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International cooperation: targeted Swiss support for UN agencies and International Geneva
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has decided the FDFA will grant CHF 39 million to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN Women, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for 2025. By renewing these contributions, the FDFA is also sending out a strong signal in support of International Geneva.
President Keller-Sutter at St Gallen Symposium on ‘Shifting Global Power’
On Thursday, 8 May, President Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the St Gallen Symposium, where this year's theme focused on ‘Shifting Global Power’. On the sidelines of the symposium, President Keller-Sutter met with Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović.
National Armaments Director takes part in the defence exhibition “Defence Exhibition Athens DEFEA 2025” in Athens
National Armaments Director Urs Loher is taking part in the DEFEA 2025 defence exhibition in Athens. Within this framework, bilateral discussions with the National Armament Directors of Greece and Israel as well as exchanges with representatives from industry will take place.
New STSB preliminary report (railways) available
<strong>A new preliminary report (railways) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.</strong>
Emission Explorer – a new exhibit at the Swiss Museum of Transport: Empa research shows individual CO₂ footprint
<strong>Net zero: the goal that moves our society at all levels. But what can we as individuals contribute to achieve it? Answers are given by the Emission Explorer, the new exhibit developed by Empa as part of Energy Science for Tomorrow (ES4T), a joint initiative of the ETH Domain and the Swiss Museum of Transport. Visitors can playfully calculate their CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and find out in which areas of life they can make a concrete contribution to a more sustainable society.</strong>
Inauguration ceremony of the “Via Rainis e Aspazija”
Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on the occasion of the inauguration – Check against delivery
Switzerland's contribution to democracy promotion – new FDFA guidelines
On 7 May 2025 the FDFA published the Guidelines on Democracy, which set out objectives for democracy promotion and identify foreign policy instruments for strengthening democratic processes and institutions.
New STSB final (railways) report available
A new final report (railways) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.
Cross-border cyberthreats require international solutions
The latest semi-annual report from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) outlines how cybercriminals operate internationally and the methods they use for their attacks. In light of these global cyberthreats and our ever-growing dependence on global software, international cooperation is becoming increasingly important. To strengthen cybersecurity in Switzerland, a reporting obligation for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure came into force on 1 April. This was developed in close alignment with international standards and EU directives.
Ignazio Cassis meets with Hungarian foreign minister in Bern
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, today received the Hungarian foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, in Bern for an official working visit. The talks centred on bilateral relations, European policy and current geopolitical issues.
DDPS and other federal departments to provide security support for Eurovision Song Contest in Basel
From 11 to 17 May, Basel will host the Eurovision Song Contest, a major event that will see extensive support from various agencies of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, the Federal Office of Police, and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. These agencies will work alongside the organisers and cantonal authorities to ensure the security of the event, with the Confederation making a crucial contribution to public safety.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to visit Bulgaria
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Sofia on 7 May for a one-day visit. His programme includes meetings with Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Rosen Jeliazkov, as well as a visit to the renowned Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT).
Course listings (ICTax)
The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2024 and 2025.
Consumer prices remained stable in April
The consumer price index (CPI) remained unchanged in April 2025 compared with the previous month, at 107.5 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.0% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Nanomaterials under tension: Empa researcher among the winners at SNSF scientific image competition
<strong>Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich are developing an electromechanical system that can apply mechanical tension to nanomaterials. This could enable electronic components with novel properties for applications in various quantum technologies, for example in information technology, communication, sensor technology and efficient energy conversion. For the video showing the moving system in action, Empa researcher Peter Lendway was awarded first prize in the SNSF scientific image competition in the video category.</strong>
Energy perspectives for the city of Frauenfeld: Digital solutions pave the way to net-zero
After a two year-project, Thurplus, the city of Frauenfelds's utility company, and Empa last Wednesday presented the report, Energy Perspectives 2050. The project sheds light on energy scenarios from today to 2050, extrapolated from around 20,000 smart meter data sets. The conclusion of the study: Net zero is feasible – the key lies in district heating and replacing conventional, fossil heating systems.
