News
Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider attends the meeting of EU health ministers in Copenhagen
On 15 and 16 September 2025, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider attended the informal meeting of EU health ministers held in Copenhagen. The main topics discussed were preparedness, security of supply, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the life sciences sector. The Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs also took this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with several of her counterparts.
President Keller-Sutter on visit to Zagreb
On Tuesday 16 September, President Karin Keller-Sutter undertook a presidential visit to Croatia, where she met in Zagreb with President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Finance Minister Marko Primorac, Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman and Speaker of Parliament Gordan Jandroković. Their discussions covered bilateral relations between Switzerland and Croatia alongside global and European security matters.
Switzerland takes new steps to diversify its trade relations
On 16 September, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, together with ministers from 13 other countries, launched the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership. The initiative brings together small and medium-sized countries seeking to develop their economies through open, rules-based global trade. For Switzerland, it represents another platform to strengthen and diversify its trade relations.
Marcel Benoist and Latsis Swiss Science Prizes are awarded to a physicist and a lawyer
Physicist Tobias J. Kippenberg has been awarded the Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize for his excellent work in quantum optomechanics and the generation of optical frequency combs. Dr Saskia Stucki has been awarded the Latsis Swiss Science Prize for her in-depth contributions at the interface between animal, human and environmental law.
Empa innovation in bridge construction: Award-winning railway bridge with Swiss carbon cables
The multi-award-winning Oder Bridge near Küstrin is supported by a network arch with prestressed carbon cables. These ultra-lightweight yet extremely durable tension members made of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) were largely developed, tested, and evaluated at Empa.
New special coin issue: series commemorating Swiss aviation
With its new coin series, Swissmint is honouring the history and technical achievements of Swiss aviation. The first in the series of three silver coins is called “Pioneers of Swiss aviation” and will be issued on 18 September 2025.
Ignazio Cassis on working visit to Vienna to discuss Swiss 2026 OSCE chairpersonship
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna from 17 to 18 September 2025. During his visit, he will present Switzerland's priorities for its 2026 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairpersonship to the OSCE Permanent Council. Mr Cassis will also meet with the Austrian minister for Europe, integration and family, Ms Claudia Plakolm.
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.
Seventh Action Weeks Against Human Trafficking event
Action Weeks Against Human Trafficking will take place throughout Switzerland from 22 September to 25 October under the theme ‘Invisible Human Trafficking’. Around 40 events in 11 cantons will shine a spotlight on this hidden truth. Human trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation is also a reality in Switzerland. This year's Action Weeks are being coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and are supported by the Federal Office of Police (fedpol).
Switzerland at informal EU ministerial meeting in Denmark on VET
On 11 and 12 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for vocational education and training. At this gathering in the towns of Billund and Herning (Denmark), they endorsed the Herning Declaration, thus setting the stage for European cooperation in vocational education and training.
Karin Keller-Sutter and Ignazio Cassis to represent Switzerland at opening of 80th UN General Assembly
At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Switzerland will be represented by President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the high-level week from 22 to 30 September 2025.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on amending Financial Market Supervision Act and other legislation concerning international cooperation
During its meeting on 12 September 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on amending the Financial Market Supervision Act and other pieces of legislation. The aim of the legislative amendments is to adapt the Swiss legal framework for international cooperation in the financial market sector to the current requirements in cross-border financial business.