Media releases
Federal Council brings new anti-money laundering rules into force
During its meeting on 12 June 2026, the Federal Council decided on the entry into force of several pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The revised Anti-Money Laundering Act and the new Act on the Transparency of Legal Persons and the Identification of Beneficial Owners will enter into force on 1 October 2026.
Switzerland lifts visa restrictions on Ethiopia
Under the Schengen Association Agreement, Switzerland has decided to lift the visa restrictions it has applied to Ethiopia since April 2024. The Federal Council adopted the measure at its meeting on 12 June, following a decision by the Council of the European Union (EU) to reinstate certain visa requirements for Ethiopia in response to the country's improved cooperation on returns.
Switzerland to contribute slightly more to EU border management than planned
Switzerland is expected to contribute around CHF 323 million by 2027 to the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI), part of the Schengen states' Integrated Border Management Fund. As this figure is slightly higher than originally planned, the Federal Council referred a dispatch to Parliament on 5 June to this effect. In return, Switzerland will receive additional funding for measures of its own. The BMVI enables countries at the EU's external borders in particular to strengthen their border management and visa procedures.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki pays state visit to Switzerland
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, accompanied by his wife Marta Nawrocka, began a two-day state visit to Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May. He was received by the Federal Council with military honours in Parliament Square to mark the start of his visit. The delegations then discussed how to further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations. They also addressed issues relating to economic development and security in Europe.
Swiss patent to be strengthened
The completely revised Patents Ordinance was met with broad approval in the consultation process. The Federal Council approved the bill at its meeting on 20 May 2026. The Ordinance will come into force with the amended Patents Act on 1 January 2027. The new patent law will increase legal certainty and streamline procedures.
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki to pay a state visit to Switzerland next week
President Karol Nawrocki of Poland is expected to arrive in Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May, for a two-day state visit. This invitation from the Federal Council, headed by President Guy Parmelin, highlights the importance of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland. Since the turning point in 1989, a Polish head of state has visited Switzerland every decade.
Switzerland is committed to strengthening the sustainable reintegration of migrants and developing countries of origin
Switzerland and Tunisia are co-chairing a meeting as part of the Rabat Process, aimed at strengthening the link between the sustainable reintegration of returning migrants and development in their countries of origin. The meeting brings together more than thirty countries located along the migration routes between Europe and Africa.
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.