Switzerland’s Federal Council plans to invest about CHF 3.4bn to strengthen the army, with a focus on long-range threats and cyberwarfare. On Friday it presented its latest army plan to parliament, which includes additional borrowing of roughly CHF 500m. A further CHF 562m is earmarked for modernising military infrastructure and improving noise protection. Presented by […]
Switzerland halts new arms exports to America
Switzerland will no longer approve new licences for arms exports to the United States, reported SRF. The Federal Council announced the move on Friday in response to the American war against Iran. The government said its decision was guided by Switzerland’s neutrality and the War Materiel Act. For the duration of the conflict, it argued, […]
Switzerland targeted in two American trade probes
Switzerland is among several economies under investigation by the United States for alleged unfair trade practices, reported RTS. The Federal Council discussed the matter on Friday, reviewing possible next steps but taking no decision. Its deliberations were based on an initial analysis by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), according to Nicole Lamon, a […]
Swiss government submits EU agreements package to parliament
The Federal Council has sent a package of agreements with the European Union to parliament, allowing lawmakers to begin debating a plan aimed at stabilising and developing Switzerland’s relations with the bloc. Presenting the proposal in Bern, Guy Parmelin, the president of the confederation, said the package was in Switzerland’s interest. Strengthening the bilateral approach, […]
US Patriot missile shortages push Swiss deliveries back five years
Heavy use of American Patriot air-defence missiles in the Middle East is having knock-on effects for Switzerland. The Swiss armed forces may have to wait much longer than expected to receive the Patriot systems it has ordered, according to federal officials cited by the public broadcaster SRF. Since Sunday the United Arab Emirates alone has […]
Switzerland to ban bottle sparklers in public indoor venues
From April 1st, 2026 lighting pyrotechnic devices will be banned in indoor venues open to the public across Switzerland. The decision was announced on Friday by a body representing the 26 cantonal directors responsible for public works. The decision follows the tragedy involving these devices in Crans Montana at the beginning of the year that […]
Switzerland to cut F-35 fighter jet order to 30
Switzerland’s federal government will buy only 30 F-35 fighter jets rather than the 36 originally planned. To do so it is asking parliament for an additional credit of CHF 394m ($500m). It is also examining the possibility of acquiring a second ground-to-air defence system. Speaking to the media, the defence minister, Martin Pfister, noted that […]
Swiss government offers solidarity payments after Crans-Montana fire
Switzerland’s federal government will pay CHF 50,000 to each seriously injured victim and to the families of those who died in the fire disaster in Crans-Montana. The payment, described as a gesture of solidarity, is intended to provide swift and unbureaucratic support in the aftermath of the tragedy. At a press conference, Guy Parmelin, the […]
Aargau rejects blanket headscarf ban in schools
The government of the canton of Aargau has rejected calls for a general ban on headscarves in primary schools, arguing that such a measure would likely violate Switzerland’s constitution, reported SRF. Instead, it says it is willing to examine guidelines aimed at protecting girls from religious coercion. The issue arose from a motion in the […]
Swiss lawmakers step up trade diplomacy in Washington
A delegation from Switzerland’s federal parliament travelled to Washington this week for talks with members of Congress and American economic officials, with the prospect of a bilateral trade agreement high on the agenda, reported RTS. The visit had been planned for some time but has acquired greater urgency amid renewed turbulence in American trade policy. […]
