A lack of rainfall in Switzerland since the beginning of 2022 is becoming more and more concerning, according to Meteo News. The level of rainfall in Switzerland has been significantly below normal levels, according to meteorologist Vincent Devantay. Unusually low levels of rainfall began in August 2021 with the exception of December 2021. As a […]
Federal government aims to make Swiss childcare cheaper
Switzerland has the world’s fourth most expensive childcare according to UNICEF. The federal government is working on a package of financial subsidies costing CHF 530 million a year to reduce the cost to parents, reported RTS. A 2021 UNCEF study of childcare in rich nations ranks Switzerland as having the fourth most unaffordable childcare, a […]
Fluorescent bulbs to be banned from 2023 in Switzerland
From August 2023 it will be illegal to sell fluorescent tube bulbs in Switzerland, reported RTS. Switzerland follows the EU in banning these mercury-containing bulbs. Fluorescent tubes typically contain around four milligrams of the toxic metal, which is essential for making them work. This amount of mercury is relative small. By comparison, some older thermometers […]
Switzerland wants closer military cooperation with the US
During a five-day visit to Washington, Viola Amherd, Switzerland’s defence minister, said that the war in Ukraine shows that Switzerland must strengthen its international cooperation including its cooperation with the US, reported RTS. Serious, brutal violations of international law such as the one committed by Russia must not be tolerated, said the minister after meetings […]
Less than 2% of Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland have found work
Only around 2% of the working-age Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland have found work, according to recent statistics published by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The first challenge many of the refugees face is language. Recognition of qualifications is another. In addition, many are finding they cannot find positions at the same level as their […]
Swiss vote results on Frontex, organ donation and a 4% levy on international streaming services
On 15 May 2022, Swiss voters voted on three federal initiatives on increased support of the Schengen border agency Frontex, presumed organ donation consent and whether to introduce a 4% levy on international streaming services in favour local film production. Voting this weekend was a clean sweep in favour of the federal government. Majorities were in favour […]
Swiss to vote on opt-out organ transplant permission
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on the (organ) Transplantation Act. Over the past five years, an average of around 450 people in Switzerland have received one or more organs from a deceased person each year. However, the need for organs is much greater. Currently, a transplant is only possible if the […]
Swiss to vote on Frontex
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on the Adoption of the Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, which makes it party to the control of the area’s borders by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) an organisation that Switzerland […]
Swiss to vote on “Netflix tax”
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on an Amendment to the Federal Act on Film Production and Film Culture. In Switzerland, domestic television broadcasters are obliged to invest 4% of their turnover in Swiss filmmaking. However, films and series are increasingly also offered by global companies via streaming services such as Netflix. […]
Switzerland releases 3 billion of frozen Russian funds
On 12 May 2022, Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) announced the release of CHF 3.4 billion of funds that was initially frozen in relation to sanctions against specified Russian individuals and companies, reported RTS. The release of the funds follows highly comprehensive analysis to establish whether the funds belonged to any people or […]
