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Signing of two agreements on the law applicable to enterprises participating in CERN activities

18.10.2010 — Press release EDA
On 18 October 2010, Ambassador Valentin Zellweger, Director of the Directorate for Public International Law of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of the Federal Council a bilateral agreement with France, as well as a trilateral agreement with France and the CERN, for determining the law applicable both to enterprises active at the CERN site and to their personnel.

Federal councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to take part in an event in Bern on 16 October to mark World Food Day

15.10.2010 — Press release EDA
Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey will participate in the demonstration against hunger organised by the Swiss Alliance against Hunger on the federal square in Bern on 16 October. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs will take this opportunity to stress that hunger is not inevitable, that the right to do adequate sustenance is a universal human right and that governments should take action to combat this evil, which causes the deaths of 24,000 persons every day.

The role of religions and worldviews in Swiss peace policy

14.10.2010 — Press release EDA
Religions and world views play a central role in many conflicts. This is why Switzerland pays particular attention to this aspect in its worldwide commitment to peace promotion. This is the central topic of this year's annual conference of Political Affairs Division IV of the FDFA in Bern. Prominent figures from Switzerland and abroad analyse the topic of different religious and cultural perspectives, exchange experiences and discuss new ways forward.

Toxic waste disaster: Switzerland supports Hungary

14.10.2010 — Press release EDA
An environmental expert from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) will be arriving in the Hungarian disaster area today. At the request of the Hungarian government he will support the authorities in their efforts to deal with the toxic waste disaster.

Meeting with the Vice-President of the Republic of Colombia

13.10.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has today received the Vice-President of the Republic of Colombia in Geneva for a courtesy visit.

Official visit by Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to Estonia and Lithuania

11.10.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey paid an official visit to Estonia and Lithuania on Sunday and Monday. In these two Baltic countries, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) met her counterparts and discussed a number of bilateral issues. The European Union and the OSCE were also items on the agenda.

World Day Against the Death Penalty

10.10.2010 — Press release EDA
10 October 2010 is World Day Against the Death Penalty. On this occasion, Switzerland reflects on its commitment to the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances and in all regions of the world.

Official visit by Federal Councillor Madame Micheline Calmy-Rey to Estonia and Lithuania

07.10.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey will pay an official working visit to Estonia and Lithuania on Sunday and Monday next. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will meet her counterparts in the two Baltic countries to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues.

2010 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank

07.10.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Hans-Rudolf Merz as head of the Swiss delegation, State Secretary Jean-Pierre Gerber, SECO Director, and Philipp Hildebrand, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), will take part in the joint Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington D.C. from 8 to 9 October 2010. The most important topics of discussion in the International Monetary and Financial Committee will be the state of the global economy and the strengthening of the governance structure of the IMF. The focus of the discussions in the Development Committee will be the strategy of the World Bank, the current World Bank governance reforms and the progress on achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Switzerland signs a cooperation agreement with Kosovo

06.10.2010 — Press release EDA
On 6 October 2010, Switzerland and Kosovo signed an agreement in Pristina on technical and financial cooperation, and humanitarian aid. The agreement creates a new legal framework for cooperation between the two states in the context of the political and economic reforms currently being implemented in Kosovo. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO) are supporting the transformation process with an annual amount of approximately 15 million Swiss francs.

Visit by Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to Berne

30.09.2010 — Press release EDA
On 29 September 2010, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey met the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Helen Clark, in Berne. Martin Dahinden, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), took part in the talks. The UNDP is Switzerland's most important partner institution within the UN system in the field of development.

PlanetSolar heads to sea under the Swiss flag

27.09.2010 — Press release EDA
The biggest solar-powered boat in the world, the MS TÛRANOR PlanetSolar, left the port of Monaco on Monday 27 September 2010 at 2.00 p.m. to begin the first-ever voyage around the world by a solar-powered vessel. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), which has been supporting the project for nearly two years, is associated with the expedition as an official partner.

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New agreements between Switzerland and the United Kingdom take effect

29.12.2020 — Press release EDA
The Switzerland-EU bilateral agreements will cease to apply to the United Kingdom at the end of the Brexit transition period. These agreements will be succeeded by a series of follow-up agreements that Switzerland negotiated with the UK as part of its Mind the Gap strategy (including Mind the Gap+). Most of the existing rights and obligations between the two countries will continue to apply. The FDFA has taken note of the conclusion of a trade deal between the EU and the UK and welcomes the fact that it has been possible to avoid a withdrawal of the UK with no deal.