Meeting between the federal and cantonal authorities to promote gender equality
<strong></strong>The first executive level meeting on gender equality between the federal government and the cantons took place today in Bern. On the initiative of Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the cantonal councillors responsible for gender equality in Switzerland met to strengthen their cooperation and reaffirm their political commitment to an inclusive and equal society. The prevention of gender-based violence was a further priority topic at the meeting.
Residential property prices increased by 0.7% in 1st quarter 2025
The Swiss Residential Property Price Index (IMPI) rose in the 1st quarter 2025 by 0.7% compared with the previous quarter and reached 121.1 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 4.1%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Point Zero Forum 2025: Convenes Global Finance, Technology, and Policy Leaders to collaborate on the Future of Finance in an Age of Disruption
The fourth edition of the Point Zero Forum (PZF) will be held from 5 to 7 May 2025 at the Circle Convention Centre in Zurich. This year’s gathering comes at a pivotal moment for Europe and the global economy, as traditional growth models and supply chains are being reshaped by shifting geopolitics, trade, technological disruption, sustainability imperatives, and demographic change. These forces are driving an urgent need in the financial industry for innovation, resilience, and new pathways to value creation.
Newsletter No 470 (01.05.2025)
You could be interested by new pages which have been published on the OFCOM website between 15.04.2025 and 30.04.2025.
Swiss–EU package: Federal Council calls for optional referendum
On 30 April 2025, the Federal Council took stock of the ongoing work on the Swiss–EU package. It decided to call an optional referendum on the agreements with the European Union (EU). In taking this decision, the Federal Council is signalling political continuity and coherence and giving Parliament and the cantons room for manoeuvre. Parliament will ultimately determine the nature of the referendum in the course of its deliberations.
Federal Council appoints Rainer Schulz as new Chairman of the Board of Directors of RUAG International
During its meeting on 30 April 2025, the Federal Council decided to appoint Rainer Schulz as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of RUAG International Holding AG. He is currently Vice Chairman. His election will take place at the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2025.
The Federal Council defines guidelines for expanding the supply of medical devices
At its meeting on 30 April 2025, the Federal Council noted the ongoing efforts to implement Motion 20.3211, which aims to open the possibility for medical devices from non-European regulatory systems to be placed on the Swiss market. In order to ensure adequate supplies of medical devices and to guarantee patient safety, the Federal Council defined guidelines and will assign responsibility for controls to private bodies.
Support for the media: Federal Council welcomes measures that can be implemented quickly
Independent and diversified media play a key role in a democratic society. The Federal Council therefore welcomes the targeted increase in support for electronic media as proposed by the Council of States Transport and Telecommunications Committee. At its meeting on 30 April, the Federal Council adopted its opinion on the committee report in which it requests Parliament to approve the Committee's draft bill.
Emergency Airworthiness Directives (EAD) – PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. – PC-21
A new Emergency Airworthiness Directive has been published by FOCA. This safety relevant technical information is addressed to operators and maintenance organizations of the affected aircraft only and gives specific guidelines.
Switzerland steps up its support for Africa
The Federal Council wants to contribute towards increasing the guarantee capital of the African Development Bank (AfDB). It is requesting Parliament to approve a guarantee credit of CHF 1.56 billion, as decided on 30 April. This would strengthen Switzerland's influence in the AfDB and help to further sustainable and inclusive economic development in Africa.
VAT: Adjustments in the Swiss VAT practice publications - Securities
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has adjusted its VAT practice on the following topic: securities. The FTA is verifying the refund of existing securities. Considering the large volume, it is required to process these claims in stages. Requests for a prioritized refund cannot be considered. Thank you for your understanding.
