Information for the media
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Federal Council initiates consultation on automatic exchange of information with eight more partner states
During its meeting on 13 August 2025, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information (AEOI) with eight more states. The AEOI with these partner states is scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2027, with the first exchange of data to take place in 2028. By expanding its AEOI network, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to compliance with international standards. The consultation will run until 14 November 2025.
Sanctions: Federal Council extends humanitarian exemptions
The Federal Council is strengthening measures to protect humanitarian activities in numerous sanctions ordinances. Among other things, it is introducing humanitarian exemptions in line with UN sanctions. At the same time, it has standardised and clarified various financial regulations. The amendments will enter into force on 15 September.
Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000: Federal Council approves agreement to expand operator group
Through its membership in the CV90 Club (Combat Vehicle 90 operator group), Switzerland benefits from efficient and cost-effective maintenance of its Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000 while gaining valuable insights into ongoing developments. The Czech Republic and Slovakia are now set to join the group, which facilitates information exchange among user nations. The Federal Council approved the agreement to expand the operator group at its meeting on 13 August.
New STSB preliminary report (aviation) available
A new preliminary report (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.
Top-up tax: Application of Section 2.6 of the administrative guidelines of December 18, 2023, concerning hybrid arbitrage arrangements within the temporary CbCR safe harbor
The FTA announces the date of application of the rules on hybrid arbitrage arrangements within the temporary CbCR safe harbor of the administrative guidelines of December 18, 2023. The rules apply to transactions occurring after December 18, 2023.
Ukraine: Switzerland extends sanctions listings
On 12 August, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), which oversees Switzerland’s sanctions, extended sanctions lists relating to Russia. In doing so, Switzerland has adopted a series of amendments introduced by the EU as part of its 18th package of sanctions. These measures take effect on 12 August.
Breakthrough in pregnancy safety testing: Young 3Rs Investigator Award honors Empa researcher
The 2024 Young 3Rs Investigator Award has been awarded to Empa researcher Manon Murdeu for her outstanding work in advancing human-relevant alternatives to animal testing. Her innovative research in reproductive toxicology exemplifies the 3Rs principle by reducing animal use while enhancing the quality and ethical standards of biomedical science.
Official meeting between Head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Locarno Film Festival
At the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Secretary David Lammy made an official visit to Locarno, his first to Switzerland. The meeting between the two foreign ministers served as an opportunity to discuss the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as a number of topical issues in European and international affairs. They then attended Diplomacy Day, a long-standing event at the Locarno Film Festival.
Locarno Film Festival 2025: Diplomacy Day
Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on the occasion of the centenary of the Locarno Treaties – Check against delivery
Course listings (ICTax)
The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Consumer sentiment practically the same as a year ago
In July 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –33 points. This is practically the same as in July 2024. The following sub-indices were higher than in July 2024: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index is lower than a year ago: economic outlook.
US tariffs: Federal Council to continue negotiations with the United States
On 7 August, the Federal Council acknowledged that additional tariffs of 39% are now being applied to Swiss products entering the United States. It remains firmly committed to pursuing discussions with the US with the aim of reducing these tariffs as swiftly as possible. The Federal Council is maintaining close contact with US authorities and the affected industry sectors. It will also shortly engage in detailed discussions on potential relief measures for Swiss businesses and continue to assess the need for further economic policy action.
Working visit by the National Armaments Director to the USA
National Armaments Director Urs Loher travelled to the United States from 5 to 7 August for a working visit. Together with a delegation from the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse, he met with representatives from Lockheed Martin for technical discussions.
A materials' architect - New head of Empa's laboratory for High-Performance Ceramics: Jakob Schwiedrzik
Engineer, mechanics expert, bone researcher, materials scientist: Jakob Schwiedrzik has a multifaceted research profile. For several months now, he has been at the helm of Empa's Laboratory for High-Performance Ceramics. With his interdisciplinary expertise, his thirst for knowledge and his drive for action, he wants to help both his laboratory and ceramics as a material to reach new heights.
