Press releases
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Investment Screening Ordinance: Federal Council opens consultation
On 12 June, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the Investment Screening Ordinance, which sets out the implementing provisions for the Investment Screening Act passed by Parliament on 19 December 2025.
Federal government to step up support for sustainable infrastructure in developing countries
Switzerland is to provide USD 70 million in support of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 5 June. PIDG mobilises private sector capital to develop sustainable basic infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.
US additional tariffs: Switzerland continuing negotiations
On 5 June, the Federal Council discussed the next steps regarding the US Trade Representative’s Section 301 investigations. The Federal Council strongly rejects the allegations raised in the investigation into imports of goods produced with forced labour and will set out its arguments in writing once again. At the same time, trade negotiations are continuing.
OECD Ministerial Meeting on Industrial Policy
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, will lead the Swiss delegation at the next Meeting of the Council at Ministerial Level of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to be held in Paris on 3 and 4 June 2026. This meeting, themed “Getting industrial policies right for open markets, growth and prosperity”, will offer ministers the opportunity, at a time of geopolitical tensions, to discuss industrial policy, its implications and risks, as well as the OECD’s strategic directions.
Gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2026: Growth picks up at the start of the year
In the first quarter of 2026, Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) adjusted for sporting events grew by 0.4%, following growth of 0.2% in the previous quarter.(1) (2) The industrial sector was a key driver of growth. Growth in the services sector was subdued, with varied results across segments. Domestic final demand was weak.
Switzerland launches call for investment projects involving the Swiss private sector to support reconstruction in Ukraine
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.
Export control exemptions to apply to all EU and EFTA states
On 27 May 2026, the Federal Council decided to extend country-specific exemptions under Swiss export control legislation on trade in military equipment to include all EU and EFTA states. The annexes to three federal ordinances will be amended accordingly. As of 1 July, states added to the lists will benefit from the same concessions as those already applicable to most EU member states and to Norway.
Ukraine: Switzerland expands its sanctions lists
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) expanded the sanctions lists concerning Russia and Belarus on 22 May. Switzerland is thus adopting various changes that the EU decided on as part of its 20th package of sanctions. The measures come into force at 11pm on 22 May.
Switzerland and Serbia further deepen their longstanding good relations
During his visit to Serbia on Tuesday, 28 April, President Guy Parmelin met with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut. The talks focused on bilateral relations, the situation in the Western Balkans, the introduction of a human rights dialogue, and international affairs. The presidential visit saw the signing of an agreement on an innovation programme and the launch of a new cooperation programme for the period up to 2029.
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.
Signing of an investment protection agreement with Saudi Arabia
On 23 April, President Guy Parmelin and Saudi Minister of Investment Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif signed an investment protection agreement between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
President Guy Parmelin pays visit to Saudi Arabia
President Guy Parmelin travelled to Jeddah on 22 and 23 April for a presidential visit marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. He held bilateral talks with His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and with the Minister of Investment, Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif. Meetings were also held with representatives from the business community.
Investment protection agreement signed with Bahrain
On 17 April, Swiss president Guy Parmelin and Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, signed an investment protection agreement between Switzerland and Bahrain on the fringes of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and IMF in Washington.
Switzerland strengthens cooperation with UN World Tourism Organization
The new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nuwais, was received in Switzerland by Martin Saladin, Vice Director of SECO. During her stay, she visited Zermatt and Andermatt (Best Tourism Village). The visit provided an opportunity to further strengthen the close cooperation between Switzerland and UN Tourism, demonstrated by the ‘Climate change and the future of snow-based mountain tourism’ project, which was initiated by Switzerland.
Switzerland's official development assistance reached 0.46% of GNI in 2025
Official development assistance (ODA) saw an unprecedented decline worldwide in 2025. Switzerland remains a significant donor country: Swiss ODA amounted to CHF 3.8 billion, or 0.46% of gross national income (GNI). This figure fell by around 7% compared to the previous year, mainly due to lower asylum-related costs. ODA includes expenditure eligible for ODA from the Swiss Confederation, cantons and municipalities.
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