Press release

All news (2922)

Switzerland supports Hungary’s fight against the serious threat of floods

08.06.2010 — Press release EDA
Hungary is getting prepared to face a major risk of flooding in the north of the country. The Danube and the Tisza are threatening to overflow their banks towards the middle of next week. To cope with this threat, the Hungarian government has requested the aid of its European partners. Switzerland will deliver 500,000 bags of sand and dispatch to the site three experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit.

Federal Council decides in favour of “Houses of Switzerland” for the Olympic Games 2012 in London and 2014 in Sochi

04.06.2010 — Press release EDA
Following the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, the Swiss Confederation will again be using future Olympic Games as platforms for its communication abroad. The Federal Council decided today that Switzerland will be represented at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi with a “House of Switzerland”.

Switzerland is dismayed about the death in Kinshasa of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire

04.06.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is dismayed by the news of the death of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire, executive director of the Congolese human rights organisation, “La voix des sans voix”, that occurred on 2 June 2010. Mr Chebeya was found dead in his car in Kinshasa.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey attends international conference on the restitution of illegal assets in Paris

04.06.2010 — Press release EDA
The Global Forum on the Recovery of Assets and Development jointly organised by Switzerland, the World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will take place in Paris on 8 and 9 June. Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will represent Switzerland at this event.

Consultations on human rights between Switzerland and Russia

02.06.2010 — Press release EDA
A Swiss delegation visited Moscow from 31 May to 2 June for the eighth round of human rights consultations which Switzerland has been holding with Russia since 2003. The talks covered the national and international human rights policies of both countries as well as the operational aspect of the consultations.

First meetings in the framework of the regular political dialogue with the Federative Republic of Brazil

02.06.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has received Antônio de Aguiar Patriota, Secretary-General of Foreign Relations of the Federative Republic of Brazil, for a courtesy visit. Mr Patriota is in Switzerland for talks in the context of the regular political dialogue between Switzerland and Brazil.

Switzerland asks for an international inquiry following the Israeli armed assault

01.06.2010 — Press release EDA
The FDFA expresses its very serious concern following an incident of the coast of the Gaza Strip resulting from an assault by Israeli forces on an international convoy of ships bringing humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza. Switzerland asks for an international inquiry to be conducted into the circumstances of this tragic event.

Action plan adopted to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation treaty

29.05.2010 — Press release EDA
The final document, agreed by consensus, of the 8th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will strengthen the credibility of the disarmament and non-proliferation regime. From Switzerland’s point of view, progress is to be seen in particular in the adoption of an action plan, recognition of the humanitarian dimension and the applicability of international humanitarian law, as well as in the agreement to take concrete steps to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

Election of Switzerland to a second mandate in the Human Rights Council for the period 2010-2013

28.05.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland was today elected to a second three-year term in the Human Rights Council by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Switzerland is pleased about this election, which it regards as recognition of its commitment to human rights in general and of its active role as a member of the Council in the period 2006-2009. With a review of the Council's activities coming up 2011, Switzerland will continue to work to ensure that the Council is effective, equitable and capable of responding quickly to human rights violations, wherever they occur.

Run-up to the XIIIth Francophonie Summit – Montreux 2010

27.05.2010 — Press release EDA
This morning, the organisers of the XIIIth Summit of the Francophonie have held a joint press conference during which the federal, cantonal and municipal authorities concerned presented the preparations, challenges and the programme to accompany the Summit, which will take place on the 22-24 October 2010 in Montreux, Switzerland.

Last Phase in the Expansion of the WTO Headquarters in Geneva

26.05.2010 — Press release EDA
The Headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva are being enlarged. The third and last phase of this expansion necessitates a loan of CHF 40 million as well as a non-repayable CHF 10 million contribution. Today, the Federal Council approved the relevant draft bill for submission to Parliament. The bill establishes the financial framework for the extra-muros expansion of the Centre William Rappard (CWR) outside its current footprint.

The FDFA calls for an end to the use of violence in Thailand

20.05.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland expresses its sympathy and support to Thailand in the present difficult situation. The FDFA calls on all sides to resume dialogue.

