Swiss agriculture could, in theory, feed the entire population without imports. That is the counter-intuitive conclusion of a new study by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), the ETH Zurich and the consultancy O+L GmbH. The research, published in Swiss Agricultural Research, models a scenario in which domestic production alone would suffice. In terms […]
Trump sets deadline to conclude binding trade agreement with Switzerland
Donald Trump has set Switzerland a deadline to conclude a binding trade agreement, reported RTS. Washington wants a legally enforceable deal in place by March 31st 2026. Failing that, the United States says it may review and reconsider the tariffs imposed on Swiss exports. According to several Swiss newspapers, the Trump administration is keen to […]
Man threatened to attack Jews at the Eurovision in Basel
Security officials in Switzerland quietly intervened ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel in May 2025 after a young man threatened violence against Jews, reported SRF. The 25-year-old was preventively detained and later deported before the event, a case that has only now been made public. Eurovision was meant to be a celebration of […]
Switzerland plans to expand roadside noise radars
The Federal Council wants to roll out roadside displays that warn drivers when their vehicles exceed recommended noise levels, reported RTS. After adopting a report on the issue on Friday, the government said such devices could help curb excessive engine noise, which it described as an avoidable nuisance that harms quality of life and can […]
Schools close as Vaud’s teachers extend strikes
Teachers in the canton of Vaud have intensified their strike over the canton’s austerity plan, forcing the closure of numerous schools and disrupting classes for weeks, reported SRF. The canton faces a sizeable deficit in its 2026 budget, prompting the government to introduce a package of cost-cutting measures. Christelle Luisier Brodard, the finance minister and […]
Swiss solar initiative clears signature hurdle
Switzerland’s Greens have gathered enough signatures to force a vote on a far-reaching solar initiative. On December 10th the party submitted 134,000 signatures to the Federal Chancellery—well above the 100,000 needed for a popular initiative. It is the first time in a decade the party has raised the necessary support on its own. The proposal, […]
UNESCO adds Swiss yodelling to cultural heritage list
On December 11th 2025, UNESCO added Swiss yodelling to its list of intangible cultural heritage. The decision, taken in New Delhi, is expected to raise the profile of a tradition that began as a practical Alpine signal: herdsmen once used it to call cattle across mountain valleys, a sound noted by travellers as early as […]
Switzerland’s parliament moves to ban firecrackers
Switzerland’s National Council has voted to outlaw firecrackers, backing a parliamentary counter-proposal to a popular initiative that seeks tighter limits on fireworks, reported SRF. The measure passed by 97 votes to 85. The use of fireworks and their harmful effects will be regulated under the country’s explosives law. The popular initiative, launched by animal-welfare groups, […]
Switzerland moves to tighten asylum policy
Parliament has approved two Liberal Democrat (PLR/FDP) motions aimed at tightening Switzerland’s asylum regime, reported RTS. The first seeks to encourage the voluntary departure of asylum seekers. The Council of States silently endorsed a National Council motion instructing the Federal Council to introduce a system of targeted incentives and clearly defined sanctions. One element would […]
Swiss parliament scraps funding for the Basel–Malmö night train
Switzerland’s parliament has pulled the plug on funding for a planned night train linking Basel with Malmö in southern Sweden, reported RTS. After the Council of States rejected the proposal, the National Council followed suit on Tuesday, striking the CHF 10m needed to launch the service from the 2026 budget. The margin was narrow: 99 […]