International study on authorisation times confirms Swissmedic's competitiveness
The speed with which regulatory authorities are able to make scientifically sound decisions on applications for the authorisation of innovative medicines is crucially important both for the industry and for patients. At the international level, Swissmedic is keeping pace with other leading regulatory authorities. Each year, the Centre for Innovation in Regulatory Science (CIRS) analyses the time taken by six authorities worldwide to authorise innovative medicinal products with new active substances. According to the latest “R&D Briefing 101”, Swissmedic remains one of the most efficient regulatory authorities, ranked second behind Japan in scientific assessment time and on a par with the EMA in terms of total throughout time. During the period under review, a large proportion of applications were processed under fast-track or internationally coordinated procedures such as Project Orbis or the Access Consortium, resulting in significantly shorter approval times.
US tariffs: Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter and Vice President Guy Parmelin to travel to Washington
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, and the Vice President of the Federal Council, Guy Parmelin, are to fly to the United States on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, to facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland.
New STSB final report (railways) available
A new final report (railways) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.
Newsletter 475 (04.08.2025)
You could be interested by new pages which have been published on the OFCOM website between 15.07.2025 and 31.07.2025.
US tariffs: Federal Council to adapt negotiations
Following the United States’ announcement of a higher 39% tariff on Swiss imports, the Federal Council decided on 4 August to continue negotiations. It remains in close contact with the affected sectors of the Swiss economy and with US officials. Switzerland is committed to securing fair treatment compared with its key competitors to safeguard favourable conditions for its economy.
Plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva: Switzerland calls for effective agreement – outcome remains open
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and FOEN Director Katrin Schneeberger will represent Switzerland at the fifth round of negotiations on a global agreement against plastic pollution from 5 to 14 August 2025. Switzerland is committed to an effective and practicable agreement to protect the environment and health, while emphasising the challenges of agreeing on a set of global rules.
Consumer prices remained stable in July
The consumer price index (CPI) remained unchanged in July 2025 compared with the previous month, at 107.8 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.2% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
«Die Schweiz – das Land der Gegensätze» (DE)
Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at Swiss National Day in Gersau – Check against delivery
Zinc detected in clogged syringes
Employees of the technology transfer centre ANAXAM and researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI used the unique analytical methods available at PSI to look inside pre-filled syringes. They found that, in rare cases, zinc from the needle shield can leach into the drug solution to be injected and possibly contribute to syringe clogging.
UN conference on the Middle East: Switzerland calls emphatically for diplomatic steps towards a two-state solution
At the UN conference on the two-state solution which took place from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, Switzerland called for respect for international humanitarian law by all parties, including the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages, an immediate and lasting ceasefire and serious diplomatic efforts to implement the two-state solution. Around 120 states attended the conference.
Revolutionizing energy technology with graphene: Scalable supercapacitor technology made from graphene
Supercapacitors, or supercaps in short, are fast, powerful energy storage devices. They complement the relatively slow (dis-)charging batteries in numerous applications ranging from electric cars to industrial machines and wind turbines. A team of Empa researchers wants to develop better supercaps based on graphene – and make them ready for large-scale commercial production.
Residential property prices increased by 1.9% in 2nd quarter 2025
The Swiss Residential Property Price Index (IMPI) rose in the 2nd quarter 2025 by 1.9% compared with the previous quarter and reached 123.3 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 5.0%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Entry into force of the additional agreement to the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and France
The additional agreement to the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and France entered into force on 24 July 2025. Its provisions, which permanently regulate the taxation of income from home office work, will apply from 1 January 2026.
Cybercrime: International investigations by the OAG and fedpol result in conviction for real-time phishing in the UK
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has been conducting criminal proceedings since 2022 in the matter of a large-scale phishing series. Fake e-banking login pages had been used to defraud numerous Swiss bank customers, resulting in losses of around CHF 2.4 million. In this context, the OAG took over about thirty cases from the cantons. The investigations conducted by the OAG and fedpol led to the identification and location of the developer and distributor of phishing kit in the UK. The case was taken over by the British authorities, who were already conducting similar proceedings against the individual involved. He was sentenced by a court in the UK on 23 July 2025 to seven years imprisonment. This success demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
Switzerland and Belgium sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement
On 16 July 2025 in Brussels, Switzerland and Belgium signed a protocol of amendment to the agreement between Switzerland and Belgium for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital (DTA). The protocol implements the minimum standards for double taxation agreements.
