News

On 2 April 2026, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, received the Algerian minister of state and foreign minister Ahmed Attaf, on an official working visit to Bern. Discussions focused on the revitalisation of cooperation between Switzerland and Algeria and on international matters. Federal Councillor Beat Jans also held talks with Mr Attaf, focusing on cooperation in the fields of migration, security and justice.

In 2025, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) achieved consequential results in criminal prosecutions across all areas falling within federal jurisdiction. Internal security remained a focal point in the year under review as demonstrated by the arrest of an individual linked to a explosive devices in Geneva and the prevention of a suspected jihadist-motivated terrorist attack. These outcomes were the result of close cooperation among authorities at national and international levels.

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) is publishing the prevention bulletin 2025/4 aviation.Prevention bulletins contain useful information in accordance with Art. 56 OSITI for the prevention of accidents and serious incidents. They were obtained as part of preliminary investigations into incidents for which an investigation is not opened for reasons of efficiency. The Prevention Bulletins are compiled in chronological order and include those incidents for which a preliminary investigation was completed by the end of the respective quarter. The information does not claim to be complete, is anonymised and is designed to contribute to the safety awareness of the public concerned.The German versions of the prevention bulletins are the originals and therefore authoritative.

A new final report (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.

In 2025, Switzerland’s permanent resident population increased to over 9.1 million as at 31 December. For the first time, there are more people aged 65 or over than under 20. The decline in fertility continued for the fourth consecutive year, but slowed in 2025. Net international migration also fell. These are some of the provisional annual results for 2025 from the Population and Household Statistics and Vital Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in March 2026 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.8 points (December 2025 = 100). Inflation was +0.3% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

On 31.03.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. In this process, 9 individuals were added to the annex and the entries of 132 individuals and 77 organizations were modified. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 1.04.2026.

Bern, 01.04.2026 – The ways in which Switzerland tackled unexpected challenges in 2025 shaped perceptions of the country in the foreign media. The strongest media response focused on its reactions to US tariffs. Switzerland's image internationally among the general public was excellent. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council was briefed on the results of the annual analysis of perceptions of Switzerland internationally in 2025.

At its meeting on 1 April, the Federal Council discussed the Section 301 investigations directed against Switzerland as well as other countries by the United States. The underlying allegations relate to alleged excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors, as well as measures which the US may consider insufficient to restrict the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The Federal Council rejects these allegations. Switzerland intends to present its views as part of the relevant US proceedings.

At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided to recommend that the popular initiative ‘For the accession of Switzerland to the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Nuclear Weapons Ban Initiative)’ be rejected by the people and the cantons without a counter-proposal. It has instructed the FDFA to submit a dispatch to Parliament by autumn. The Federal Council is clearly in favour of the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. However, Switzerland's accession to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons would be a purely symbolic act that cannot contribute to this goal. Accession could even be detrimental to Switzerland's security. Switzerland is already committed to the disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons within the framework of the UN Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The G7 summit, organised by France, will take place from 15 to 17 June 2026 in Évian, near the border with Switzerland. In a context of heightened global tensions, the summit requires exceptional security measures, in Switzerland as well. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have therefore asked for support from the Confederation. At its meeting on 1 April 2026, the Federal Council decided that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the three cantons.

From 3 April, holders of a Georgian diplomatic, official or service passport will require a visa to enter Switzerland. This decision was taken by the Federal Council at its meeting on 1 April. The measure is a further development of the Schengen acquis and will remain in place for 12 months. Other Georgian nationals are not affected.