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Geneva and Davos work together on the opportunities provided by digital technologies for the common good

21.01.2020 — Press release EDA
At the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, taking place this year from 21 to 24 January, the House of Switzerland's opening day was dedicated to collaboration between the private sector, academia and international organisations based in Geneva. At the heart of discussions were the opportunities ushered in by new technologies, particularly in the fields of health and access to financial services. Digital governance was also high on the agenda for those taking part in 'Geneva Day'.

Federal Council delegation meets new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Davos

20.01.2020 — Press release EDA
A delegation of the Federal Council led by President Simonetta Sommaruga today met with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Ms Sommaruga was accompanied at the meeting, which took place during the WEF Annual Meeting, by federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Karin Keller-Sutter. Talks focused on the state of bilateral relations between Switzerland the EU, particularly with regard to the institutional agreement. They also discussed joint efforts to tackle climate change. Cooperation in the field of migration should be continued.

Switzerland's enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania comes to a close

20.01.2020 — Press release EDA
Over the last ten years, Switzerland has provided CHF 257 million from its enlargement contribution to support projects in Bulgaria and Romania. The two countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007. The contribution aimed to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and within Bulgaria and Romania. The 93 projects, which came to a close in December 2019, have achieved good results. Switzerland's support contributes to greater stability in Europe, which is also in the country's interests.

Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2020

17.01.2020 — Press release EDA
At this the 50th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Federal Council stresses the importance of the event in Davos. This year all members of the cabinet will be in attendance; around 60 bilateral meetings are due to take place. President Simonetta Sommaruga will open the event on Tuesday, 21 January, together with Professor Klaus Schwab.

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.

United Nations World Data Forum: first events take place

16.01.2020 — Press release EDA
Achievement of the sustainable development goals set out in the 2030 Agenda can only be measured with the help of official statistics. These will be the key focus of the third United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) to be held in Bern from 18 to 21 October 2020. Under the label of the «Road to Bern», a series of events is planned in the run-up to this high-profile international conference.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg

16.01.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis today received his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Bern for his first official trip abroad. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and international affairs.

Processing of personal data by the FDFA: bill adopted by Federal Council

15.01.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on Friday 15 January 2020, the Federal Council adopted a draft federal act on the processing of personal data by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). This legislation fulfils the requirements of the Federal Act of 19 June 1992 on Data Protection while also taking account of more recent developments in internal organisation, technology and society.

Switzerland returns USD 1.3 million to Turkmenistan for the purchase of medicines

15.01.2020 — Press release EDA
In line with its policy of repatriating illicitly acquired assets, Switzerland is returning approximately USD 1.3 million, which were confiscated in Switzerland, to Turkmenistan. The funds will be channelled into a health project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis à la réception de Nouvel An du corps diplomatique (fr.)

15.01.2020 — Press release EDA
La réception de Nouvel An donnée par la présidente de la Confédération Simonetta Sommaruga a lieu à Berne ce mercredi 15 janvier 2020.

Federal Council reaffirms its commitment to responsible business conduct

15.01.2020 — Press release EDA
On 15 January 2020, the Federal Council approved the revised Action Plans 2020-2023 on corporate social responsibility, and on Business and Human Rights. The federal government promotes the implementation of a responsible business conduct. It is an important contribution to sustainable development and to solving societal challenges.

Presentation of credentials

14.01.2020 — Press release EDA
14.01.2020 - Presentation of credentials of newly accredited Ambassadors in Switzerland

Media (2441)

Ignazio Cassis attends the ceremony marking the signing of Swiss-brokered peace treaty in Mozambique

06.08.2019 — Press release EDA
Together with other high-ranking members of the international community, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, took part earlier today in a ceremony marking the signing of the peace accord between RENAMO and FRELIMO, the opposing sides in Mozambique's civil war. This peace accord was in large measure concluded thanks to Swiss support.

State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl represents Switzerland at ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and attends opening of a new heart clinic affiliated with Kantha Bopha Children's Hospitals in Cambodia

02.08.2019 — Press release EDA
On 1 and 2 August , FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl made a visit at Thailand's invitation to Bangkok, where she represented Switzerland at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, attended the signing of a Swiss cooperation agreement with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, and met with high-ranking government representatives from Asia, Europe and North America. Before travelling to Thailand, Ms Baeriswyl visited Cambodia, where she attended the opening of the new Kantha Bopha Hospital heart clinic in Phnom Penh.