Coping with stress in a noisy environment: Urban green spaces are islands of relaxation
<strong>It is hardly surprising that green spaces in noisy cities offer people respite from stress. However, a comprehensive study by Empa and WSL shows for the first time for Switzerland how much these recreational spaces actually affect physical and mental stress management.</strong>
NCSC Director Florian Schütz to attend RSA Conference in San Francisco
The director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Florian Schütz, will be attending the RSA Conference in San Francisco from 28 April to 1 May. The conference is one of the leading events in the field of cybersecurity bringing together representatives from industry, society and government to discuss a host of cyber-related topics. Florian Schütz will be accompanied by Ambassador Benedikt Wechsler and will take part in various panels and bilateral discussions with representatives from industry and international organisations.
Locked Shields 25: Swiss delegation to take part in international cyber defence exercise
From 28 April to 9 May, the Swiss Armed Forces will take part in the world’s largest cyber defence exercise, Locked Shields 25. Around 40 participants from the Swiss Armed Forces, the Federal Administration, the cantons and operators of critical infrastructure will be taking part. As part of the exercise, the teams will defend fictitious IT infrastructures against cyberattacks by a fictitious adversary.
Health care costs up 2.4% in 2023
In 2023, the Swiss health care system cost CHF 94 billion, 2.4% more than the year before. Over 60% of health system financing came from households’ own pockets or health insurance premiums. According to estimates by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the rise in costs is likely to exceed 3% in 2024.
New STSB preliminary report available
<strong>A new preliminary report is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.</strong>
China: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Foreign Minister Wang Yi and hails 75 years of bilateral relations
The head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, visited the People's Republic of China on 24 and 25 April 2025. His visit marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Switzerland established official relations with China in 1950, making it one of the first European countries to do so. In addition to an official meeting with China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, Mr Cassis' visit focused on efforts to modernise the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries in order to improve market access for Swiss companies.
«Your hard work and innovations contribute to the economic prosperity of both Switzerland and China»
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), at a reception for representatives of Swiss business at the Consulate General in Shanghai, China – Check against delivery
RailCom promotes participation in the rail sector
The Rail Transport Commission RailCom publishes its activity report today, in which it emphasises the importance of participation to ensure fair access to the rail network. It also reports on its ongoing proceedings and on its new chair, Dr Barbara Furrer, who has taken over from Patrizia Danioth Halter.
Switzerland's international cooperation: FDFA provides core contributions for 22 Swiss implementation partners
Swiss NGOs help implement the Federal Council’s International Cooperation Strategy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with their expertise, knowledge of local contexts, and networks. For the 2025-2026 period, the SDC has earmarked core contributions totalling CHF 235 million for Switzerland’s contracting partners.
Current figures on offset transactions as of end of March 2025
The Offset Register currently comprises seventeen offset obligations in the amount of CHF 5.27 billion, which must be awarded by foreign suppliers to Swiss companies. Of this, offset transactions in the amount of around CHF 2.69 billion have been carried out as at the end of March 2025.
Uzbekistan: inauguration of the first maternity units modernised thanks to Karimova assets returned by Switzerland
Uzbekistan's first modernised maternity units were officially inaugurated today. The units were updated through a project funded by assets belonging to Gulnara Karimova, which had been definitively confiscated in Switzerland and restituted to the population of Uzbekistan. The aim of the USD 43.5 million project, implemented by the UN, is to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by strengthening the capacity of healthcare facilities and improving the monitoring and care of mothers-to-be, young mothers, and babies.