Media (2625)

Federal Council opens consultation process on 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
With its 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, the Federal Council is setting out how it intends to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development over the next ten years. At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council approved the strategy for consultation.

Promotion of International Geneva and digital self-determination – Federal Council sets out Digital Foreign Policy Strategy 2021–2024

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 4 November 2020, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's Digital Foreign Policy Strategy 2021–2024. The strategy outlines how the Federal Council intends to safeguard and promote Swiss interests and values in the digital space over the next four years. Focus areas include the strengthening of international governance and cooperation forums, digital self-determination for individual users, international law and the use of digitalisation to improve international cooperation. International Geneva has an important role to play in this respect, and the Federal Council aims to strengthen that role still further.

Ministerial session of the Council of Europe: Ignazio Cassis stresses the importance of close cooperation between states

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
"In these unusual times, close cooperation between our states is the only adequate response to the difficulties we are currently facing," stated Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 130th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE). Under Greece's chairmanship, the foreign ministers at the session adopted the 'Athens Declaration', reaffirming their existing commitments to respond effectively to public health crises while respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law – the CoE's founding values. Key representatives also met to celebrate 70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Switzerland’s candidacy for the UN Security Council enters final phase

30.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Elections for the 2023–24 period will be held in June 2022. The candidacy entered its final phase with a virtual event in New York attended by the president of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

COVID-19 and multilateralism: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis talks to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay

28.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 28 October 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis spoke by telephone with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Paris. The respective heads of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization discussed the impact of the pandemic crisis on multilateralism and UNESCO's strategic preparations in response to global challenges.

2030 Agenda - World Data Forum: strong international cooperation for quality data

22.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The United Nations World Data Forum took place from 19 to 21 October 2020 in digital format due to COVID-19. The event brought together several thousand experts to find innovative solutions in order to meet the need for better quality data to implement the 2030 Agenda and to control the pandemic.

Election of Daniel Fink to UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture

22.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland welcomes Daniel Fink's election on 22 October 2020 to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) following Switzerland's submission of his candidature for a new term of office.

Switzerland at G20 Anti-Corruption Ministers Meeting

22.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 22 October 2020, Switzerland took part in a virtual G20 ministerial-level meeting on combating corruption. The ministers called for transparency and accountability in view of the sharp rise in government spending to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nagorno Karabakh: FDFA calls for an end to violence and supports ICRC humanitarian operations

20.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has allocated CHF 1 million for the humanitarian operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The FDFA also calls for an immediate stop to the violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Attacks on the civilian population and civilian objects must cease. The parties to the conflict are called upon to comply with international humanitarian law.

100 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Denmark: Federal Councillor Cassis makes official visit to Copenhagen

16.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Official diplomatic relations have existed between Switzerland and Denmark since 1920. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis marked their 100th anniversary with an official visit to Copenhagen. On 15 October 2020, he took part in a celebration organised by the Swiss embassy. On 15 and 16 October, the head of the FDFA met the Minister for International Development Rasmus Prehn and Minister for Finance Nicolai Wammen for bilateral talks. He also paid a courtesy visit to Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

Official visit to Norway: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Oslo for talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide

15.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 15 October 2020 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met in Oslo with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. Mr Cassis and Ms Eriksen Søreide praised the excellent relations between Switzerland and Norway. In addition to bilateral relations, their talks focused in particular on the two countries' relations with the EU and their close cooperation within EFTA and the UN.

Clean drinking water and COVID-19: Swiss aid convoy reaches conflict zone in eastern Ukraine

15.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The COVID-19 pandemic is also having an impact on the aid Switzerland provides to those suffering in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. For the first time, a large part of the aid convoy is made up of medical supplies to help overcome the COVID crisis. On 15 October 2020, the twelfth convoy organised by Swiss Humanitarian Aid, comprising 19 trucks, reached the Donetsk region.

Other news (297)

Zusammenarbeit bei Wissenschaft und Diplomatie - Zusammenarbeit für den Frieden (dt./engl.)

