News

A delegation from armasuisse led by the Deputy National Armaments Director Thomas Rothacher visited the international arms fair Eurosatory in Paris from 15 to 17 June 2026.

On 17 June 2026, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, opened this year's annual Security Review Conference of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. The conference is one of the OSCE’s most important platforms for discussing regional security challenges.

The Swiss National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, which is based within the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has undergone an review by the relevant OECD committee. On 17 June 2026, the OECD recognised the Swiss National Contact Point for its high level of professionalism and effectiveness. At the same time, the report contains recommendations aimed at further strengthening the visibility, transparency and impact of the mechanism.

Address by Federal Councillor and Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE Ignazio Cassis in Vienna – Check against delivery

Because of various savings measures passed by the Swiss Parliament and the Federal Council, Agroscope’s ordinary budget shows a structural deficit of around CHF 10 million. This makes a narrowing of the thematic focus of the research portfolio essential, and leads to a loss of 58 full-time positions. Even with this narrowed focus, Agroscope will remain a competent and competitive research institution for the Swiss agriculture and food sector over the long term. The site strategy for Agroscope passed by the Federal Council in May 2020 will continue to be implemented.

On 15.06.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. In this process, 16 individuals and 7 organizations were added to the annex. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 16.06.2026.

On 15 June 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 7 to the ordinance. The entries concerning 18 individuals and 4 entities have been modified. In addition, 7 entries have been removed. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 16 June 2026.

On 15 June 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the annex of the ordinance on measures against individuals and entities who support Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Ten individuals have been added to the annex. The measures come into force on 16 June 2026 at 11 p.m.

Storing energy, moving robots, detecting vibrations: The innovative silicon materials developed by Empa researcher Dorina Opris can do all this – and much more. She has now received a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to bring the materials from the laboratory to market.

Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will travel to Canada on a science mission from 15 to 19 June. While there, she will attend ministerial-level meetings and visit science and technology institutions in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Discussions will focus on key areas including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, life sciences and polar research.

Ahead of the G7 summit in Évian, President Guy Parmelin greeted arriving heads of state and government at Geneva Airport on Monday, 15 June. In addition to the G7 countries, numerous other countries are taking part in the summit. Over the course of the day, Mr Parmelin held lengthy talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, President of the European Council, as well as with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Further bilateral talks are also planned.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis will travel to Vienna on 17 June 2026 to open the Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC). The event is a key part of the OSCE's work to promote dialogue on regional security issues. On the same day, Mr Cassis will also attend the Annual Council Meeting of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).