Japanese Beetle: Update on Biology, Legal Bases and Control
<strong>In a new practice-oriented publication, Agroscope summarises all available information on the biology of the Japanese beetle as well as the legal bases. In addition, experts assess the threat to various crops and take a deeper dive into control measures.</strong>
CIMT 2025: «Switzerland of tomorrow through your innovation»
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of his official visit to the China International Machine Tool Fair (CIMT) – Check against delivery
Airborne construction technologies: Flying robots unlock new horizons in construction
<strong>An international team led by researchers from Empa and EPFL has explored how in future aerial robots could process construction materials precisely in the air – an approach with great potential for difficult-to-access locations or work at great heights. The flying robots are not intended to replace existing systems on the ground, but rather to complement them in a targeted manner for repairs or in disaster areas, for instance.</strong>
PUBLICA’s funded ratio rises further
The Swiss Federal Pension Fund PUBLICA is publishing its annual report and sustainability report for 2024. At the end of 2024, the collective institution’s funded ratio stood at 104.6%. The investment performance was 5.9%. In responsible investment, efforts to enhance transparency are having an impact.
‘No excuses – Do it!’- Launch of the 2025 national cybersecurity awareness campaign
People often neglect to set secure passwords and install security updates. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Swiss Crime Prevention Unit (SCP), cantonal and municipal police forces, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Swiss Post and the Swiss Insurance Association (SIA) are launching the next stage of the ‘S-U-P-E-R.ch’ campaign to raise public awareness about cybersecurity under the slogan ‘No excuses – Do it now!’.
Marked increase in labour force participation among 55 to 64-year-olds
Between 2014 and 2024, the average age of economically active persons rose from 41.2 to 42.3 years. In the same period, the activity rate among 55 to 64-year-olds increased by 6.1 percentage points to 77.8%. In 2024, economically active persons left the labour market at an average age of 65.3 years (men) and 64.7 years (women). The ratio of persons of statutory retirement age to economically active persons has risen steadily over the last ten years (2014: 33.7; 2024: 37.4). These are the findings of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Innovation and trade at heart of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's official visit to Japan
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis conducted an official visit to Japan on 22 and 23 April 2025, leading the Swiss delegation at the World Expo in Osaka on Switzerland's National Day. In Tokyo, he held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and representatives of Japan's commerce, science and education ministries as well as a meeting with IT giant NEC, which will be setting up a new centre in Zurich.
Ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 22 April 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 7 of the <a href="https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/de/home/Aussenwirtschaftspolitik_Wirtschaftliche_Zusammenarbeit/Wirtschaftsbeziehungen/exportkontrollen-und-sanktionen/sanktionen-embargos/sanktionsmassnahmen/massnahmen-gegenueber-der-islamischen-republik-iran.html">ordinance</a> on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The entries of ten individuals have been modified and the entry of one individual has been deleted. The measures come into force on 24 April 2025.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 17 December 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 8 and 25 of the Ordinance on Measures Connected with the Situation in Ukraine. Eight organizations have been added to Annex 25 and the existing entries concerning 158 individuals and organizations in Annex 8 have been updated. The measures come into force on 23 April 2025.
Course listings (ICTax)
The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Expo 2025: “We, the people. We, the nations.”
Speech given by Foreign Minister and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at the official opening of Swiss National Day at the World Expo in Osaka – Check against delivery
Nominal wage growth of 1.8% in 2024 and real wages increase by 0.7%
In 2024, the Swiss Nominal Wage Index recorded an average increase of 1.8% compared with the previous year, reachThis press release and further information on the topic can be found on the FSO websiteing 104.2 points (base 2020 = 100). Given average annual inflation of +1.1%, real wages rose by 0.7%, arriving at 97.6 points (base 2020 = 100) according to calculations by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Japan and China from 22 to 25 April 2025
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will visit Japan and the People's Republic of China from 22 to 25 April. The aim of the trip is to strengthen political ties and promote Switzerland's economic interests with two key partners. In Japan, the focus will be on innovation, technology, trade and multilateral cooperation. In China, discussions will mainly cover bilateral relations, economic issues and current geopolitical questions.
National Armaments Director receives the Deputy National Armaments Director of Poland in Switzerland
On 16 April, National Armaments Director Urs Loher met with the Deputy National Armaments Director of Poland, Colonel Krzysztof Komorowski, for bilateral discussions in Switzerland. The focus was on an exchange of ideas about current armaments policy topics.
