News

In view of the alarming number of femicides in Switzerland, the committee responsible for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women and domestic violence defined three urgent measures in June, focusing on the prevention of violence and protection of victims. Yesterday, the committee, comprising representatives from the federal government, cantons and communes, took stock of the progress made in implementing these measures.

The Board of Directors has appointed Emmanuel Vauclair as the new Director of PUBLICA. He succeeds Doris Bianchi and will take up office on 1 May 2026. Emmanuel Vauclair is currently Managing Director of the SRG SSR Pension Fund.

At its meeting today, the Federal Council decided to capitalise on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles to promote Switzerland and its interests. California is one of the leading regions in the US for innovation, cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship. The House of Switzerland will shine a spotlight on Switzerland's strengths in the creative industries, the tech sector, sport and health.

During its meeting on 22 October 2025, the Federal Council launched the consultation on the Amending Protocol to the Agreement between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on the automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance. The Agreement will be aligned with the amended OECD standard and also contains new provisions on administrative assistance for the recovery of VAT claims.

During its meeting on 22 October 2025, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on an amendment to the Financial Institutions Act. The bill is aimed at improving the framework conditions for the market development, the attractiveness of the Swiss financial centre and integration of innovative financial technologies into the existing financial system. At the same time, it should mitigate related risks to financial stability, integrity, and investor and consumer protection. The consultation will run until 6 February 2026.

The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.

Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on the occasion of the founding of the Albert Einstein School – Check against delivery

The UN security council has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.

On 20 October 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 6 of the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. 24 individuals and 23 entities have been added to the annex. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 21 October 2025.

On 20 October 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the annex of the ordinance on measures against Nicaragua. The entries concerning two individuals have been modified. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 21 October 2025.

Ultrathin terahertz optical components, large-area strain sensors and surface microstructuring with high throughput rates: For these innovations, three Empa researchers – Elena Mavrona, Mohammad Jafarpour and Nicolas Zaugg – have been granted this year's Empa Entrepreneur Fellowships, which will enable them to exploit their research to develop innovative products.

The latest forecasts of the Federal Finance Administration (FFA) through to 2029 show a mixed picture for Switzerland's public finances. The Confederation's financial situation remains tight and is largely dependent on the implementation of the planned relief package 27. The cantons are likely to continue to generate surpluses thanks to stable receipts overall, while the municipalities are set to post small structural deficits. There is considerable uncertainty for the social security funds, especially in connection with the financing of the 13th monthly AHV pension payment. Counter-financing for this has been planned from 2027 onward, but it has not yet been decided.