Entry into force of the amending protocol to DTA with Serbia
The amending protocol to the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Serbia has entered into force. With a few exceptions, most of the changes will apply from 1 January 2026.
Switzerland and Croatia sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement
On 18 July 2025 in Zagreb, Switzerland and Croatia signed a protocol of amendment to the agreement between Switzerland and Croatia for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital (DTA). The protocol implements the minimum standards for double taxation agreements.
Switzerland to take part in high-level conference on Middle East and two-state solution
France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair the high-level international conference to promote a lasting peace in the Middle East and the implementation of the two-state solution. The conference will be held from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, under the auspices of the United Nations. Switzerland will be taking part alongside numerous international partners.
Ultra-thin yet strong against noise : A filigree sound absorber for all weathers
Empa researchers have developed innovative sound absorbers made of mineral foams. Not only are they significantly thinner than conventional materials, they can also be designed specifically for different frequencies. They have now been tested for the first time in a driveway in the city of Zurich to dampen street noise.
Top-up tax: crediting of residual tax as the applicable tax for Swiss supplementary tax
As part of the minimum taxation of multinational groups of companies, the FTA explains the crediting of residual tax as the applicable tax for Swiss top-up tax. It clarifies that the residual tax on distributions of a Swiss business unit is to be taken into account by the distributing Swiss business unit as the relevant tax for the calculation of the Swiss top-up tax.
COMCO ensures lower interchange fees for Visa cards
COMCO settles with Visa on an average interchange fee rate of 0.15% for card-present domestic debit card payments. For the first time, COMCO also reduces cross-border interchange fees for debit and credit card payments from the EEA.
GBAD MR: Contract on cooperative procurement for medium-range ground-based air defence signed
Switzerland is procuring five IRIS-T SLM systems for ground-based air defence. These will protect the population from medium-range threats from the air. The procurement is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The contract for Switzerland has now been signed between the Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the German Armed Forces and the manufacturer Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, after the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse gave authorisation to do so.
National Armaments Director meets with the Armaments Directors from Germany and Austria for the annual trilateral discussions in Vienna
National Armaments Director Urs Loher travelled to Vienna from 17 to 18 July 2025 to take part in the D-A-CH meetings with the Armaments Directors from Germany and Austria. The main topics of the exchange were ongoing armament procurements and trilateral cooperation.
UN Sustainable Development Goals: Switzerland calls on all stakeholders to step up cooperation
This year's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is taking place from 14 to 23 July 2025 at the UN headquarters in New York. The Swiss delegation is being led by Markus Reubi, the Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda at the FDFA and will focus on economic growth and decent work.
State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal EU Ministerial Meeting on Competition in Research and Innovation
On 16 and 17 July, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU research ministers in Copenhagen (Denmark). The policy discussions focused on promoting key technologies in Europe and the design of the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation from 2028. State Secretary Hirayama also took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.
Patriot GBAD systems: US informs Switzerland on delayed delivery
The United States Department of Defense has informed the DDPS that it will reprioritize the delivery of Patriot systems to support Ukraine, focusing on ground-based air defense. This also affects Switzerland, which will receive its production batches later than planned. The Federal Council has been notified.
State Secretary for Security Policy to travel to Chisinau for security policy dialogue with Moldova
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will hold talks on current security policy developments and bilateral cooperation with his counterparts in Chisinau (Moldova) from 17 to 18 July.
