty. They are also intended to promote reconstruction after the COVID-19 crisis and contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, Switzerland will contribute USD 56.87 million to the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). This was decided by the Federal Council on 18 May 2022.

Trust in AI

16.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
Artificial intelligence (AI) is all around us and is rapidly transforming our livelihoods and the environment in fundamental ways. Building trust in AI has therefore become a key concern for policymakers, industry and science. The international conference AI with Trust will take place in Geneva on 16–17 May to explore the interplay between legislation, standardisation and conformity assessment.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová to pay state visit to Switzerland

13.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
President Zuzana Čaputová of Slovakia will pay a state visit to Switzerland next week. Switzerland and the Slovak Republic share many similarities and enjoy a close relationship. President Čaputová is the first Slovak head of state to visit Switzerland and will be received with full military honours. The Federal Council hopes that the visit will further strengthen ties between the two countries.

2022 Joint Statement by Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission Member States

12.05.2022 — Press releases EDA
Representatives of Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, Member States of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) in Korea, met in Stockholm on 12-13, 2022 for their annual consultations. Discussions focused on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and its impact on the activities of the NNSC. The representatives also evaluated the operational tasks of the NNSC and reaffirmed their long-term commitment to contribute to a permanent peace solution on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the NNSC Member States exchanged views with representatives of several Stockholm-based institutions over the situation on the Korean Peninsula and on the work of NNSC.

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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