News

Switzerland will take part in the European PESCO project “Cyber Ranges Federations”. The EU Council approved participation today. The goal of the project is to network national cyber training infrastructures with each other to enable realistic, ambitious and efficient training in the area of cyber defence.

The fourth edition of the Point Zero Forum concluded in Zurich after three days of high-level dialogue, insight-sharing and collaboration with Switzerland and Singapore, jointly reinforcing their commitment to global financial transformation grounded in trust, inclusion and innovation. Jointly hosted by the Swiss State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), the Forum convened 1,350 global leaders from 66 countries, including central bankers, regulators, policymakers, technologists, entrepreneurs, and academics from across Europe and around the world.

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

Switzerland was elected for the first time today in Paris to the Subsidiary Committee for the implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property for the 2025–2029 term. This election is an acknowledgement of Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to combating the illegal trade in cultural property and for the preservation of these goods within the framework of international cooperation.

Special care must be taken with illnesses during pregnancy, as not all drugs are compatible for mother and child. This is why an international research team involving Empa is now developing nanomedicines that will enable safe and effective treatment of inflammatory processes during pregnancy. Pregnancy complications are often caused or accompanied by inflammation, but the treatment options are often not sufficiently effective or are suspected of interfering with the development of the foetus.

In 2024, the total number of convictions remained stable compared with the previous year, with 111 148 convictions recorded in the register of criminal convictions. However, the trends differed depending on the applicable law. There was a decrease in the number of convictions under the Swiss Criminal Code (−6%) and the Narcotics Act (−10%), whereas convictions under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration increased by 17 per cent. Fines remain the most common form of sanction and their application increased further in 2024, while the number of short unconditional custodial sentences fell by 48 per cent. These are some of the findings of the Criminal Conviction Statistics produced by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

On Monday 19 May 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Luca Beccari, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Political Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Digital Transition of the Republic of San Marino, who was on an official working visit, at Münchenwiler Castle in the canton of Bern. The highlight of the visit was the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and San Marino. An agreement on the exchange of young professionals was also signed.

In her opening address to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday, 19 May 2025, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider underlined the importance of a fully capable and sustainably financed WHO in combating the spread of international diseases and ensuring access to good-quality healthcare for all countries. In this context, the WHA will on Tuesday consider the Pandemic Agreement, now ready for adoption. The Federal Councillor will also take the opportunity offered by the WHA to hold bilateral talks with various health ministers.

Today, Ann Lindberg, Director-General of the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA), and Raimund Bruhin, Executive Director of Swissmedic, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement creates a formal framework for closer cooperation on regulatory issues associated with medicinal products and medical devices.

Address of Federal CouncillorElisabeth Baume-Schneider to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva. Check against delivery.

The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The new silver coin from Swissmint marks the 100th birthday of the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. The CHF 20 special coin celebrates the creations of this influential 20th-century artist, and will be available from 22 May 2025.