Less investment in construction in 2024
Investment in construction fell by 0.7% in nominal terms in 2024 compared with the previous year. Investment in building construction fell by 1.1% and investment in civil engineering rose by 1.3%. New construction projects saw 2.7% less investment, while investment in renovation projects rose by 2.3%. These are the provisional findings from the Construction Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Switzerland at G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in South Africa
On 17 and 18 July 2025, State Secretary Daniela Stoffel will represent Switzerland at the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Durban, South Africa. The delegation will also include Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank. The meeting under South Africa's G20 presidency will cover topics such as the global economic and debt situation, the stability and further development of the international financial architecture, and international tax issues.
Shielding critical infrastructure against cyberattacks: three suspected criminals identified
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) initiated criminal proceedings against persons unknown in response to a spate of DDoS attacks targeting a number of federal websites in June 2023, for which the pro-Russian collective "NoName057(16)" claimed responsibility. In the spring of 2025, several members of this collective could be identified following an extensive international investigation to which the OAG and fedpol contributed significantly. The OAG has broadened the criminal proceedings to include three ringleaders of this collective and issued warrants for their arrests. The operators of the more than 200 Swiss websites targeted where feasible received prior warning and support in warding off the attacks from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The whole process can be considered a success story, highlighting the value of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
Swiss timber harvest lower by 2% in 2024
In 2024, 4.8 million cubic metres of timber were harvested in Switzerland, a decrease of almost 2% compared with the previous year. A decrease was observed in the sawlog (–2%) and chopped fuel wood (–11%) categories, while the harvest of industrial roundwood (+4%) and fuel wood chips (+3%) increased. The wood chip share of the total harvest – now around 30% – has been growing for years. The share of fuel wood in the total timber harvest has almost doubled in the last 20 years. These are some of the new findings from the Forestry Statistics published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Newsletter 474 (15.07.2025)
You could be interested by new pages which have been published on the OFCOM website between 01.07.2025 and 14.07.2025.
New publication: Hydrological Yearbook of Switzerland 2024
The Hydrological Yearbook of Switzerland is published by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and gives an overview of the hydrological situation in Switzerland. It shows the changes in water levels and discharge rates of lakes, rivers and groundwater and provides information on water temperatures and the physical and chemical properties of the principal rivers in Switzerland. Most of the data is derived from FOEN surveys.
Course listings (ICTax)
The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Solving the energy trilemma: How secure is our energy supply?
We need to make our energy system more sustainable – but what is the best way to achieve this? In order to plan the energy supply of the future, policymakers need sound facts and figures. Science already provides reliable models for comparing the sustainability and the costs of different energy systems. Now, Empa researchers have also developed a model for calculating supply security.
Producer and Import Price Index fell in June by 0.1%
The Producer and Import Price Index fell by 0.1% in June 2025 compared with the previous month. The index stood at 106.4 points (December 2020 = 100). Petroleum products in particular saw falling prices. In contrast, food products as well as petroleum and natural gas saw higher prices. Compared with June 2024, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 0.7%. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Conference: global security and bilateral relations at centre of talks
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.
Administrative assistance in accordance with FATCA: notification of receipt of FATCA group requests pursuant to Article 12 paragraph 1 FATCA Act
The Federal Tax Administration has published FATCA group requests pursuant to Article 12 paragraph 1 FATCA Act.
Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome
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.
Change in the Executive Board of ETH Zurich and 14 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL
At its meeting of 9/10 July 2025, the ETH Board took note of the resignation of Vanessa Wood as Vice President of ETH Zurich. She will leave the Executive Board at the end of December 2025 and will continue to lead her research team. Furthermore, the ETH Board appointed eleven women and three men as professors and awarded the title of Professor of Practice to one individual, upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Joël Mesot, and the President of EPFL, Professor Anna Fontcuberta i Morral. It also took note of the resignations of two professors and thanked them for their services. In the last 12 months, the ETH Board has made a total of 24 new appointments for women and 26 for men; the proportion of women among these new appointments thus amounts to 48%.
Victims of National Socialism: Call for proposals to design the memorial in Bern
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 municipal council 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.
Prevention bulletin 2025/1 aviation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) is publishing the prevention bulletin 2025/1 aviation.
