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 […]
Why did a Swiss gondola fall from its cable?
On March 18th 2026 a gondola detached from a ski lift at the Engelberg resort in Switzerland and fell to the ground. A 61-year-old woman, the sole occupant of the gondola, was killed. Initial investigations indicate that the system was in sound technical condition. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) has stated that there […]
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, […]
Winter returns to Switzerland after early spring warmth
After an unusually mild spell, winter is set to return to Switzerland this weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply—by about 10°C—between Friday night and Saturday, according to MétéoSuisse. Snow is also forecast to return, although the snowline and expected amounts remain uncertain. Spring had seemed to arrive early this year, with trees budding and […]
Henniez forced to avoid some water sources after filtration scandal
After revelations that its mineral water had been filtered, Henniez can no longer use the activated-carbon filters that once removed traces of pesticides. The Swiss bottler, owned by Nestlé Waters, must now stop using part of the water from some springs and instead adjust the blend of remaining sources so that the final product complies […]
Geneva public-sector workers threaten strike over budget cuts
Public-sector workers in Geneva have issued a strike notice for April 23rd in protest against expected cuts in the cantonal budget, reported RTS. On Thursday evening the general assembly of the Cartel Intersyndical, an umbrella group of unions, also approved plans for a demonstration a week earlier. The cantonal government is due to present a […]
Government plan to bolster Swiss wine draws criticism from industry
Swiss wine faces falling consumption and stiff competition from abroad. The federal government now wants to intervene. But its proposed rules have met resistance from parts of the industry, reported SRF. At present, wine imports operate on a first come, first served basis. Each year a fixed quantity of wine can be imported under preferential […]
Summer camps qualify for childcare tax deductions, decides Swiss court
Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court has ruled in favour of parents seeking to deduct certain summer-camp costs from their taxes, reported RTS. The case arose in the canton of Geneva, where a couple enrolled their children in creative courses at a private language school. The sessions took place every Wednesday from 9am to 1pm. During school […]