AVIS28: a report to outline Switzerland's future foreign policy

02.07.2019 — Press release EDA
The AVIS28 Working Group set up by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in October 2018 submitted its report in Bern today. Entitled 'Switzerland in the world in 2028', the document analyses the challenges ahead and proposes a range of options for adapting Swiss foreign policy instruments to future realities. To consolidate Switzerland's position in an increasingly unstable world, the working group recommends developing a whole-of-Switzerland approach involving all national stakeholders, as well as a more targeted, better interconnected and more reactive foreign policy.

The SDC's new approach to cooperating with Swiss NGOs delivers greater impact

02.07.2019 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims to deploy its funds more effectively and efficiently in future to help the poorest and most vulnerable communities. It has therefore altered its approach to cooperating with Swiss non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in response to changed circumstances. In order to ensure a fair and comprehensible distribution of federal government contributions, it has established a transparent system of allocation and set new upper limits. The SDC is also seeking to boost innovation and intensify competition among NGOs.

Swiss facilitation process in Cameroon

27.06.2019 — Press release EDA
At the request of the parties, Switzerland is acting as a facilitator in the crisis in north-western and south-western Cameroon. To this end, a second preparatory meeting with various Cameroonian opposition groups took place in Switzerland between 25 and 27 June 2019.

Parliament to be more closely involved in soft law projects

27.06.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council wants to involve Parliament in a more targeted manner in soft law projects. This is because although not legally binding, soft law can be politically effective. In line with postulate 18.4104, the Federal Council notes that soft law has become an instrument used to shape international relations. At its session of 26 June, the Federal Council adopted a report outlining ways for Parliament to be involved in a more targeted manner in soft law projects while maintaining the constitutional balance of powers and Switzerland's ability to conduct foreign policy. In particular, the Federal Council aims to improve the provision of information and reporting to Parliament and to step up exchanges between the two bodies on soft law.

FDFA bans Pilatus from supplying services in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

26.06.2019 — Press release EDA
The Directorate of Political Affairs at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) issued a ban on services provided by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates based on the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Directorate has also filed a report with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.

Annual Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation: new partnerships for a better future

21.06.2019 — Press release EDA
International cooperation is now inconceivable without partnerships with public and private institutions. Several successful partnerships were presented at the Annual Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation organised jointly by the SDC and SECO. Over 1,200 people attended this year's conference in Fribourg, which focused on youth.

Working meeting between President Ueli Maurer and Colombian President Iván Duque in Bern

20.06.2019 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 20 June, President Ueli Maurer received Colombian President Iván Duque for a working meeting at the Bernerhof, where talks covered bilateral issues including economic affairs, as well as the situation in Colombia and in the neighbouring country of Venezuela.

Ignazio Cassis meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow

19.06.2019 — Press release EDA
On 19 June 2019, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the third time in nine months. At their working meeting, which took place in Moscow, bilateral relations, the Council of Europe and Ukraine were among the topics discussed. The previous evening, both had attended the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy in Moscow.

Partenaires de la coopération Suisse parmi les victimes d’une attaque contre des populations civiles au Mali (fr)

19.06.2019 — Press release EDA
La Suisse condamne avec la plus grande fermeté les nouvelles attaques commises les 17 et 18 juin dans la région de Mopti (centre du Mali). Parmi les victimes de ces actes épouvantables figurent des membres d’une association partenaire de la coopération Suisse au Mali.

Switzerland's 70-year membership of UNESCO – Ignazio Cassis speaks of UNESCO's exceptional power of mobilisation and the need for reform

17.06.2019 — Press release EDA
On Monday, at an event in Bern to mark Switzerland's 70-year membership of UNESCO, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis acknowledged "the commitment of those who work for the preservation of memory and development of knowledge". Speaking to an audience of representatives from international organisations, federal offices, the cantons and civil society, Mr Cassis highlighted UNESCO's power of mobilisation and the need for reform to address the challenges of the digital age. He also referred to Switzerland's candidacy for election to the UNESCO Executive Board for the period 2020–23.