Signing of the new agreement on the taxation of cross-border commuters – Ignazio Cassis meets with the Ticino State Council in Bellinzona

23.12.2020 — Press release EDA
On 23 December, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis held a press conference alongside State Secretary for International Finance Daniela Stoffel and members of the State Council of the Canton of Ticino following the signing, in Rome, of the new agreement between Switzerland and Italy on the taxation of cross-border commuters. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) underscored how the agreement strengthened bilateral and cross-border relations between the two countries by redefining the tax regime applicable to cross-border commuters in the long term.

Temporary derogation from flight ban for connections between Switzerland, the UK and South Africa (last modification, the 23.12.2020)

23.12.2020 — Press release EDA
Persons resident in the UK and South Africa currently in Switzerland, and persons resident in Switzerland currently in those two countries, will be able to return home from 24 December. The existing protective measures and quarantine rules apply.

Switzerland's image abroad in 2020

21.12.2020 — Press release EDA
In 2020, Switzerland drew less attention from foreign media than in the previous year. Media coverage focused on fewer topics, in particular Switzerland's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the debate about the Office of the Attorney General. Switzerland continues to enjoy a high reputation internationally. In the Nation Brands Index (NBI), which compares the public image of 50 countries, Switzerland achieved a very good seventh place. As in previous years, 'brand' Switzerland once again featured in foreign films and series.

Coronavirus: Entry ban and retroactive quarantine for persons from the UK and South Africa

21.12.2020 — Press release EDA
Following the discovery of a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the UK and South Africa, the Federal Council today decided to take steps to prevent the further spread of this new virus strain. All persons who have entered Switzerland from these two countries since 14 December must go into quarantine for 10 days. The Federal Council has also introduced a general entry ban from today for all foreign nationals seeking to enter Switzerland from the UK and South Africa. This is intended in particular to stop travel from these countries for tourism purposes.

New Strategy for Communication Abroad with a view to safeguarding Switzerland's interests and new FDFA sponsorship guidelines

18.12.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 18 December 2020, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's Strategy for Communication Abroad 2021–24, which sets priorities for the coming years. The strategy aims to promote Switzerland's image abroad and help safeguard its interests. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, appropriate communication and networking platforms will raise the profile of Swiss economy. New FDFA guidelines on cooperation with sponsors will apply from 2021.

Trilateral agreement: Switzerland and Luxembourg to return illicitly acquired assets to Peru

16.12.2020 — Press release EDA
In line with its policy for the repatriation of illicitly acquired assets, Switzerland is returning approximately USD 16.3 million to Peru. The funds are destined for Peruvian projects to strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption. For Federal Councillor Cassis, the agreement shows that Switzerland is taking consistent action in its financial centre against illicit assets of politically exposed persons.

Death penalty moratorium: UN General Assembly adopts resolution negotiated by Switzerland

16.12.2020 — Press release EDA
On 16 December, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for a moratorium on capital punishment. This latest resolution negotiated by Switzerland and Mexico advances the ongoing efforts towards the universal abolition of the death penalty and contains key amendments for women, minors and the families of prisoners sentenced to death. The resolution was adopted by 123 member states. Four new countries voted yes for the first time. This is the most important support ever given to this initiative at the UN General Assembly.

Switzerland supports Greece in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic

15.12.2020 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is working throughout the world to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In Athens, on 15 December, it delivered two special patient transport vehicles and two ISO containers, to be used as mobile examination rooms, to the health service responsible for the Aegean islands. An initial consignment for Greece had previously been delivered on 4 December. Further supplies will be delivered on 18 December, with a final consignment at the end of January, bringing the project to a close.

Switzerland and the UK sign agreement on mobility of service suppliers

14.12.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade, signed the Services Mobility Agreement (SMA) on 14 December 2020 in London. The agreement secures reciprocal, facilitated market access for service providers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom from 1 January 2021.

