Media releases
Switzerland launches new cooperation programme for Kosovo focusing on democracy and peace, the economy, and equitable development
In Pristina on 27 April 2026, the head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi, presented Switzerland's new cooperation programme for Kosovo. The CHF 64.5 million programme will run from 2026 to 2029 and will focus on democratic governance, economic development and equitable human development. It will be implemented by the SDC and the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) of the FDFA, and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.
Netherlands: Nine individuals arrested in connection with ATM attacks
On 14 April, Dutch police arrested six individuals in the Netherlands following a joint investigation with Germany, France and Switzerland. A seventh suspect was also arrested in the Netherlands on 22 April. In the course of this same international investigation, two other suspects had already been arrested in December 2025. Those arrested are accused of carrying out explosive attacks on automated teller machines (ATMs) in Germany and Switzerland. The Federal Office of Police (fedpol) and the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, in close cooperation with the relevant cantonal police forces and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), played a decisive role in achieving this outcome.
Switzerland and Morocco strengthen strategic partnership: focus on the economy, migration and regional stability
Switzerland reaffirmed the strategic dimension of its relationship with Morocco, a key partner in North Africa, when the Moroccan foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, visited Bern and was received by federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans. Discussions centred on the two nations' increased cooperation on economic affairs and migration, shared commitments on climate change, and a convergence of views on regional issues, particularly in the Middle East and Western Sahara, within the multilateral framework of the UN.
Feasibility study launched for a new federal asylum centre in Allschwil (BL)
In consultation with the commune of Allschwil and the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, SEM is exploring the possibility of building a new federal asylum centre on the existing site. The current temporary accommodation, which provides 150 places, dates from 1992 and now only partially meets current requirements in terms of building service, energy efficiency and operational requirements. A comprehensive feasibility study commissioned by the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (FOBL) is being conducted to determine whether and how a new FAC could be built on the commune's works depot site in Allschwil.
Federal Council aims to make better use of the domestic labour force
The Federal Council is addressing the challenges related to immigration. Foreign nationals who come to Switzerland through family reunification are expected to integrate into the workforce. To this end, the Federal Council opened the consultation process on an amendment to the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act on 22 April. In order to support the cantons in implementing the bill, it also decided to extend the Perspecta pilot programme until 2030. This is an accompanying measure related to the popular initiative ‘No to a Switzerland of 10 million! (Sustainability Initiative)’.
SEM to resume deciding on asylum applications from Syrian nationals
From 1 May, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will resume deciding on asylum applications from Syrian nationals.
Federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans receive Baden-Württemberg Minister-President
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, and Federal Councillor Beat Jans, the head of the FDJP, met with Baden-Württemberg Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann in Bern on Thursday 16 April. During the meeting, the delegations praised the excellent relations between Switzerland and the neighbouring German Federal State. Mr Cassis welcomed the closer cooperation in the fields of education, research and innovation (ERI).
fedpol 2025 Annual Report: A year dedicated to combating organised crime
The 2025 Annual Report is now available online. It features cases, operations and statistics relating to the work of the Federal Office of Police (fedpol), with a particular focus on the fight against organised crime and its various forms.
Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans meet with Algerian foreign minister, Ahmed Attaf
On 2 April 2026, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, received the Algerian minister of state and foreign minister Ahmed Attaf, on an official working visit to Bern. Discussions focused on the revitalisation of cooperation between Switzerland and Algeria and on international matters. Federal Councillor Beat Jans also held talks with Mr Attaf, focusing on cooperation in the fields of migration, security and justice.
G7 summit in Évian: Confederation to contribute to security costs
The G7 summit, organised by France, will take place from 15 to 17 June 2026 in Évian, near the border with Switzerland. In a context of heightened global tensions, the summit requires exceptional security measures, in Switzerland as well. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have therefore asked for support from the Confederation. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the three cantons.
Temporary reintroduction of visa requirement for Georgian diplomats and public officials
From 3 April, holders of a Georgian diplomatic, official or service passport will require a visa to enter Switzerland. This decision was taken by the Federal Council at its meeting on 1 April. The measure is a further development of the Schengen acquis and will remain in place for 12 months. Other Georgian nationals are not affected.
Federal Council elects Béatrice Fink Düring and Nicola Mona to the Institute Council of the IPI
The Federal Council has elected Béatrice Fink Düring and Nicola Alessandro Mona to the Institute Council of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) with effect from 1 April. Nicola Mona, a citizen of Ticino, succeeds Vincenza Trivigno, who stepped down at the end of 2025 after the Federal Council elected her as the Executive Director of Swissmedic with effect from January 2026. Béatrice Fink Düring will take over from Oliver Gassmann, who left the Institute Council at the same time.
Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package
At its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved the dispatch to Parliament on the stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council's intention with this bill is to stabilise and future-proof the tried-and-tested bilateral approach with the EU. The package is in Switzerland's interest. It ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner. In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance.
Better protection for critical infrastructure in Switzerland
The Federal Council plans to strengthen protections for Switzerland's critical infrastructure against all types of failure. This includes better safeguards against cyberattacks and manipulation for the most important electronic data held by the federal government, the cantons and operators of critical infrastructure. At its meeting on 18 February, the Federal Council decided to press ahead with draft legislation to improve the resilience and data security of critical infrastructure, responding to two motions referred to it by Parliament.
Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans to attend the Munich Security Conference
Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans will attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC 26) from 13 to 15 February. In a rapidly changing security environment, this conference offers an opportunity for high-level discussions on how to strengthen Europe's security. It also provides a platform for promoting values such as peace and the rule of law.
Switzerland to take over chairmanship of the Rabat Process in 2026
Switzerland is to take over the chairmanship of the Euro–African Dialogue on Migration and Development (Rabat Process) this year. It will succeed Nigeria in leading this forum, which brings together almost 60 countries from Europe, North, West and Central Africa. This year, the forum is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Fire in Crans-Montana: Federal Council pledges support to victims and their families
The Federal Council is committed to ensuring that the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana and their families receive adequate support. To this end, it will request funding from Parliament if necessary. It took this policy decision at its meeting on 14 January. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will examine by the end of February whether there are gaps in the existing provision of support services and how the federal government can provide assistance. The federal government’s contributions would be of a supplementary nature to complement the support provided by the insurance companies and the Valais authorities.
Thresholds to restrict free movement with Croatia not reached
Croatian nationals coming to work in Switzerland will no longer be subject to quotas. At its meeting on 14 January, the Federal Council was informed that the number of L and B permits issued to Croatians in 2025 remained below the thresholds which would have permitted an activation of the unilateral safeguard clause. Croatia now benefits from full free movement of persons.
Support for victims and relatives of the fire in Crans-Montana
The federal government and the cantonal victim support services in Switzerland are working together to ensure that those affected receive the necessary help quickly and without undue formalities, both now and in the future. The FDJP is examining whether additional measures are necessary to provide adequate support to victims and their families.
IPI wins first Swissness court case against foreign company
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) has won a case against BDSwiss AG before the Bern Commercial Court. BDSwiss AG must now remove ‘Swiss’ from its name and the Swiss cross from its logo because it does not fulfil the legal requirements to use the Swiss indication of source.