Swiss ODA reached 0.51% of GNI in 2024
In 2024, Swiss official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.053 billion, or 0.51% of gross national income (GNI). ODA includes expenditure by the Confederation on international cooperation and other expenditure which qualifies as ODA – in particular asylum-related costs – as well as contributions from the Swiss cantons and communes.
Consultation on the partial revision of the Postal Services Ordinance
In future, Swiss Post is to be given more flexibility in the home delivery of letters, parcels and daily newspapers. Universal service should also take greater account of the high level of digitalisation among the public and businesses and so be expanded to include digital offerings. The Federal Council put a corresponding revision of the Postal Services Ordinance out to consultation on 16 April 2025.
Switzerland at 2025 IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington from 23 to 25 April 2025. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Spring Meetings. The Swiss delegation, which also includes representatives of the Swiss National Bank, will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.
Federal Council reaffirms support for three international humanitarian organisations
At its meeting on 16 April 2025, the Federal Council decided to allocate a total of almost CHF 250 million to support the operations of Switzerland's three main humanitarian partners for 2025 and 2026. The funding will benefit the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is thus reaffirming its support for key humanitarian organisations that provide urgently needed assistance worldwide.
Criminal organization active in Switzerland: charges brought against an Italian citizen residing in the Canton of Aargau
On 15 April 2025, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland brought charges before the Federal Criminal Court against an Italian citizen residing in the Canton of Aargau for participation in and support of a criminal organization. In particular, the 58-year-old man is accused of having acted, at least between 2001 and 2020, as a contact person for the 'Ndrangheta Anello-Fruci clan in Swiss territory and having facilitated the development of the latter’s interests in Switzerland. The accused is also charged with several of offences, including importing, purchasing, and storing of counterfeit money, handling of stolen goods, violation of the Federal act on weapons, weapon accessories and ammunition, and violation of the federal narcotics act.
Improved understanding of skin diseases - Artificial skin from hydrogels
Growing cells in the laboratory is an art that humans have mastered decades ago. Recreating entire three-dimensional tissues is much more challenging. Empa researchers are developing a new hydrogel-based material that makes it possible to engineer artificial skin tissues, which can serve as living three-dimensional models of human skin for better understanding and treating skin diseases.
Immigration and a rapidly ageing demographic will shape population growth up to 2055
The population in Switzerland will increase from 9.0 million residents at the end of 2024 to some 10.5 million in 2055, according to the reference scenario of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). This increase will largely be driven by immigration. Developments in Switzerland's socio-economic and political context will determine the extent of the population growth. The population will also continue to age in the coming decades. The cantons close to the cities of Zurich and Geneva will experience the highest population growth.
Great success for SwissHacks’ second edition: 220 hackers created 54 projects in 48 hours to reshape the future of finance
From 11-13 April, SwissHacks returned for its second edition, organized by the Swiss Financial Innovation Desk (FIND), powered by Tenity, and endorsed by the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) bringing together a global talent pool of builders, coders, and creatives. Following a 50% surge in applications compared to the previous year, 220 selected hackers from 70 nationalities took on high-impact challenges from leading partners
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland indicts young Swiss man for planning a trip to join the jihad
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has filed an indictment against a 21-year-old Swiss citizen in accelerated proceedings before the Federal Criminal Court. The defendant is suspected of having supported the proscribed terrorist group ‘Islamic state’ (IS), in particular by planning a trip to Somalia in order to join IS there. He is also alleged to have sent IS propaganda material to various recipients and to have possessed depictions of violence.
Producer and Import Price Index rose by 0.1% in March
The Producer and Import Price Index increased in March 2025 by 0.1% compared with the previous month, reaching 106.8 points (December 2020 = 100). Food products in particular were more expensive. Petroleum products, in contrast, became cheaper. Compared with March 2024, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 0.1%. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).