Prevention bulletins contain useful information in accordance with Art. 56 OSITI for the prevention of accidents and serious incidents. They were obtained as part of preliminary investigations into incidents for which an investigation is not opened for reasons of efficiency. The Prevention Bulletins are compiled in chronological order and include those incidents for which a preliminary investigation was completed by the end of the respective quarter. The information does not claim to be complete, is anonymised and is designed to contribute to the safety awareness of the public concerned.
The German versions of the prevention bulletins are the originals and therefore authoritative.
Consumer sentiment higher than a year ago
In June 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –32 points. This is 4 points higher than in June 2024. The following sub-indices were higher than in June 2024: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index is lower than a year ago: economic outlook.
Identifying chemicals of concern in plastics – and pathways towards safer polymers
To curb global plastic pollution and to make plastics safer and more sustainable, countries are currently negotiating a global treaty. A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. Moreover, the study also provides a scientific approach for identifying chemicals of concern. This allows scientists and manufacturers to develop safer plastics and policy makers to promote a non-toxic circular economy.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures concerning Haiti
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly.
On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.
Issue result for Confederation bonds
The Swiss Confederation issued two bonds by auction on 09.07.2025: 0.50%, maturity 27.05.2030 (reopening) and 0.25%, maturity 23.06.2035 (reopening). The issuance volume (excluding own holdings) amounts to a total of 443.210 million francs.
New STSB preliminary report (aviation) available
A new preliminary report (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.
Swissmedic authorises vaccine to control bluetongue serotype 3
Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by biting insects that affects ruminants and camelids. Bultavo 3 from the marketing authorisation holder Boehringer Ingelheim (Switzerland) GmbH can be used to vaccinate sheep and cattle against serotype 3.
Strengthening economic ties is focus of talks by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Nepal and Bhutan
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.
Switzerland's work at 59th session of the Human Rights Council focused on women's rights and non-discrimination
In a global context where the rule of law is being undermined, Switzerland is working hard to defend human rights. Promoting women's rights, gender equality and the rights of LGBT people were some of the key issues addressed at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). The work of the session, which closed today following three and a half weeks of debates, has been affected by the budget cuts imposed across the UN system.
Swissmedic grants authorisation for a paediatric antimalarial under the Marketing Authorisation for Global Health Products (MAGHP) procedure
Swissmedic has authorised a novel paediatric formulation of an antimalarial medicine: Riamet Baby (Coartem Baby), specifically developed for infants with a bodyweight between 2 kg and 5 kg. This marks a significant step in the global effort to improve access to life-saving treatments for vulnerable populations. It is the third authorisation granted under the MAGHP procedure and underscores the value of international collaboration in addressing urgent public health needs.
X-ray analytics in motion: Dynamic 3D diagnosis for unstable shoulders
Shoulder instabilities are difficult to diagnose as they usually only occur when the shoulder joint is in motion. A time-resolved 3D analysis now makes it possible for the first time to precisely capture these dynamics. Empa researcher Ameet Aiyangar combines X-ray videos with virtual 3D models of the joints to detect these instabilities with millimeter precision.
New Confederation bonds
The Swiss Confederation is offering two bonds on a public tender system on 09.07.2025: 0.50%, maturity 27.05.2030 (reopening) and 0.25%, maturity 23.06.2035 (reopening).
The OAG files an indictment against the alleged leader and a suspected member of the Swiss chapter of a terrorist organisation in Kosovo
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) filed an indictment against a Kosovar national suspected of having acted as leader (Emir) of the Swiss chapter of a Kosovar terrorist organisation, and of also having been a member of its executive committee in Kosovo. The suspect is accused of having carried out, primarily in the Geneva region, activities related to indoctrination, financing, and the recruitment of new members on behalf of the aforementioned terrorist organisation. These activities are believed to have been carried out with the support of a second suspect. Both suspects are also believed to have disseminated the ideology of the terrorist organisation ‘Islamic state’, including during their regular meetings, as well as independently in the case of the second suspect. Through these acts, the two individuals are suspected of having simultaneously promoted the organisation’s ideology and supported the terrorist group ‘Islamic state’.
