A group is once again pushing for stricter rules to hold Swiss companies accountable for their human-rights and environmental impacts—both at home and abroad. The proposed initiative would make firms, including their subsidiaries, liable for damage … [Read more...]
News and Features
Swiss military may tighten rules on conscientious objection
Switzerland’s military conscription currently offers young men an alternative: civilian service for those unwilling to bear arms. Yet this freedom of choice is now under political scrutiny. Several legislative proposals under discussion in parliament … [Read more...]
Council of States Commission rejects Swiss neutrality initiative
An initiative, dubbed the Neutrality Initiative, aimed at adding the principle of permanent armed neutrality to Switzerland’s constitution faced a further set back this week. The wording also includes a far-reaching ban on sanctions, one of the … [Read more...]
Slow down in premium hikes in 2026, says federal health authority
Swiss health insurance premiums are set to rise again in 2026—but perhaps at a more moderate pace than in recent years, Switzerland's Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announced this week. After two years of steep increases, federal health … [Read more...]
FILM: THE YOUNG MOTHERS’ HOME *** – a Cannes winner
30 May 2025. JEUNES MÈRES (The Young Mothers’ Home) *** (vo French) The Belgian Dardenne brothers were back once again in the Cannes competition this year. It never fails - since 1999 when they won their first Palme d’Or for “Rosetta”, and a … [Read more...]
Guides
8 things you must do if you’re running a Swiss business
Brought to you by Winbiz online accounting for Swiss businesses. Once a business is established, there are many ongoing administrative tasks required by law. The main ones are covered in this article. The first few relate to employees and … [Read More...]
15 things you should know about Swiss health insurance
It's health insurance season. Average premiums are increasing in 2018. Compulsory basic Swiss health insurance can generally only be changed once a year. To change you must notify your current provider by 30 November. This article explains the basics … [Read More...]
Activities
Chaplin’s World – enter the home and life of a comic genius
Film legend Charlie Chaplin spent 24 years living in the Manoir de Ban, a grand old mansion above Vevey in Switzerland. In 2016, his charming former home and grounds were cleverly and artfully transformed into Chaplin’s World and opened to the … [Read more...]
Renowned artist EDWARD HOPPER in Basel
Solitary, pensive figures. Deserted streets or a luminous gas station in twilight. A night diner seen from outside. These are the static, atmospheric scenes we usually connect with Edward Hopper’s paintings. A uniquely American artist, who lived from … [Read more...]
How Switzerland’s best river swim became a summertime commute
Most people float down the Aare River in Bern just for fun. For Evelyn Schneider-Reyes, it was her summertime commute home. “I only had like 30 seconds walking from my office to the river,” she recalls. “I had an ‘Aare Bag’, where I put all my … [Read more...]
