News

At its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved the dispatch to Parliament on the stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council's intention with this bill is to stabilise and future-proof the tried-and-tested bilateral approach with the EU. The package is in Switzerland's interest. It ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner. In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance.

During its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved a total of four supplementary credits. It is thus requesting additional expenditure of CHF 98 million for this year. Most of these funds will go towards EU research and innovation programmes. A portion of the supplementary credits will be offset on the expenditure side.

New synthetic drugs can harbour considerable health risks – consumers cannot estimate the risks. To combat these designer drugs effectively, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) is adding further substances to the Narcotics List Ordinance with effect from 13 March 2026. This makes these substances subject to the Narcotics Act; their manufacture, trade and use are illegal.

Bern, 6 March 2026 – The Federal Council has adopted the report in response to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council (FAC-N) postulate 23.4340 ‘Foreign policy implications of the massive rise in antisemitism in Switzerland. Review of potential countermeasures’. The Federal Council notes that the resurgence of antisemitism since autumn 2023 represents a serious challenge for social cohesion and security, but concludes that the situation, as it currently stands, does not warrant the introduction of additional foreign policy measures.

The Swiss Science Council SSC has submitted its statement as part of the consultation process on the reorganisation of extra-parliamentary commissions. In it, it firmly rejects the Federal Council's proposal to abolish the SSC.

There is more than just graphene: In an interdisciplinary project, Empa researchers have focused on a new class of two-dimensional materials known as MXenes. This versatile group of materials is suitable for a wide range of applications, from energy storage to medicine. The project team has made significant progress in modeling and synthesizing MXenes.

Bern, 11.03.2026 – The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. Furthermore, formal corrections have been made to some entries.

In view of the war in the Middle East and the increasing security risk, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land today and are now safely outside the country. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries.

The Swiss Confederation issued two bonds by auction on 11.03.2026: 0.00%, maturity 26.06.2034 (reopening) and 1.50%, maturity 30.04.2042 (reopening). The issuance volume (excluding own holdings) amounts to a total of 438.440 million francs.

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

On 10 March, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti represented Switzerland at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris. The international gathering focused on the civil use of nuclear energy in addressing major energy, climate and sovereignty related challenges. Mr Rösti recalled that nuclear energy is an important pillar of Switzerland's low-carbon energy mix, with safe, secure and sustainable waste management and disposal.

On 9 March 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 12, 13 and 14 of the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In addition, the content of the list of goods in annex 3 of the ordinance has been completed. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 10 March 2026.