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister to make working visit to Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina
The head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, will visit Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina on 7 and 8 July. He will be accompanied by members of the parliamentary Security Policy Committee and by Philippe Müller, a member of the cantonal government and head of the Department of Cantonal Security in the Canton of Bern. The aim of the working visit is to gain an overview of the security situation and Switzerland's role in peacekeeping operations. In addition to visiting Swiss Armed Forces personnel, Federal Councillor Pfister will hold bilateral talks with defence ministers Ejup Maqedonci (Kosovo) and Zukan Helez (Bosnia and Herzegovina) as well as with Christian Schmidt, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr Pfister will be accompanied by Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy.
Switzerland reopens its embassy in Iran – ambassador returns to Tehran
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
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.
Report on the ‘Switzerland's most important digital data’ workshops
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is currently working on a framework for implementing Motion 23.3002 ‘Greater security for Switzerland's most important digital data’. The motion calls for federal government, the cantons, the communes and operators of critical infrastructures to enhance the security of their most important digital data. To implement the motion, the NCSC held practical workshops with critical infrastructure operators. The findings of these workshops have now been published in a report, which will serve as a basis for further action.
GBAD MR: National Armaments Director signs programme agreement as part of European Sky Shield Initiative with the German Federal Ministry of Defence
The National Armaments Director, Urs Loher, and the German National Armaments Director, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, have signed the programme agreement as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) for the cooperative procurement of IRIS-T SLM systems of medium-range ground-based air defence (GBAD MR) from the German manufacturer Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG. The programme agreement which the Federal Council approved on 20 June 2025 is a requirement for a procurement contract on the GBAD MR systems. Switzerland can benefit from economies of scale and an improved interoperability of the systems through this joint procurement.
Consumer prices increased by 0.2% in June
The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in June 2025 compared with the previous month, reaching 107.8 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.1% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Presentation of credentials
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials
“Switzerland's Security 2025”: Global confrontation has direct effects on Switzerland
The security situation around Switzerland is deteriorating year by year. A global confrontation is emerging, with the USA on one side and China and Russia on the other. This has direct implications for Switzerland: the threat of espionage is high and proliferation activities are increasing. The terrorist threat remains elevated. Particularly concerning is the growing online radicalization of youth. In its new situation report “Switzerland's Security 2025,” the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) assesses the threat landscape facing the country.
Rare flying squirrel species inspires robotics: Safely navigating treetops thanks to a scaly tail
African scaly-tailed squirrels use their scaled tails to safely move across the smooth bark of trees in their native rainforest habitats. Researchers from Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems have for the first time investigated the physics of these thorn-covered scales located on the underside of the squirrel tails through mathematical and physical models. Their findings could eventually enable agile and energy-efficient bionic robots and drones.
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel in Germany for political consultations
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.
Federal President Keller-Sutter and French President Macron discuss European and geopolitical issues
On Tuesday, 1 July, Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter was received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in Europe, European competitiveness and geopolitical challenges.
Swiss chairmanship of Eureka
From today, Switzerland will be taking over the chairmanship of the intergovernmental Eureka initiative for one year. With its 45 member countries, Eureka is the world’s largest network for innovation.
Biodiversity in the Agricultural Landscape: Lessons from Ten Years of Monitoring
Agroscope has monitored the biodiversity of the Swiss agricultural landscape since 2015. Taken as a whole, the situation has not changed over this period. Individual improvements can be observed in the ecological focus areas in particular.
IMF country review: Resilient and innovative Swiss economy in an uncertain global environment
In its concluding statement for the annual country review, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commends the resilience of the Swiss economy. The IMF identifies challenges for the authorities mainly in the areas of government expenditure and the strengthening of financial stability.
Newsletter 473 (01.07.2025)
You could be interested by new pages which have been published on the OFCOM website between 15.06.2025 and 30.06.2025.
2024/2025 Annual Report: Stronger enforcement of data protection rules and record number of freedom of information requests
The Office of the FDPIC has significantly increased resources to combat data protection violations and has clarified his approach to the new Data Protection Act by concluding the first proceedings. Although mediation settlement rates are very high, the surge in applications for access and requests for mediation under the Freedom of Information Act is causing processing backlogs.
