Switzerland - News and perspectives

Guide to moving abroad

Are you moving abroad? Here is your guide

Go to: Guide to moving abroad

FEDERAL VOTE ON February 9

Follow our coverage about the issues at stake

Go to: FEDERAL VOTE ON February 9

PODCASTS

Listen and subscribe to our latest podcasts

Go to: PODCASTS

Swiss abroad

The information hub for the Swiss community abroad

Go to: Swiss abroad

Debates

Join the discussion in our multilingual debates

Go to: Debates

What happened to the Olympic millions for breaking?

An investigation into breaking at the Olympics reveals a story of power plays, opaque cash flows and dodgy deals.

International Geneva

Why Switzerland remains at the heart of corruption in sport

By Martine Brocard

Patrick Clastres speaks about the neutrality of the Olympic Games

Foreign Affairs

‘The IOC is under pressure from the West’

By Virginie Mangin

Switzerland relaunches its bid for the 2038 Olympic Games

Swiss Politics

Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics

How countries are managing immigration between economic needs and social tensions

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 In many developed countries population growth is now essentially fuelled by immigration. Here are some facts, figures and insights from demographers.

There are thousands of videos about weight-loss drugs on social media that can be seen from anywhere in the world.

Swiss regulator and media clash over weight-loss drugs

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 Swissmedic has taken legal action against media for alleged unauthorised advertising of weight-loss drugs. Swiss media say this is censorship.

Abortion in Europe: a right for some, a fight for millions of others

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 As US President Donald Trump takes office following a campaign where access to abortion was a central theme, Europe also finds itself at a crossroads between liberal policies and restrictive laws.

The Federal Council's room in the Swiss federal parliament building in Berne, Switzerland, pictured on November 26, 2008. This room situated at the western end of the so-called walking hall is the room in which the ballots of the Federal Council elections are counted, otherwise it serves as conference room for delegations and commissions. The Federal Council sits in his own conference room in the west wing of the Swiss federal parliament and government building.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 The search for a successor to Federal Councillor Viola Amherd continues to dominate Swiss media – it seems nobody wants the job.

What is a good peace deal?

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 As the ceasefire in Gaza enters its third day, Inside Geneva sits down with two experts to define what sustainable peace can look like.

Roche descendant André Hoffmann on pharma, feuds and family business

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 The Davos trustee and backer of environmental, social and governance initiatives takes a stand against the ‘arrogance’ of Trump and Musk.

Effects of 1.5°C global warming in Switzerland and beyond

This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 This year we could exceed the symbolic threshold of 1.5°C of global warming for the first time. Here are the possible consequences for life on the planet.

Recent stories for the Swiss Abroad community

Swiss Abroad

Solothurn, the Swiss city that goes up to 11

Eleven is a magic number for residents of Solothurn, Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque city. But why?

By Riccardo Franciolli

Luc Liebster in the cramped kitchen of the Canopia.

Swiss Abroad

Swiss chef Luc Liebster blends cultures with unique culinary creations

By Flurina Dünki

Swiss Politics

‘Parliamentarians are constantly campaigning’

By Samuel Jaberg

Swiss Abroad

Taxes on pension payments: no problem for the Swiss Abroad

By Balz Rigendinger

Guide to moving abroad

Swiss abroad health insurance – what are the options?

This content was published on Jan 6, 2025 Should you take out insurance abroad? Or with a health insurance company in Switzerland? Is that even possible? We explain.

A family of five paddling in the sea at sunset, on the beach.

Emigration: what steps should I take to leave Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 This article, along with a practical checklist, will guide you step by step through the emigration process – supplemented with further helpful articles and links.

Emigrating with family: what to do if a child doesn’t want to move

This content was published on Dec 17, 2024 New surroundings, new school, new friends – emigration can be a daunting prospect for children. Two experts share their tips.

From emigration to arrival: How to successfully integrate abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 From culture shock to new friendships: experts share their tips for successful integration and making new friends.

young woman sitting on the floor in an empty room with laptop and suitcase

What you need to know to get a job abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Emigrating from Switzerland in search of work in another country? Here is some sound advice.

Files next to a globe on a desk in an office of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office in Neuchatel in the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland, pictured on November 6, 2010.

Tax information when emigrating from Switzerland: what you need to know

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Tax liability in Switzerland does not always end at the country’s border – here’s what you should bear in mind when moving abroad.

