News
Switzerland at informal EU ministerial meeting in Denmark on VET
On 11 and 12 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for vocational education and training. At this gathering in the towns of Billund and Herning (Denmark), they endorsed the Herning Declaration, thus setting the stage for European cooperation in vocational education and training.
Karin Keller-Sutter and Ignazio Cassis to represent Switzerland at opening of 80th UN General Assembly
At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Switzerland will be represented by President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the high-level week from 22 to 30 September 2025.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on amending Financial Market Supervision Act and other legislation concerning international cooperation
During its meeting on 12 September 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on amending the Financial Market Supervision Act and other pieces of legislation. The aim of the legislative amendments is to adapt the Swiss legal framework for international cooperation in the financial market sector to the current requirements in cross-border financial business.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on exchange of information regarding OECD minimum tax rate
During its meeting on 12 September 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on approving the basis under international law for the exchange of information in relation to the OECD minimum tax rate. In the future, it should be possible for the multinational enterprise (MNE) groups concerned to submit this information centrally in a single jurisdiction. On this basis, the jurisdictions participating in the exchange of information should be able to verify the plausibility of the tax calculations of MNE groups within the framework of the minimum tax rate. This proposal does not address national implementation.
Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000: Federal Council approves Ukraine’s admission to operator group
At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council approved Ukraine’s admission as a full member of the CV90 Club, the operator group for the Combat Vehicle 90. Ukrainian membership is compatible with Swiss neutrality, as it entails a purely technical data exchange, with Switzerland retaining full discretion over what information it chooses to share.
Training cooperation with Colorado National Guard: DDPS to participate in State Partnership Program with US
At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council approved a memorandum of understanding that launches a partnership between the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and the Colorado National Guard under the State Partnership Program. The purpose of this partnership is to facilitate training cooperation, allowing the Swiss Armed Forces to expand their capabilities through international collaboration and strengthen their defence readiness. It also fosters closer cooperation with the US in areas beyond the military, thereby deepening bilateral relations in general.
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: Switzerland invests CHF 64 million and confirms Geneva's role as global capital of health
At its meeting on 12 September 2025, the Federal Council decided to earmark CHF 64 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for the period 2026–28. Through this support, Switzerland is helping to save millions of lives, prevent the spread of infectious diseases and strengthen healthcare systems in the most vulnerable countries. It is also reaffirming Geneva's role as the global capital of health and a key location for multilateralism.
Working visit by the National Armaments Director at the trade fair “Defence & Security Equipment International” in London
National Armaments Director Urs Loher took part in the armaments trade fair “Defence & Security Equipment International” (DSEI) in London from 9 to 10 September 2025. In addition to meetings with representatives from industry, bilateral talks with the participating armaments directors from Norway, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands also took place.
President Keller-Sutter to undertake official visit to Croatia
On Tuesday 16 September, President Karin Keller-Sutter will pay an official visit to Croatia, where she will meet with President Zoran Milanović in Zagreb. She is also scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Finance Minister Marko Primorac, and Speaker of the Parliament Gordan Jandroković. The meetings will focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Switzerland and Croatia, while also addressing current international issues.
Financial and economic dialogue between Switzerland and Qatar in Bern
On 10 September 2025, President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin met the Qatari Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, in Bern.
Estimated Water Consumption of Swiss Agriculture Could Rise by 21% by the End of the Century
To date, figures on agricultural water use for irrigation in Switzerland have been quite patchy. In response, Agroscope has developed a method for estimating consumption volumes on behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment.
Issue result for Confederation bonds
The Swiss Confederation issued two bonds by auction on 10.09.2025: 0.50%, maturity 27.06.2032 (reopening) and 0.50%, maturity 28.05.2040 (reopening). The issuance volume (excluding own holdings) amounts to a total of 356.805 million francs.