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Foreign affairs

Switzerland wants more trade with China despite US-Chinese tensions

The West is turning its back on China. Switzerland is doing the opposite and is deepening its economic ties with the Asian giant.

By Samanta Siegfried

Swiss watchmakers have benefited most from the Swiss-China free trade agreement.

Swiss Politics

Why Switzerland seeks deeper ties with China

By Balz Rigendinger

Swiss President Viola Amherd and Chinese Premier Li Qiang

Foreign affairs

How Swiss-Chinese relations are weathering geopolitical storms

By Geraldine Wong Sak Hoi

Multinational companies

Big pharma’s growing China ties under threat from US crackdown

By Jessica Davis Plüss

Swiss OSCE observers keep an eye on tense US election

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 In an extremely tense election climate, the OSCE has sent almost 250 international observers to the US. Among them are two Swiss: Sascha Alderisi and Jean-Luc Addor.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris during a televised debate.

What Trump’s return or a new Harris administration would mean for Switzerland

This content was published on Oct 28, 2024 With the US presidential election looming, Switzerland is bracing itself for the implications of the result for its security and prosperity.

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.

A waitress takes two fifty Swiss franc bills out of a her wallet, photographed in Zurich, Switzerland, on April 12, 2016.

The Week in Switzerland

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 Money, household spending and a quirky story about gold: all this and more in this week’s briefing from Switzerland.

How Swiss universities combat espionage from high-risk nations  

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 Worsening geopolitical tensions are forcing Swiss universities to reconcile global cooperation with a growing list of tougher sanctions.

Africa wants more time and money to comply with EU deforestation regulation

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 African cocoa- and coffee- producing countries are racing against the clock to avoid being excluded from the European market. A proposal to delay implementation would give them more time to prepare.

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!

Recent stories for the Swiss Abroad community

Swiss Abroad

Crack cocaine crisis escalates in Switzerland

Since 2020, crack consumption has tripled in French-speaking Switzerland and is spreading rapidly across the country. A user shares her experience.

By RSI Falò/Mattia Pacella

Smoke billows after an Israeli air strike on Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, 16 October 2024. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 2,350 people have been killed and over 10,906 have been injured in Lebanon since the start of hostilities. The Israeli Army said that the strikes early on 16 October targeted Hezbollah facilities in Beirut's southern suburb

Swiss Abroad

Swiss expat describes the ‘total uncertainty’ of life in Lebanon

By Christian Raaflaub

Swiss Abroad

‘A dream come true’: preservation and restoration of historic Swiss chalets in Canada

By Melanie Eichenberger

Swiss Abroad

The Swiss Abroad in five charts

By Pauline Turuban

Swiss vote on November 24

November 24 votes: are you ready?

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 Welcome to our special newsletter devoted to federal votes in Switzerland. Find links to useful background information ahead of the votes on November 24.

Will Swiss voters accept standardised financing of healthcare?

This content was published on Oct 24, 2024 On November 24, Swiss voters will decide whether to accept uniform funding for healthcare. An explainer.

Voters to decide on major Swiss motorway expansion

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 A referendum has been launched against the six-lane extension of the A1 motorway. Swiss voters will have their say on November 24.

Voters to decide if Swiss landlords need extra rights

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 A national tenants’ association opposes two modifications to tenancy law and launched a double referendum. Voters will decide on November 24.

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.

Swiss Abroad more favourable towards motorway expansion

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 As a rule, the disapora are more environmentally conscious in their voting behaviour but not this time.

What’s a referendum?

This content was published on Apr 15, 2015 A referendum is a nationwide vote called to challenge a piece of legislation already approved by parliament. If a group opposed to the new law manages to collect at least 50,000 signatures within 100 days of the official publication of the proposed legislation, it is again put to a nationwide vote. Such a vote is…

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.

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

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

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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

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

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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.

Swiss foreign minister rebuffs Israel’s UNRWA decision

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis hopes that Israel will not implement its parliamentary decision to ban UNRWA.

Cassis calls for ceasefire in the Middle East

Swiss foreign minister calls for Middle East ceasefire

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 At the UN Security Council in New York, Ignazio Cassis called for an end to the spiral of violence.

Switzerland concerned about implications of Israel’s laws against UNRWA

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 The Israeli parliament voted in favour of a bill banning the activities of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Israel.

SWISS extends suspension of flights to Tel Aviv

This content was published on Oct 28, 2024 Lufthansa subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is still not flying to the Israeli coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv.

Council of States committee postpones decision on payments to UNRWA

UNRWA funding remains hot topic in Swiss parliament

This content was published on Oct 26, 2024 A Swiss parliamentary committee has postponed a decision on whether Switzerland should stop funding the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA.

Swiss expat describes the ‘total uncertainty’ of life in Lebanon

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 A Swiss woman in Lebanon describes life amid the tense ongoing situation and fighting between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.

Swiss cancels flights to Beirut until at least January 18

SWISS cancels flights to Beirut until January

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has announced it will suspend flights to Beirut until at least January 18, 2025.

National Council committee wants to extend Hamas ban to include Hezbollah

Swiss parliamentary committee pushes to extend Hamas ban to include Hezbollah

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has voted in favour of banning the Lebanon-based militia Hezbollah.

ICRC president: humanitarian law is violated ‘every day around the world’

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 The Geneva Conventions celebrate their 75th anniversary against a backdrop of multiple armed conflicts.