Bank account for Swiss citizens living abroad

Five things to know about your Swiss bank account before emigrating

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Swiss Abroad frequently pay significantly higher fees at Swiss banks than their compatriots in Switzerland. You can find an overview of prices here.

Private relocation, two young ladies carry a crate into a house. packing boxes well is inmportant for Moving abroad

Moving abroad: a helpful checklist

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Planning on emigrating? This checklist including expert tips will guide you through the logistical steps.

From CV to interview: how to apply for a job abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Applying for jobs in other countries means adjusting to different standards and expectations.

Swiss state pensions abroad and what you need to know

This content was published on Apr 8, 2023 How can I claim my state pension abroad? Can I still make voluntary contributions from outside Switzerland? Answers to some FAQs.

Swiss passengers queuing to check in their luggage in a Swiss airport

Culture shock: The four phases of emigration

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Moving abroad is an exciting but often challenging experience. Many emigrants experience different phases between culture shock and assimilation.

Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 Switzerland grants voting rights to its citizens living abroad. If you want to exercise your voting rights, you must first get on the electoral register.

Swiss Oddities

Weapons or uniforms? The cost-cutting Swiss army has chosen

This content was published on Jan 18, 2025 One casualty of the Swiss Armed Forces’ austerity measures is the dapper service uniform.

Solothurn, the Swiss city that goes up to 11

This content was published on Jan 11, 2025 Eleven is a magic number for residents of Solothurn, Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque city. But why?

Happy – and creepy – New Year in Switzerland!

This content was published on Dec 31, 2024 Billions of people around the world will be marking the New Year somehow – and the tradition-loving Swiss are no exception.

Ubersitz, the utterly unique – and deafening – Swiss custom

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 At the end of the year the villages around Meiringen pump up the volume and bizarre characters celebrate the ancient tradition of Ubersitz.

Switzerland, the promised land of coats of arms

This content was published on Dec 14, 2024 Most Swiss families have a coat of arms. This may come as a surprise abroad, where heraldry is often the preserve of nobility.

How Swiss festive bad boy Schmutzli cleaned up his act

This content was published on Dec 7, 2024 Once upon a time, a mysterious dark-faced figure would enter Swiss homes on December 6, beating and (briefly) abducting children into behaving better. Schmutzli needed an image makeover.

The CHF1,000 dance of death and other unforgettable Swiss banknotes

This content was published on Nov 30, 2024 The Swiss National Bank puts a lot of thought into the design of its banknotes, some of which really grabbed the public’s imagination.

Hornussen, the Swiss national sport with a sting

This content was published on Nov 23, 2024 The Swiss sport of Hornussen invariably generates stunned reactions from people seeing it for the first time.

An alphorn player in traditional costume on a meadow overlooking Lake Lucerne.

In search of the ‘authentic’ Swiss musical instrument

This content was published on Nov 16, 2024 The alphorn is the most emblematic instrument in Swiss folklore, but not necessarily the most authentic.

Heard the one about the Swiss company installing laugh detectors?

This content was published on Nov 9, 2024 A Swiss insurer is testing the frequency of laughter in an office to improve job satisfaction. Workers who don’t laugh enough are sent an email with a funny video.

Gold-digging: why some Swiss bury their wealth in the garden

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 The Swiss sometimes keep their gold in surprising places.

When a Roman emperor risks falling from his pedestal

This content was published on Oct 26, 2024 Almost 85 years after its discovery, the identity of the golden bust from Avenches remains a mystery.

The surprising boom of Switzerland’s least-loved coin

This content was published on Oct 19, 2024 Switzerland’s five-centime/Rappen coin is one of the least popular coins in Swiss wallets, so why is the number in circulation shooting up?

The Swiss metal detectorist who helped find a Roman military camp

This content was published on Oct 2, 2024 Self-taught archaeologist Romano Agola talks about life as a detectorist and the “treasure hunter” phenomenon in Switzerland.

The pieces in the "Mechanical Marvels" exhibition at the Maison de la Mécanique d'Art in Geneva illustrate the art of the automatier in a simple and playful way.

Sainte-Croix: the Swiss village that keeps the tradition of automata alive

This content was published on Oct 5, 2024 The “Mechanical Marvels” exhibition at the Maison de la Mécanique d’Art in Geneva showcases automata and the work of mechanical artists from the Swiss village of Sainte-Croix.

