Pilatus, Switzerland’s aircraft manufacturer, has unexpectedly secured a full exemption from American import duties, reported SRF. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, led by Guy Parmelin, confirmed to SRF that Washington has reactivated a long-standing aviation agreement dating from 1979, allowing the firm to ship its PC-12 and PC-24 models to the United States duty-free. […]
Swiss soldiers may soon take ammunition home again
Swiss soldiers may soon be allowed to keep ammunition at home once more. The Security Policy Committee of the Council of States has voted, by seven to five, to instruct the Federal Council to prepare for the reintroduction of so-called pocket ammunition, citing Europe’s deteriorating security environment, reported SRF. For decades Switzerland raised eyebrows abroad […]
Swiss farmers resist new US tariff deal
Markus Ritter, president of the Swiss Farmers’ Association, is calling for measures to shield agriculture after Switzerland’s new tariff agreement with the United States, reported SRF. The deal will grant duty-free quotas for American beef, poultry and buffalo meat—concessions that Ritter views with concern. In an interview with Sonntagsblick, he acknowledged the political logic of […]
Switzerland wins deal to cut US tariffs from 39% to 15%
American tariffs on Swiss exports, imposed by Donald Trump, will fall from 39% to 15% after a flying visit to Washington by Guy Parmelin, Switzerland’s economy minister, repprted RTS. The Federal Council announced on Friday that Bern and Washington had reached a non-legally binding declaration of intent. The deal does not fully restore the pre-tariff […]
Switzerland’s fertility rate has fallen to a record low
Swiss women had, on average, 1.29 children in 2024—the lowest level since records began, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reported on Monday. The share of people who do not want children is rising too. Among 20- to 29-year-olds the proportion declaring no desire for children rose from 6% in 2013 to 17% in 2023. For […]
Switzerland launches national campaign against domestic violence
Domestic violence remains one of Switzerland’s gravest social problems, the federal interior ministry notes. In 2024 police recorded 21,127 offences linked to domestic violence—6% more than in 2023 and roughly 40% of all registered crimes. Women account for nearly 70% of victims. More than half of all homicides occur in domestic settings, and NGOs report […]
Switzerland edges toward gender-neutral military service
Switzerland’s system of compulsory military service applies only to men, an arrangement that has long fuelled debate about who should serve in the military or in civil protection. Female conscription remains rare globally, limited to countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark (introduced in 2025) and Israel. The Federal Council now wants to bring women a […]
Switzerland’s 13th pension timing confirmed
On 11 November 2025 the Federal Council confirmed that AHV compensation offices will pay a thirteenth old-age pension for the first time in December 2026, as a supplement to that month’s pension, reported SRF. The extra payment will amount to one-twelfth of a recipient’s annual pension. Child and supplementary pensions, as well as the transition-generation […]
Home ownership in Switzerland continues to elude most
In Switzerland, the majority of households continue to rent. A recent survey by Comparis, together with the country’s largest real-estate portal, finds that 57 % of Swiss adults live in rented accommodation; for those aged 18-35 the figure rises to 68 %. Only 24 % of respondents own a house, and 12.5 % an apartment. […]
Swiss car insurance: premiums set to rise again in 2026
Swiss motorists face another increase in car-insurance premiums next year. A survey by Comparis of 13 major insurers indicates that most intend to raise rates in 2026, citing higher repair costs, more expensive spare parts and a rise in weather-related damage. Several insurers—including Generali, Zurich Switzerland, Allianz, PostFinance, TCS and Bâloise—report an inflation in claims […]
