News

On 29 November 2026, the state secretary of the FDFA, Alexandre Fasel, held political consultations with his Italian counterpart in Bern. His talks with the secretary general of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Riccardo Guariglia, focused on bilateral relations, current European policy issues and international developments.

The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse today received the last documents from the contacted manufacturers in four countries regarding an additional system for long-range ground-based air defence. The information received is now being analysed and will serve as a basis, so that the Federal Council will be able to decide on the next steps over the summer.

Federal Councillor Martin Pfister will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore from 29 to 31 May. The international security conference will focus on geopolitical developments and issues relating to international stability.

Supplementary accommodation recorded 18.1 million overnight stays in 2025, a 4.7% increase over the previous year. Demand by foreign visitors rose by 9.8% to 6.3 million overnight stays and domestic demand rose by 2.1% to 11.7 million overnight stays. These are some of the definitive findings from the Supplementary Accommodation Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

On 28 May 2026 in Helsinki, Switzerland and Finland signed a protocol amending the double taxation agreement (DTA) on income tax. This protocol implements the minimum standards for double taxation agreements.

Main assembly of the first F-35A aircraft destined for Switzerland has begun in the USA. The Swiss F-35 programme is thus reaching a further important milestone on the way to delivery of the first aircraft from mid-2027.

On 28 May 2026, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) published the FM broadcasting frequency packages. Interested radio stations may submit an application for a broadcasting licence by 31 July 2026. If several radio stations apply for the same frequency, an auction will be held.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can save lives. At least mouse lives. Empa researchers have developed an AI-supported computer model of a mouse body that uses machine learning to predict how different nanomaterials are distributed in the mouse organism. In line with the ‘Safe and Sustainable by Design’ principle, the model will not only serve as a decision-making aid in drug development, but also reduce animal testing.

The third call for proposals aimed at supporting reconstruction in Ukraine involving the Swiss private sector was launched today. The focus is on investment projects aimed at constructing facilities for long-term production and/or operations in Ukraine. The federal government is providing up to CHF 50 million to co-finance the projects.

At its meeting on 27 May 2026, the Federal Council approved a CHF 2.7 million increase in the federal contribution to the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products Swissmedic for 2027. The Federal Council has made the increase contingent on the full implementation of the measures approved by the Agency Council last November to improve results. At the same time, the Federal Council approved the revision of the Swissmedic Fees Ordinance. This includes the introduction of a registration fee for medical devices.

In the 1st quarter 2026, total employment (excluding agriculture) in Switzerland rose by 0.5% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.4% over previous quarter). Enterprises reported 5.0% more job vacancies than a year earlier. Difficulties recruiting skilled workers have eased compared with the previous quarter and the employment outlook is positive. These are some of the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

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.