Our highlights

Follow us on TikTok!

Come visit us on TikTok for our behind-the-scenes footage and short videos on everything from culture to politics to Swiss traditions.

Swiss popular votes – everything you need to know

Subscribe to our special newsletter to get all the latest information you need on Swiss popular votes.

Watch us on YouTube!

Visit our YouTube channel for informative and entertaining videos on a range of topics, including science, politics and Swiss people living abroad.

Listen to science stories with our podcast: The Swiss Connection

Explore Science stories and research from Swiss universities, research institutions and businesses. Please listen and follow the Swiss Connection Podcast.

Follow us on WhatsApp

Receive news from Switzerland and our latest stories directly in WhatsApp. Check out our new channel and make sure to hit ‘follow’.

Download the SWIplus app and stay informed

Do you want to stay informed abroad? Now our app SWIplus offers even more Switzerland: with news, stories and our briefing!

Newsletters

Follow us on Threads

We’re now live on Threads too. Tap this link to follow our new account and get updates on all our stories from Switzerland.

Follow us on Telegram

You can now also read us on Telegram. Follow this link to subscribe to our channel!

Swiss Film Selection

SWI swissinfo.ch offers a selection of Swiss films in English chosen from the Swiss streaming platform Play Suisse.

Let’s talk

“Let’s Talk” is SWI swissinfo.ch’s format to discuss relevant topics with high-profile experts and political figures.

Special reports

Check out our long format stories on topics like the Swiss pharma industry, Switzerland’s struggles with dirty gold, and living in the Alps.

Switzerland: How To

How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? What are the visa requirements? It’s all here.

Join the conversation

We’d love to hear what you think about what’s going on in the world. You can find all of our debate questions here.

Geneva hosts Iran nuclear talks before return of Trump

This content was published on Jan 14, 2025 Iran and the main European powers began two days of talks in Geneva on Iran’s nuclear programme on Monday, a week ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president.

Opinion

Iran won’t compromise on nuclear issues unless forced

This content was published on Jan 12, 2025 Germany, France and the UK are meeting in Geneva to discuss the future of Iran’s nuclear programme. How can they push Iran to end it?

Swiss foreign ministry to re-examine case of Swiss Islamic State fighter

This content was published on Dec 27, 2024 The Federal Supreme Court has accepted the appeal of a Swiss former fighter for the Islamic State held in Syria.

Divisional Officer Patrick Gauchat now also responsible for Golan Heights

Swiss major-general named acting head of UN observer force in Golan Heights

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Major-General Patrick Gauchat has been appointed acting head of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.

Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests

This content was published on Dec 22, 2024 Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.

Swiss midwife responds to call for aid from Gaza

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 Drones, conflict, and new life: Swiss midwife Tamara Bonc describes what it’s like to work in the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah.

Child sitting on top of bags of flour donated to UNRWA

Switzerland and UNRWA: timeline of a rocky relationship

This content was published on Dec 19, 2024 Switzerland is considering ending its funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees – the latest chapter in the country’s turbulent history with the agency.

Parliament wants to ban Shia militia Hezbollah in Switzerland

Parliament votes to ban Shia militia Hezbollah in Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 17, 2024 Swiss lawmakers want to ban the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah in addition to the Palestinian organisation Hamas.

Syria needs more "immediate humanitarian aid

UN envoy to Syria calls for ‘immediate humanitarian aid’

This content was published on Dec 15, 2024 According to UN estimates, over a million people have been displaced since the rebel offensive aimed at ousting Bashar al-Assad.

A woman waves an Syrian opposition flag in celebration days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in Damascus, on December 12, 2024.

Swiss justice minister discusses plight of Syrian migrants in Brussels

This content was published on Dec 13, 2024 Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans met his European counterparts in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the situation of Syrian asylum-seekers in Europe. Jans called for coordinated action by European states.

Gaza has been at the centre of conflict since the 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas

Switzerland supports UN Gaza ceasefire resolution

This content was published on Dec 12, 2024 Switzerland votes in favour of a UN resolution calling for lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of the hostage.

Hamas fighters celebrate the massacre of Israelis on 7 October 2023.

What does banning Hamas mean for neutral Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 Is Swiss foreign policy harmed if the neutral country bans Hamas? No, says parliament.