Other news (297)

Zukunftstag 2019: Was die jungen Gäste im EDA beeindruckte (de/fr/it)

14.11.2019 — EDA
Rund 90 Kinder und Jugendliche haben am Zukunftstag 2019 ihren Eltern oder Bekannten bei der Arbeit im Eidgenössischen Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten EDA über die Schulter und hinter die Kulissen des Departements geschaut. Generalsekretär Markus Seiler zeigte den jungen Gästen das Bundesratszimmer sowie das Büro von Bundesrat Ignazio Cassis, der sich an diesem Tag in Paris befand. An verschiedenen Workshops konnten die Kinder und Jugendlichen verschiedene Aspekte aus der Arbeit des EDA vertieft kennenlernen und eine Medienmitteilung schreiben.

UNESCO General Conference (fr)

14.11.2019 — EDA
Paris, 14.11.2019 – Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis – Check against delivery

Linking of the Swiss and EU emissions trading systems: Federal Council approves revision of the CO2 Ordinance

13.11.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 13 November 2019, the Federal Council approved the revised Ordinance on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions. This, together with the amendment to the CO2 Act adopted in March 2019 and the agreement with the EU, will enter into force on 1 January 2020. From 2020, emissions from civil aviation and fossil fuel power stations will also be included in the Swiss ETS, as is already the case in the EU. Linking the two schemes allows companies in the Swiss ETS to trade emission allowances in the larger EU emissions market.

Escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza – statement by the FDFA

12.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and calls on all parties to restore calm immediately.

Education, environment and protection of minorities – Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to UNESCO General Conference in Paris

12.11.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the UNESCO General Conference on 14 November 2019. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will call for respect for minorities, which is a key element of the democratic process. New members of the UNESCO Executive Board will also be elected during the three-week session. Switzerland – one of the candidates – is one of the biggest contributors to UNESCO measured by population.

FDFA calls for end to violence and new elections in Bolivia

11.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is closely following recent political developments in Bolivia with concern and calls for new elections to reflect the political will of the people. The FDFA stands ready to support Bolivia in preparing for such elections.

International Law Day 2019: FDFA Directorate of International Law launches discussion on 'soft law'

08.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA Directorate of International Law (DIL) held its annual International Law Day on 8 November. This year’s event focused on soft law. The event provided an opportunity to discuss this topical issue in the presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and a broad audience, and in particular to consider how to better involve Parliament in soft law matters.

Swiss woman injured in Jordan

06.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is assisting a Swiss woman wounded in a knife attack on 6 November in the Jordanian city of Jerash. She has received medical treatment and her life is not in danger. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was informed directly by his counterpart, Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, who reassured him that the Swiss tourist is being cared for in Jordan.

FDFA notes resignation of UNRWA Commissioner-General

06.11.2019 — EDA
The United Nations (UN) has announced the resignation of the Commissioner-General for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Pierre Krähenbühl. The announcement follows the launch of an investigation into misconduct allegations involving UNRWA's management. The FDFA notes the resignation and calls for a full and thorough clarification of the facts. Switzerland will withhold payment of its project contributions pending the outcome of the investigation.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization

05.11.2019 — EDA
Switzerland ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) precisely 20 years ago. To mark the occasion, Federal Councillor and Head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis met with the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, in Bern. During the meeting, Mr Cassis emphasised the CTBT’s indispensable role in building a world without nuclear weapons. The CTBTO works closely with scientific institutions, including the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich in Davos, to monitor compliance with the ban. These monitoring activities are also an example of how science and diplomacy can work together to solve political problems.

Swiss expert Marcel Jullier re-elected to UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions

01.11.2019 — EDA
The UN General Assembly has re-elected Swiss expert Marcel Jullier for a second three-year term on the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. Mr Jullier is a specialist in accounting and controlling. His re-election also advances Switzerland's efforts for adequate Swiss representation in international organisations.

Switzerland commits to the French language as a diplomatic instrument and supports reforms by the new Secretary General of La Francophonie

31.10.2019 — EDA
FDFA Head Ignazio Cassis attended the 36th Francophonie Ministerial Conference in Monaco on 30 and 31 October. As the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year in Tunis, the foreign ministers of its member states and governments have decided to refocus the organisation on its main missions, in particular its values (peace, the rule of law and democracy) and the promotion and defence of the French language.

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