News

In 2024, a passenger railway undertaking appealed to RailCom against a ruling by the Swiss Capacity Allocation Body (TVS) on train path allocation for 2025. This undertaking (the appellant) challenged TVS’s partial refusal of its application for train paths. TVS had instead allocated the paths in question to another company (the respondent), which intended to use them for freight services. Following a thorough review, RailCom dismissed the appeal in its decision of 24 October 2025.

With less than a month to go before it assumes the chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Switzerland is setting out the programme and priorities that will guide its actions in 2026. The aim will be to contribute to European security and the strengthening of inclusive multilateralism, in line with the Swiss tradition of neutrality, dialogue promotion and conflict prevention. International conferences hosted in Switzerland will also take place during its year in office, offering opportunities for dialogue on the major challenges of our time.

The Insel Group and the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI are expanding their collaboration to provide faster and better coordinated access to proton therapy for patients with eye tumours. The two institutions have signed a new cooperation agreement, creating an integrated patient pathway that offers patients medically coordinated, high-precision treatment and improves the long-term quality of the care they receive.

In November 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –34 points. This is 3 points higher than in November 2024. The following sub-indices were higher than in November 2024: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index is lower than a year ago: economic outlook.

In the summer season (May to October 2025), the number of overnight stays in the Swiss hotel sector passed the 25 million mark (25.1 million) for the first time. Compared with the same period last year, overnight stays increased by 2.6% (+634 000 overnight stays). Foreign visitors recorded a total of 13.4 million overnight stays, resulting in a 2.4% (+318 000) rise and a historic high. Demand from domestic visitors rose by 2.8% (+316 000) to 11.7 million units, according to provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2024, 9.3% of the Swiss population moved home, the same as in 2023 (9.3%). Young adults were still the persons who changed accommodation most often. Occupants of single-family houses moved less often than occupants of multi-dwelling housing. The average moving distance was 13.4 km. These are some of the results of the Moving Statistics compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Jordan has entered into force. With a few exceptions, the provisions will apply from 1 January 2026.

At its meeting on 5 December 2025, the Federal Council discussed the results of the consultation on the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss-EU relations’ package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council noted that a clear majority of consultation participants were in favour of the Swiss-EU package. Several clarifications and improvements were called for regarding how the agreements would be implemented domestically. After careful consideration of these concerns, the Federal Council decided to make certain adjustments.

On 5 December, the Federal Council approved a draft negotiating mandate for a trade agreement with the USA. The parliamentary foreign affairs committees and the cantons will now be consulted on the draft. The main aim of the upcoming negotiations is to consolidate the tariff relief for Swiss goods imported into the USA; this tariff relief was reached as part of the joint statement of 14 November.

At its meeting on 5 December, the Federal Council appointed Daniel Frutig-Meier as chairman of the Board of Directors of RUAG International, the parent company of Beyond Gravity. He will first join the Board of Directors as a regular member in January 2026 and will take up his position as chairman of the Board of Directors at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

The Federal Council's objective is for Switzerland to be one of the world's leading digital finance locations and to improve its competitiveness and attractiveness accordingly. During its meeting on 5 December 2025, the Federal Council was informed about the current status by the Federal Department of Finance (FDF).

During its meeting on 5 December 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on amending the Insurance Oversight Act. With this proposal, the Federal Council wishes to strengthen Switzerland as a reinsurance location.