Parliament endorses five-year ban on Hamas

Swiss parliament approves a five-year ban on Hamas

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 Hamas will become a banned group in Switzerland for five years.

SEM: suspension of asylum procedures affects 500 Syrians in Switzerland

About 500 Syrians affected by Swiss asylum freeze

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 The suspension of asylum procedures decided Monday following the fall of Bashar al-Assad affects 500 Syrian applicants in Switzerland.

SEM suspends asylum procedure for asylum seekers from Syria

Swiss suspend decisions on asylum-seekers from Syria

This content was published on Dec 10, 2024 Asylum procedures and decisions for asylum-seekers from Syria will be suspended with immediate effect until the situation can be reassessed, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) said.

How important are Swiss-EU bilateral agreements for Swiss nationals living abroad?

What are the pros and cons of the new agreement between Bern and Brussels? How might it affect your life?

Join the discussion

Jan 15, 2025

20 Likes

7 Comments

View the discussion

Watch now

‘Uncertainty is the worst enemy of international trade’

This content was published on Jan 10, 2025 Against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, with whom and how should Switzerland trade? Our Let’s Talk debate tackles these issues.

Photo of two women sitting at a desk in an office looking at their laptops

How we work: the impact of our investigations

This content was published on Dec 28, 2024 How do SWI swissinfo.ch journalists conduct their investigations, and what impact do they have?

‘Parliamentarians are constantly campaigning’

This content was published on Dec 4, 2024 One year after Swiss national elections, are parliamentarians still in tune with the people and are they defending the interests of the Swiss Abroad?

The 10 Million initiative: putting a cap on immigration.

Putting the brakes on immigration in Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 2, 2024 The right-wing Swiss People’s Party has launched an initiative to stop the Swiss population exceeding 10 million people.

The rocky relationship between Switzerland and the European Union

This content was published on Nov 26, 2024 The Swiss president, Viola Amherd, would like to seal a deal by the end of the year to update relations with the European Union.

How the poorest country in Europe is integrating 120,000 Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Nov 25, 2024 No country has taken in as many Ukrainian refugees relative to its population as the Republic of Moldova.

Reactions to ‘no’ vote on Swiss motorway expansion project

This content was published on Nov 24, 2024 On Sunday, a majority of Swiss voters (52.7%) rejected a CHF5 billion government plan to extend key stretches of the motorway network.

Motorway expansion vote: ‘We need to rethink the way we travel’

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 Should Switzerland widen part of its motorway network? The two guests in our Let’s Talk debate discuss the proposal on which voters will decide on November 24.

Does Switzerland need bigger motorways?

This content was published on Nov 5, 2024 The Swiss are about to vote on a government plan to add lanes to six stretches of the country’s A1 motorway. The referendum will be held on November 24, 2024.

Lift off! Swiss students build next-gen reusable rockets

This content was published on Oct 10, 2024 Rocket-building used to be the sole preserve of space-faring nations like the United States or Russia. Now many other players are getting involved from private companies to young researchers, even from Switzerland.

Breaking menstruation taboos in West Africa

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 Over 300 million girls and women worldwide menstruate every day, yet in West Africa the topic remains taboo. Some NGOs are trying to change local attitudes to periods.

Fish stocks hit by warming lakes. Climate change seems partly to blame.

Fish species are disappearing as Swiss lakes warm up

This content was published on Sep 26, 2024 As temperatures climb in Switzerland, Swiss lakes, fish species and their natural habitat are also suffering. A look at the impact on Lake Geneva.

Biodiversity initiative: Reactions to the rejection

This content was published on Sep 22, 2024 Our reporters, Zeno Zoccatelli and Christian Raaflaub, have been speaking to both the initiative committee and the group opposing the referendum.

A popular initiative demanding greater living choices for people with disabilities in Switzerland has collected enough signatures for a national vote.

A better way to live for the disabled in Switzerland?

This content was published on Sep 18, 2024 A popular initiative demanding greater living choices for people with disabilities in Switzerland has collected enough signatures for a national vote.

Computer-generated image of the planned SedrunSolar park in canton Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland.

Construction starts on first large-scale solar park in Swiss Alps

This content was published on Sep 13, 2024 The first major solar project under the federal government’s “Solar Express” scheme is being built near the mountain village of Sedrun in southeast Switzerland.

