the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which has been hit hard by US foreign aid cuts, is laying off around 20% of staff at its Geneva headquarters, reported RTS. Around 20% of the organisation’s roughly 1,000 staff based in Geneva are to be cut according to several sources familiar with the situation. One employee told […]
Swiss car insurance premiums going up in 2025
Many Swiss car insurance providers plan to substantially raise premiums this year, according to research by RTS. Some customers are already reporting hikes of around 20%. According to RTS, most insurers, including AXA, Generali, Helvetia, Postfinance, Zurich and Smile Insurance, are planning to increase their premiums. Some insurance companies justify the premium increases as necessary […]
Switzerland’s new cabinet minister
This week, Switzerland’s government chose who would succeed Viola Amherd, the outgoing head of defence, in its seven-member executive team, known as the Federal Council. On Wednesday 12 March 2025, Switzerland’s two chambers voted in favour of Centre Party member Martin Pfister. Martin Pfister, a state councillor in the canton of Zug, received 134 votes […]
Swiss Rail’s project for direct trains to London
On 12 March 2025, Swiss Rail unveiled a project that includes a direct link to London, a service that could be operational from 2030. In a press release the company outlined plans for high-speed rail links between Switzerland and destinations abroad. Swiss Rail said it is considering buying as many as 40 high-speed trains that […]
Swiss company comes up with the e-ski
Most skiers catch lifts up. Some head up ski touring under their own steam. A small company in the Swiss Alps has come up with a third option: electrically powered skis that, like an e-bike, allow you to go further faster. The electrically assisted touring skis created by the Swiss company E-skimo allow skiers to […]
Self-driving cars legal in Switzerland but no cars approved
On 1 March 2025, new laws allowing the use of self-driving cars came into force in Switzerland. The only catch is that no self-driving vehicle has been approved for use on Swiss roads, reported RTS. The new law makes it legal to use self-driving technology on specified stretches of roads specified by Switzerland’s cantons. At […]
The Swiss houses that must be demolished
Switzerland has strict zoning and construction laws. Federal land use planning laws (LAT) were first proposed in 1979. Since becoming law they have been through a number of modifications. A successful vote in 2013 tightened zoning rules further. This week, SRF reported on two houses that ended up on the demolition list. Despite municipal construction […]
Planning a trip to the UK? Don’t forget a visa
From 2 April 2025, travelling to the United Kingdom will require a visa. EU and EFTA nationals, including Swiss passport holders, can now (from 5 March 2025) apply online for an U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA costs £10 and lasts for 2 years from the date of issue. Currently, only citizens of EU […]
Basel Fasnacht 2025 – no ordinary festival
A parade that starts at 4 in the morning? With piccolos? And drums? In winter? Really? Yes, and you’ll be enchanted by the whole thing. Every year in the city of Basel on the Monday after Ash Wednesday (this year, March 10th), the Morgestraich (“Morning sweep” in Basel dialect) marks the beginning of the three-day […]
Swiss rent cuts possible following fall in reference rate
Every three months the Federal Housing Office (FHO) adjusts the reference rate used to set rents in many rental contracts. If it goes down some renters have the right to request a decrease in rent. This time it dropped 0.25% to 1.50%. The reference rate is based on average mortgage interest rates. At 31 December […]