New STSB final report (aviation) available
A new final report (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.
Switzerland attends 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
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).
Award-winning concrete to save the climate : The “Oscar” for engineering achievements goes to … Empa!
Empa is one of the winners of the Building Award 2025. A team from Empa's Concrete and Asphalt lab was recognized for its CO₂-storing concrete – a promising approach to significantly curbing emissions in the construction industry. The award ceremony took place at the KKL Lucerne in late June.
Latest special coin to be issued: 100 years 100-franc Vreneli
Presented for the first time by Swissmint at the World Money Fair, the latest special coin 100 years 100-franc Vreneli will go on sale on 1 July 2025.
Course listings (ICTax)
The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2024 and 2025.
Cyberattack on Radix: Federal Administration data also affected
The foundation Radix has been targeted by a ransomware attack, during which data was stolen and encrypted. Radix’s customers include various federal offices. The data has been published on the dark web and will now be analysed by the relevant offices.
Air2030: Current challenges and future steps
Over recent months, a number of challenges have arisen in the Air2030 programme to renew funding for air space protection. The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) today updated the Federal Council on the current status of the procurement process for the new fighter aircraft F-35A. The Federal Council is supporting the DDPS in the next stages of the procurement procedure and in the diplomatic talks on the fixed price. It still considers this price to be valid. The Federal Council remains committed to procuring the F-35A.
Secretary of State Martina Hirayama on science and economic mission to Australia and New Zealand
On behalf of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) will travel to Sydney and Melbourne (Australia) and Auckland (New Zealand) from 30 June to 8 July. The aim of the trip is to reinforce and broaden bilateral ties in the domains of education, research, innovation and economic affairs. She will be accompanied by a high-ranking delegation from the scientific and business community.
Idea competition for recovering ammunition from Swiss lakes: Evaluation is ongoing
In August 2024, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse launched an idea competition for the environmentally-friendly and safe recovery of ammunition from Swiss lakes. The announcement of the results, scheduled for the end of May 2025, has been postponed. Due to the complexity of the ideas, the evaluation is taking more time than planned.
Karin Keller-Sutter to meet Emmanuel Macron in Paris
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.
National Armaments Director in talks with Elbit about ongoing procurement projects
National Armaments Director Urs Loher met representatives from Elbit Systems Ltd for working discussions on the reconnaissance drone system 15 (ADS 15) and the Armed Forces Telecommunication (TK A) in Cyprus.
New STSB summary report (aviation) available
A new summary report (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.
Femicides: Confederation, cantons and communes announce urgent measures
In the first half of 2025, 18 women and girls were killed in Switzerland. Faced with this alarming situation, the committee responsible for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women (Confederation, cantons and communes), coordinated by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE), calls for a strong and joint political action. It decided to introduce three emergency measures.
Solar energy as a basic service for the public: Solar electricity for all
How can we accelerate the energy transition in a socially responsible way? Empa researchers propose a publicly funded basic service in solar energy that would increase energy autonomy, create social justice and promote further investment in renewable energies. This requires – among other things – a third of all roofs in Switzerland and a total investment every 30 years that is roughly equivalent to the average gross monthly salary per Swiss citizen.
Almost CHF 26 billion invested in R&D in Switzerland in 2023
Switzerland invested CHF 25.9 billion in R&D in 2023, an average annual increase of 3% over 2021, the year of the previous survey. Research and development activities were mainly undertaken by business enterprises (69%) and higher education institutions (28%). Nearly 150 000 people were employed to carry out this work. These are the main results of the Federal Statistical Office’s (FSO) Statistics on Research and Development in Switzerland.
New edition of the brochure “The Swiss Tax System”
A new edition of the publication “The Swiss Tax System” has been compiled. This brochure is available in four languages (e, d, f, i) and gives an overview of the taxes levied by the Confederation, the cantons and communes. It also goes into detail concerning cantonal particularities.