External Content

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Jan 22, 2025 – 08:01

EU Should Talk to US Before Retaliating on Tariffs, Kukies Says

This content was published on Jan 22, 2025 – 07:56

Stock Futures Rise as AI Hopes Offset Tariff Risks: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jan 22, 2025 – 03:36

Davos Seeing Raft of Trump ‘Unknowns’ Counsels Calm and Caution

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 – 22:08

Stocks Get AI Boost as Trump Holds Fire on Tariffs: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 – 17:45

World Health Organization Urges Trump to Reconsider Exit

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 – 16:24

DeepMind’s Hassabis Sees AI-Designed Drug Trials This Year

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 – 11:30

OpenAI CFO Calls Musk Legal Challenge Competitive ‘Lawfare’

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 – 10:54

JPMorgan ‘War Room’ Examining First Days of Trump Presidency

This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 – 22:07

Tariff Relief Lifts S&P Futures as Trump Sworn In: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 – 12:43

Saudi Arabia Is Still Assessing BRICS Membership, Minister Says

This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 – 11:10

SNB Faces Trade-Off Between Tools to Tame Franc, Hildebrand Says

This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 – 10:24

Hildebrand Worries that Global Inflation Is Stubbornly Sticky

This content was published on Jan 19, 2025 – 10:01

Bank of Japan Is Set to Raise Interest Rates, Trump Permitting

This content was published on Jan 18, 2025 – 07:00

Bitcoin Push Pits SNB’s Orthodoxy Against Swiss Crypto Crowd

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 – 23:49

Celebrate the Year of the Snake With Luxury Lunar New Year Gifts

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 – 22:33

S&P 500 Has Its Best Week Since November Election: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 – 17:36

Dead Deals Come Back to Life as ‘Animal Spirits’ Return to M&A

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 – 12:17

UBS Removes Credit Suisse Logos From Former Zurich Headquarters

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 – 12:00

Trump’s Tariff Threat Is Already Panicking the Junk Debt Market

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 – 10:41

Calorie Labels Have Small Impact on Food Choices, Study Says

Yann Zopf, Head of Media at WEF, attend a remote Pre-meeting press conference of the World Forum Annual Meeting 2025

WEF 2025: banking on an AI revolution to overcome protectionism

This content was published on Jan 18, 2025 The World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos will try to make a case for collaboration by promising an AI revolution for all.

Fake news versus facts: the role of international media

This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 The year 2025 is beginning with many uncertainties. Media outlets like SWI swissinfo.ch will become even more essential to make sense of the news.

Illustration of a person climbing a mountain and another person with a snowboard

Beyond the peaks: seven films to discover the Swiss mountains

This content was published on Jan 19, 2025 This season of Swiss Films celebrates the Swiss mountains, from punk winter sports and climbing legends to pioneering women and melting glaciers.

Weapons or uniforms? The cost-cutting Swiss army has chosen

This content was published on Jan 18, 2025 One casualty of the Swiss Armed Forces’ austerity measures is the dapper service uniform.

Swiss refugee policy for Ukrainians leaves many questions unanswered

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 Proposed changes to the special status for Ukrainian refugees are drawing criticism and raising doubts about their practical and humanitarian implications.

Chou En Lai, Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, shakes hands with Mr. Petitpierre, Switzerland

Timeline: 75 years of Swiss-Chinese relations between business and human rights

This content was published on Jan 17, 2025 Seventy-five years ago, Switzerland became one of the first Western countries to recognise the newly founded People’s Republic of China.

Switzerland’s most renowned trans person no longer wants to be a woman

"It is impossible to fully go back, neither physically nor as a person," says Chris/Nadia Brönimann.

This content was published on Jan 12, 2025 Chris Brönimann became Nadia just before the turn of the millennium. Now Switzerland’s most famous transgender figure is publicly grappling with regret over that choice.

Actor Tilda Swinton in a scene from The Room Next Door.

How film and literature have influenced the acceptance of assisted suicide

This content was published on Jan 6, 2025 Powerful stories of assisted dying are etched in our collective memory. Now, a research project from Switzerland is gathering artistic works on the subject.

Lab-grown cocoa is coming soon – from Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 24, 2024 Chocolate made in the lab is exciting for the food industry but it raises ethical, cultural and environmental questions.

Switzerland, the promised land of coats of arms

This content was published on Dec 14, 2024 Most Swiss families have a coat of arms. This may come as a surprise abroad, where heraldry is often the preserve of nobility.