02.09.2019 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the events to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Israel - Check against delivery

Laudatio Carla del Ponte (de)

27.08.2019 — EDA
St. Gallen, 27.08.2019 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the World Demographic & Ageing Forum on the occasion of the Award Ceremony to Carla del Ponte - Check against delivery

Meet the Ambassadors

19.08.2019 — Local news EDA
From August 19 to September 6, 2019, the FDFA is embarking on a special kind of tour de suisse: as part of the "Meet the Ambassadors" project, Swiss ambassadors will visit their home cantons for eleven days to talk about her work abroad or in the FDFA. The focus is on exchanges with people about foreign policy and the work of diplomats.

Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad: annual implementation report for 2018

14.08.2019 — EDA
The authority responsible for the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA) has published its third activity report, covering the period from 1 January–31 December 2018. The authority processed a total of 479 declarations from private security companies. The Federal Council took note of this at its meeting on 14 August 2019.

Switzerland's natural beauty, location advantage and political system earn accolades abroad

13.08.2019 — EDA
A representative survey carried out by Presence Switzerland in 19 countries shows that Switzerland enjoys a very positive image abroad. It earns high marks for its natural beauty, unspoiled environment and well-functioning political system, and also as a centre for business, research and education. The Swiss financial sector enjoys an excellent reputation, with its banks and financial institutions taking the first rank ahead of Germany, the UK and the US. There is however limited public awareness internationally of what Switzerland is doing to promote peace and human rights and address the problems the world is facing today.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Mozambique on the occasion of the signing of the peace accord

05.08.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Mozambique on Tuesday 6 August 2019 to attend the signing ceremony of the peace accord, to which Switzerland made a decisive contribution. Various political talks and visits to Swiss aid projects are also on the agenda. Mr Cassis will be accompanied by Councillor of States Damian Müller and National Councillor Thomas Aeschi.

FDFA regrets demise of the INF Treaty

02.08.2019 — EDA
The FDFA regrets the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty which, since 1987, had banned a particularly destabilising category of nuclear missiles. Termination of the INF Treaty means the loss of an important arms control instrument which has been crucial in contributing to European security.

Celebrating 1 August in Switzerland's four language regions

01.08.2019 — Article EDA
To mark the Swiss national holiday, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is visiting all four language regions of Switzerland. The head of the FDFA will give a speech and meet with locals at Krauchthal (BE), L'Etivaz (VD), Chiasso (TI) and Zuoz (GR).

Switzerland at Expo 2020 Dubai: Federal Councillor Cassis takes policy decision on sponsorship deal

30.07.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is no longer pursuing the possibility of a sponsorship with Philip Morris International (PMI) for the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis made this decision so as not to undermine the primary objective of the Swiss presence in Dubai, which is to convey a positive image of Switzerland. Mr Cassis has also instructed Presence Switzerland to revise the FDFA's current sponsorship policy by the end of 2019.

FDFA statement concerning the article published on 25 July 2019 by the Swiss weekly Weltwoche about FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl

25.07.2019 — EDA
The FDFA wishes to emphasise that the decision regarding services supplied by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in Saudi Arabia was the result of a legal procedure and was therefore not a political decision. The FDFA rejects the assertions made by Weltwoche about State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl in this context.

FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl in Saudi Arabia for political consultations

22.07.2019 — EDA
FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl held consultations in Saudi Arabia yesterday. During her visit she met various Saudi and Swiss stakeholders based in the country. The trip follows on from recent contacts with various Gulf states where Ms Baeriswyl discussed the current situation and offered Switzerland's good offices to help ease tensions. To this end, Switzerland applauds the recent evacuation of an Iranian crew member to Oman for medical reasons and Saudi Arabia's efforts in releasing Iranian oil tanker Happiness 1.

41st session of the Human Rights Council – Switzerland successfully presents two resolutions

12.07.2019 — EDA
The Human Rights Council (HRC) concludes today its 41st session. Switzerland successfully presented two resolutions: the first one on forced and child marriage and the second on equal pay.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

All news (2922)

Media (2625)

Other news (297)

Links