On 31 July 2024, Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advised all Swiss nationals to leave Lebanon. In addition, it advised against travel to the country. Middle eastern conflict, which has been highly volatile since 7 October 2023, has had a significant impact on the security situation in Lebanon, wrote the agency. There have […]
Switzerland to spend 300 million defending Schengen borders
From 1 August 2024, Switzerland will begin contributing to a fund supporting the protection of the borders of the Schengen zone, a group of European nations with combined land borders of 8,000 km and sea borders of 43,000 km, reported RTS. A total of CHF 300 million has been budgeted to cover the period between […]
Anti-noise vehicle radar test completed in Geneva
Vehicle noise is a problem in Switzerland. The authorities receive a numerous and growing number complaints, particularly in cities. Switzerland’s Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) placed noise detection radars in Geneva to quantify the problem. This week, they released the results, reported RTS. Radars erected in a number of places in Geneva flashed between […]
Swiss to raise fares to cover costs of environmental regulations
This week, Swiss and its parent Lufthansa group announced fare hikes on flights departing from Europe to cover the cost of complying with European Commission environmental rules, reported RTS. From 1 January 2025, European flyers will pay a surcharge. Anyone departing from the UK, Norway, Switzerland or one of the 27 EU nations will be […]
A majority of young Swiss not prepared to stop flying
Young people make up the majority of climate protestors in Switzerland. However, most (52%) are unwilling to stop flying, compared to 46% across all ages, reported RTS. When asked which mode of transport they would choose for their main holiday in 2024, 51.6% of 18-35 year-olds chose flying, a figure higher than for 36 to […]
New “hygge” hotel in Founex
Brought to you by Yotel Geneva. There’s a brand new hotel in Founex, called the YOTEL, part of an international hotel chain of the same name. What gives it its difference and pizzazz is the added concept of the Danish “Hygge”, which stands for warmth, relaxation and general happiness, of which that northern country is so […]
Yodelling submitted to UNESCO as cultural heritage candidate
Swiss yodelling has been put forward as an officially endorsed candidate for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, reported RTS. Yodelling is currently practised by around 12,000 yodellers across Switzerland and shows no sign of falling in popularity. The tradition is typically passed down through the generations within families, clubs and schools. In […]
Brits abroad for more than 15 years can now vote
From 16 January 2024, British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law passed in 2022, which came into force this week removes the previous 15-year time limit. The UK Electoral Commission is calling on voters […]
2023 Switzerland’s second warmest year since measurements began
The weather in Switzerland in 2023 was volatile. 2023 began mildly with highs of around 20 °C and a pronounced lack of snow in the mountains. Spring brought record rain, and summer began with the lowest rainfall since measurements began. Heat waves followed by heavy rainfall fell on southern and eastern Switzerland in July and […]
Swiss doctors warn against sleep gummy bear trend
An increasing number of parents looking for a quiet stress-free evening are turning to gummy bears laced with melatonin, a phenomenon trending on social media, reported SRF. Melatonin is a sleep hormone. It is triggered by darkness. But taking it at the wrong time can alter a person’s internal clock. Unlike sleeping pills, melatonin does […]