Flames and smoke rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns

The Swiss sawmill that helped resurrect Notre-Dame’s spire

This content was published on Dec 7, 2024 The oak wood cut by a Swiss firm was used to rebuild the cathedral’s spire, which burnt down five years ago.

Although considered the most futuristic of art forms, VR technology is still primitive.

Nothing is possible: Swiss animator explores the limits of virtual reality

This content was published on Dec 1, 2024 Our critic visited the ART*VR festival in Prague to assess the recent global output and how the Swiss are faring in it.

Jean Tinguely’s whimsical contraptions return to Milan for centenary showcase

This content was published on Nov 29, 2024 A major exhibition in Milan opens the celebrations for the centenary of Jean Tinguely with 40 sculptures produced between the 1950s and 1990s by the pioneer of kinetic art.

In Focus

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

Switzerland is committed to democracy education and the integration of Ukrainians in Moldova.

What does the future hold for Swiss neutrality?

Switzerland is grappling with a key question: should it follow a path of openness or isolationism?

Why melting glaciers affect us all

Alpine glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. The consequences will be felt not only in the Swiss Alps but throughout Europe.

Sister republics: Switzerland and the US

The US and Switzerland were known as “sister republics”. Explore the links that still bind these two very dissimilar countries.

Swiss federal votes on September 22, 2024

Biodiversity and pensions are on the agenda for the federal votes on September 22.

Taiwan: a model democracy

Taiwan has developed into an exemplary democracy. This can be seen in schools as well as in election campaigns – despite or because of its precarious status.

Swiss federal votes on June 9

Two initiatives aimed at stemming healthcare costs took centre stage when voters went to the polls on June 9.

illustration depicting federal voting in Switzerland.

Federal votes on March 3, 2024

Pension reform is once again at the heart of Swiss politics. On March 3, voters will decide on two people’s initiatives from opposing camps.

The key ingredients of the Swiss financial sector

Switzerland’s fabled financial sector is made up of several crucial elements.

illustration: sport washing the world cup

Sportswashing the World Cup from Geneva

This three-part investigation shows the lengths to which Qatar went to whitewash its reputation and the role Geneva played in this marketing stunt.

The ethics of artificial intelligence

The challenges are immense for Switzerland, which is one of the leading developers of artificial intelligence (AI).

Important members of the Swiss-Kosovan diaspora

Kosovo in Switzerland, Switzerland in Kosovo

The two small mountain countries are linked by a dense network of relationships: political, economic, historical, but above all human.

Swiss solutions for storing the energy of tomorrow

The global challenge is not only to produce more energy from renewable sources, but also to store it efficiently and sustainably.

A global stress test for freedom of expression

One of democracy’s fundamental pillars is under attack, and under scrutiny, across the world.

What was on the agenda for voters on June 18, 2023

Tax rules for multinationals, carbon neutrality, Covid prevention measures: it was a clear “yes” to all three issues on the ballot on June 18.

a girl holds up a sign with "girl power" written on it,

Are initiatives to combat gender-based violence having an impact?

This content was published on Nov 29, 2024 Authorities and civil society are looking for ways to deal with gender-based violence. Are these initiatives having an impact? Join the discussion.

The Swiss have embraced AI at record speed

This content was published on Nov 21, 2024 A new study shows that half of the Swiss population uses AI but the technology is also increasing digital inequality.

Woman sitting looking over the Aletsch glacier

Most Swiss doubt politicians’ ability to deal with climate change

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 Two-thirds of Swiss believe global warming is a serious problem. However, only about a third thinks Swiss politicians can take sufficient measures on the issue.

Few people are sitting on the benches in a catholic church.

Poll finds over half of Swiss residents don’t believe in God

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 More than half of people in Switzerland who took part in a recent survey say they do not believe in God.

Hard drugs: does prohibition sometimes do more harm than good?

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 How can the growing consumption of crack cocaine in Switzerland be tackled? And what support can be provided to addicts? Join in the discussion!

Broken picture frame with an image of a woman with a child. - Picture frame, child, woman, shattered.

Fighting paedophile crime: What is the right balance between prevention and punishment?

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 To fight paedophilia-related crimes, vigilante justice can take on a radical form. Fair or foul?