Swiss government agrees funding to renovate barracks of Pontifical Swiss Guard

11.12.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 11 December 2020, the Federal Council agreed funding for the project to renovate the barracks of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in the Vatican. This is a single contribution to improve the accommodation and facilities of the Swiss Guard. The decision coincides with the centenary of Switzerland's resumption of diplomatic relations with the Holy See.

Extension of the asset freeze of the Federal Council in the context of Ukraine, expiration of the asset freeze in the context of Tunisia

11.12.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 11 December the Federal Council extended by one year the preventive asset freeze relating to Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities. The asset freeze relating to Tunisia will expire in January 2021, as it will reach its statutory maximum duration.

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UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development visits Switzerland

02.10.2019 — EDA
The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development visited Switzerland from 23 September to 2 October 2019. The purpose of this official country visit was to meet representatives from the Federal Administration, cantons and NGOs and learn about Switzerland's implementation of the right to development.

Second 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

30.09.2019 — EDA
On 26 and 27 September 2019 a second 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.

Switzerland tables new Human Rights Council resolution for the abolition of the death penalty

27.09.2019 — EDA
The death penalty should not be applied any longer in the 21st century among others for drug or terrorism-related crimes. This is the objective of a resolution tabled by Switzerland together with seven other countries at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the Council's 42nd session, which ended on Friday 27 September, Switzerland also contributed to a resolution aimed at strengthening transitional justice.

Switzerland facilitates a meeting between Georgia and the Russian Federation

26.09.2019 — EDA
As part of its Good Offices, Switzerland has initiated and facilitated a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Georgia, H.E. David Zalkaliani, and the Russian Federation, H.E. Sergey Lavrov.

WEF Sustainable Development Impact Summit 2019: Closing Plenary Session: “Mobilizing Action for Inclusive Societies”

24.09.2019 — EDA
New York, 24.09.2019 - Speech by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 74th UN General Assembly - Check against delivery

President Maurer calls on international community to follow global "compasses" and actively tackle future digital challenges

24.09.2019 — EDA
During the United Nations (UN) ministerial week, President Ueli Maurer described the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions as "compasses of values" that are ever increasing in importance in a time of great uncertainty. The international community has the duty to protect the rights of every country and every person. The digital transformation and, in particular, data protection as part of human rights were also a focal point of his speech to the UN General Assembly.

UN General Assembly: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict and climate change mitigation

24.09.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis has set several priorities as Switzerland celebrates 100 years of multilateralism this year. Last week, he signed a joint declaration with the Canton and City of Geneva reaffirming their commitment to International Geneva's role as a centre of global governance. At the high-level week of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr Cassis has now called on the international community to strengthen human rights, adding that this will require innovative approaches. During his stay in New York, Mr Cassis will also speak about UN reforms and climate change mitigation, hold bilateral talks, and meet staff of the Swiss mission to the UN and the Swiss consulate general in the city.

EU-hosted high-level meeting on the Syrian crisis

24.09.2019 — EDA
New York, 24.09.2019 - Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 74th UN General Assembly - Check against delivery

Opening Ceremony for the new Consulate General in Chicago

23.09.2019 — EDA
Chicago, 23.09.2019 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Innovation, investment, Swiss community: Ignazio Cassis opens consulate general in Chicago

23.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland is once again represented in the Midwest, a major economic region of the United States, with a consulate general. At the opening ceremony in Chicago, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis highlighted the potential for increasing cooperation in various areas such as innovation. The reopening of the Chicago representation by the FDFA comes in response to a parliamentary request. The consulate general will increase the support available to Swiss companies in the Chicago metropolitan area and it serves as a further example of strengthened Swiss-US ties.

Carefree travel with the FDFA's new Travel Admin app

21.09.2019 — EDA
On 21 September, the FDFA launched its new Travel Admin app for Swiss nationals travelling or living abroad. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in the app's official launch in Zurich Airport's main departure terminal and tried it out himself before boarding a flight to the United States. The app is designed to help Swiss citizens plan their stays abroad and to enable the authorities to reach them in the event of a crisis or disaster.

Switzerland and Slovenia stress strong ties and dynamic exchanges

19.09.2019 — EDA
Slovenian President Borut Pahor paid an official visit to Switzerland on Thursday, 19 September. President Ueli Maurer and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the Slovenian delegation at the Lohn country residence. Both sides stressed the strong ties between the two countries and the dynamic state of relations.

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