Press releases
The media releases in chronological order by the Federal Departement for Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Waldbrände in Frankreich: Die Schweiz entsendet zwei Helikopter zur Unterstützung der Löscharbeiten
Die Schweiz unterstützt Frankreich bei der Bekämpfung der schweren Waldbrände. Auf Ersuchen des französischen Zivilschutzes stellt die Schweiz voraussichtlich zwei Super Puma Helikopter mit ihren Crews für einen Löscheinsatz zur Verfügung. Die Unterstützung wird durch die Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA) des Eidgenössischen Departements für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (EDA) zusammen mit dem Eidgenössischen Departement für Verteidigung, Bevölkerungsschutz und Sport (VBS) koordiniert.
Ebola: Switzerland boosts support for fight against epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and wider region
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a new Ebola epidemic that began in May of this year. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has decided to contribute an additional CHF 1.6 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support efforts to combat the spread of the virus in the DRC and the wider region.
2030 Agenda: Switzerland advocates results-based implementation of SDGs in New York
At this year’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), taking place from 7 to 16 July 2026 at the UN headquarters in New York, Switzerland will present its fourth voluntary national review (VNR) on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Local authorities can provide good examples of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being pursued with a focus on impact. For this reason, the cities of Basel, Bern and Geneva will also be represented at a high level in the Swiss HLPF delegation.
Switzerland upgrades its presence in Syria
Syria has been undergoing fundamental change since the fall of the Assad regime at the end of 2024. This has prompted Switzerland to step up its efforts to promote a political transition and the country's socio-economic development. Its existing humanitarian office was therefore upgraded to a cooperation office at the beginning of 2026. SDC Director General Patricia Danzi and Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, head of the FDFA's MENA Division, officially opened the cooperation office in Damascus on 8 July 2026. They also saw for themselves what Switzerland is now doing on the ground.
Thomas Gass elected chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee
On 8 July, the members of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) elected Ambassador Thomas Gass as their next chair. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) supported his candidacy and welcome his election.
20 years in the service of human rights
The 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has concluded in Geneva. The Human Rights Council marked its 20th anniversary on 19 June 2026. Switzerland worked towards its foundation, thus helping to establish a body that furthers state-level accountability and helps drive the development of international human rights standards. The session that ended today focused on women's rights and gender equality. Switzerland advocated strongly for an end to forced marriage and violence against women and girls in various contexts.
At a critical juncture, Switzerland is making its mark in Lebanon through diplomatic and humanitarian efforts
Patricia Danzi, head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, head of the Middle East and North Africa Division at the FDFA State Secretariat, held political talks in Lebanon from 3 to 5 July 2026 and assessed the humanitarian situation. A few days after the conclusion of a trilateral framework agreement between the US, Lebanon and Israel, they emphasised Switzerland’s willingness to provide its good offices at a crucial moment for the region. They also reviewed how the emergency aid for Lebanon, which the FDFA had pledged in March, is being implemented.
OSCE press release: OSCE Chairman-in-Office addressed the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Annual Session
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, presented Switzerland’s priorities and guiding principles for its Chairpersonship to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on the opening ceremony of its 33rd Annual Session in the The Hague, Netherlands.
Earthquakes in Venezuela: Swiss Rescue operations conclude, humanitarian aid continues
In Venezuela the death toll from the two powerful earthquakes continues to rise. The destruction is extensive. Having worked since last Friday to free people trapped in the rubble, Swiss Rescue personnel have concluded their mission and are returning home. Switzerland is continuing to provide emergency aid and is sending specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to assist survivors.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to The Hague
Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Ignazio Cassis is to visit the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 3 and 4 July 2026. There he will meet his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen. Later, he will deliver a speech in his capacity as chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to the organisation's Parliamentary Assembly. Further discussions are planned with the Dutch authorities and with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly bodies, as well as with the Swiss parliamentary delegation.
Federal Council prioritises international cooperation and strengthens humanitarian aid
At its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council set out the key parameters for international cooperation from 2029. In future, Switzerland will focus its development cooperation in a more targeted manner, establish a clear division of responsibilities between the SDC and SECO, and strengthen its humanitarian aid. In doing so, it is responding to the altered geopolitical situation, enhancing the impact of its international cooperation and, at the same time, achieving savings for the federal budget. The budget for international cooperation remains virtually unchanged at around CHF 2.4 billion per year. The measures that have been adopted will result in an annual reduction of around CHF 20 million from 2027. The FDFA and the EAER were tasked with drafting a consultation document on the International Cooperation Strategy 2029–32 on this basis.
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction
Switzerland will be represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) to be held in Gdańsk from 25 to 26 June by a delegation led by Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine. Launched in Lugano in 2022 at Switzerland’s initiative, the Conference has become the key international forum for the reconstruction of Ukraine. This year’s event will focus on the country’s economic recovery, support for critical infrastructure, strengthening security capabilities, and promoting reforms and the fight against corruption.
Visit to Nigeria by Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and the signing of an agreement on cultural property
Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will visit Nigeria from 28 June to 1 July. During this visit, the Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs will sign a cooperation agreement concerning the import, export and return of cultural property. Twenty-three items of cultural property will be returned on this occasion. The Federal Councillor will also take advantage of her trip to meet her counterparts responsible for women’s affairs and health, and to visit various sites.
President Parmelin attends EFTA Ministerial Conference in Reykjavik
On 22 June, President Guy Parmelin attended the Ministerial Conference of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Reykjavik. The ministers of the four EFTA states commended the significant progress made towards an imminent conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement with Viet Nam. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland signed updated bilateral agricultural agreements with the Palestinian Authority. On the fringes of the ministerial conference, a working meeting took place between President Parmelin and Icelandic Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir.
OSCE press release: OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis opens annual security conference
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.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to open OSCE security conference in Vienna
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).
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with France
On 10 June 2026 State Secretary of the FDFA Alexandre Fasel held political consultations in Bern with Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Martin Briens. Discussions covered bilateral relations, European policy issues and international developments.
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.
Federal Council supports agricultural research for a food-secure future
At its meeting on 5 June 2026, the Federal Council decided to provide CHF 25 million in funding to the global research partnership CGIAR for the 2026–27 period. CGIAR conducts agricultural research to strengthen global food security and receives funding in the context of Switzerland's international cooperation work, thereby reinforcing the country's position as a centre for research.
Federal Council adopts Americas Strategy 2026–29
In a time of far-reaching geopolitical developments, the Federal Council is raising Switzerland's foreign policy profile in the Americas. At its meeting on 27 May 2026, it adopted the Americas Strategy 2026–29, which sets clear geographical and thematic priorities for the coming years. The strategy will strengthen Switzerland's capacity to act in an increasingly competitive international environment.
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