A customer sits behind his full shopping trolley and looks at his mobile phone

Cost-of-living crisis: only a minority of Swiss say they feel the pinch

This content was published on Oct 24, 2024 Around one-third of Swiss residents and the Swiss Abroad say their financial situation is a strain, while four out of five believe the wealth gap in Switzerland is too wide, a new survey shows.

Young person holding a cigarette in their hand.

New Swiss tobacco law: are minors sufficiently protected?

This content was published on Oct 3, 2024 Are minors in Switzerland sufficiently protected from the risks of tobacco consumption? Join the multilingual debate on “dialogue”!

Hunting: where two visions of nature clash

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 It’s the hunting season again in Switzerland. Hunting is a well-established tradition in rural and mountain regions in Switzerland, but it also sparks criticism.

A smartphone with the APP of social networks Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Mastodon and X is pictured in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday, September 12, 2023.(KEYSTONE/Laurent Gillieron)

Poll: Swiss are fed up with social media

This content was published on Sep 12, 2024 According to the latest figures, social media is being used less. One of the reasons: the platforms are no longer truly social.

Das Bundeshaus in Bern, aufgenommen bei starkem Wind

Poll: Switzerland is rather sceptical about the future

This content was published on Sep 5, 2024 Overall, people in Switzerland and the Swiss Abroad are doing well. But they are more pessimistic about the future than they were a year ago.

Poll: Swiss Abroad pensioners are enthusiastic while workers struggle

This content was published on Sep 5, 2024 Swiss pensioners abroad are generally happy with their lives but Swiss nationals who live and work overseas are less satisfied than the average citizen.

A man takes a prototype of the new insurance certificate of the AHV-IV (AHV: Federal old-age and bereaved people insurance/IV: Disabled people insurance) out of his wallet

‘Dialogue’: should the 2022 vote on the Swiss pension system be re-run?

This content was published on Aug 15, 2024 After news of miscalculated financial forecasts on the pension system, left-wingers want a re-run of a 2022 vote. What’s your opinion? Join the discussion on “dialogue”!

Waiter dressed in black in a restaurant in Zurich,

The ‘dialogue’ community wants to know: do we need a four-day work week?

This content was published on Aug 9, 2024 Should Switzerland introduce a four-day work week? Learn more about the topic with a selection of multimedia content and join the discussion.

People watch the fireworks during the Swiss National Day celebrations in Nyon on Monday 1 August 2022.

Swiss National Day: should fireworks for private individuals be banned?

This content was published on Aug 1, 2024 Many Swiss celebrate Swiss National Day on August 1 with fireworks. But the topic is controversial.

A nurse holding the hand of an elderly woman in a nursing home.

Assisted suicide: death with dignity or ethical dilemma?

This content was published on Jul 29, 2024 Assisted suicide is considered a controversial and personal topic. Does it mean death with dignity, or does it inevitably lead to an ethical dilemma?

Dr. Fernando Taveras, a psychiatrist and Hispanic mental healthcare expert with SOMOS Community Care Clinic, holds a model of a brain as he stands for a portrait in New York on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Mental health experts, community clinics and politicians are working to create new programs to break down barriers that Latinos might face to getting therapy or treatment.

Is Switzerland in a mental health crisis?

This content was published on Jul 19, 2024 Mental health has shifted more into focus in Switzerland, and the latest figures confirm an increase in mental illness.

Participating in democracy, a challenge for the Swiss Abroad

This content was published on Jul 12, 2024 Should the Swiss Abroad have more political influence in Switzerland? Join the discussion on “dialogue”.

Tourists wait with their cars for free parking spaces at the church car park, on Sunday, 19 May 2024 in Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland. The holiday resort of Lauterbrunnen wants to introduce an entrance fee for day tourists travelling by car. Like many other tourist resorts around the world, the municipality in the Bernese Oberland struggles with large streams of tourists.

Mass tourism in Switzerland: beneficial or detrimental?

This content was published on Jul 5, 2024 While some see tourism in Switzerland as a welcome boost, others are concerned about too many tourists in certain regions.

Primary school class 1c pictured during a double science and reading lesson at the schoolhouse Vinci, Public School Suhr, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland, on June 25, 2018. The Public School Suhr consists of kindergartens, primary schools and senior classes. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Inclusive schools: beneficial for all?

This content was published on Jun 28, 2024 Inclusive schools, where children with disabilities are enrolled in regular schools, have been an issue of debate in Switzerland for several years.