SWISS extends cancellation of Tel Aviv flights

This content was published on Oct 21, 2024 Lufthansa, the parent company of SWISS, said it will continue to suspend all flights to and from Israel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Almost 3,000 people demonstrate for Palestine in Geneva

This content was published on Oct 20, 2024 Almost 3,000 people took part in a solidarity rally for Palestine in Geneva on Saturday. The rally was organised by the BDS movement (Boycott – Divestment – Sanctions).

Former top diplomats call on Switzerland to keep UNRWA funding

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 Some twenty former Swiss state secretaries, and ambassadors have called on the Swiss Senate not to stop payments to UNRWA.

Switzerland calls on Israel to halt attacks against Unifil in Lebanon

Switzerland calls on Israel to halt attacks on Unifil in Lebanon

This content was published on Oct 14, 2024 Switzerland has called on the Israeli army to immediately cease all attacks on the UN observer mission Unifil in Lebanon.

After Hamas, a commission wants to ban Hezbollah

After Hamas, Switzerland mulls banning Hezbollah

This content was published on Oct 12, 2024 A committee in Switzerland’s senate is pushing for a ban on Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militia and sworn enemy of Israel.

Picture of Israeli soldiers next to crumpled-up UN vehicles in UNRWA compound

Guterres condemns Israel’s plan to label UNRWA a terrorist organisation

This content was published on Oct 9, 2024 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has spoken out against a law proposed by the Israeli parliament that would classify UNRWA as a terrorist organisation.

How should Switzerland relieve congestion on its motorways?

On November 24, Swiss voters will decide on a government proposal to expand the motorway network. What do you think about this?

Join the discussion

Oct 28, 2024

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73 Comments

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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.

Should the Swiss invest more in biodiversity?

This content was published on Sep 9, 2024 The Swiss will be voting on a biodiversity initiative on 22 September. It seeks to give nature more space and resources but is considered too extreme by its opponents.

Biodiversity initiative: ‘We don’t want parts of the country sealed off’

This content was published on Sep 9, 2024 Better protection for nature or more headaches for farmers? Two politicians discuss the biodiversity initiative in our ‘Let’s Talk’ series.

Storms in Swiss mountain areas keep visitors at bay

Mountain storms put damper on Switzerland’s summer visitor figures

This content was published on Sep 2, 2024 Storms in Swiss mountain areas keep summer visitors at bay.

A CHF100 banknote lying in a cardboard coffin next to a lit candle

How a Swiss banknote’s life comes to an end

This content was published on Aug 28, 2024 A banknote’s life is not eternal. What happens when it’s time to retire?

Public asked how to recover dumped munitions in Swiss lakes

This content was published on Aug 15, 2024 Authorities have launched a public competition for the best ideas for safely removing old ammunition from Swiss lakes

Genetically engineered barley, using the CRISPR/Cas method.

Genetically engineered barley grown in a secured field in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 9, 2024 Swiss scientists use the new CRISPR method of genetic engineering to try to boost crop yield.

To induce death, individuals climb into the pod-looking chamber and press a button inside that releases nitrogen into the chamber. The individual dies as a result of nitrogen hypoxia, a method which the makers claim is not painful.

Assisted suicide for CHF18 ($20)?

This content was published on Jul 27, 2024 This would be an “egalitarian” death, says Fiona Stewart, a founding member of the organisation The Last Resort.

Swiss On shoes share the spotlight at Paris Olympics

This content was published on Jul 26, 2024 At the Paris Olympics, some of the best athletes will be wearing products made by the Swiss sportswear brand, On.

‘Security here, freedom there’ – insights from a US trucker festival in Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 25, 2024 Many attendees at the International Trucker & Country Festival in Interlaken yearn for the freedom associated with the US. An academic in a cowboy hat explains why.

External Content

Reuters International

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 21:02

Egypt hosts Fatah-Hamas post-war Gaza talks as part of ceasefire efforts

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 20:42

Trump says U.S. suburbs ‘under attack,’ Harris calls Trump unstable

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 20:15

Delayed Gaza polio vaccinations to resume on Saturday, agencies say

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 19:14

Kemi Badenoch becomes first Black woman to head British Conservatives

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 18:36

Serbia probes fatal train station roof collapse as vigil held for victims

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 18:27

Spain mounts biggest peacetime disaster recovery operation as death toll reaches 211

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 18:23

Rockets from Lebanon wound 11 in Israel

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 17:46

Russia turns to UAE and Turkey for butter to contain soaring prices

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 17:23

Austrian president to have spinal surgery, chancellor to stand in

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 16:07

Soccer-It makes no sense to play after floods in Spain, says Atletico boss Simeone

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 16:02

Russia says Ukraine is sabotaging prisoner of war exchanges

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 15:58

UN nature summit agrees on payments for use of genetic information

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 15:44

Russia jails ex-US consular employee on security charges

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 13:51

Russia targets Kyiv in hours-long drone attack

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 13:44

Greek anti-terrorism police accuse three over Athens apartment blast

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 13:16

Combative Badenoch to steer UK Conservatives towards populist right

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 13:06

US citizen who helped Russia from Ukraine appears in Moscow

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 13:05

Sanctioned former Russia central banker joins IMF executive board

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 12:14

Taxpayers can’t pay for ‘misconduct of banks’ – Swiss finance minister

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 – 09:33

UK’s Starmer pledges more growth reforms after budget hit to markets

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 – 21:03

Stocks Rise as Dip Buyers Fuel Wall Street Rebound: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 – 16:13

Citadel Securities’ Trade Secrets Suit Proceeds Against Portofino

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 – 14:09

Swiss Inflation Unexpectedly Slows to Weakest Since Mid-2021

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 – 12:18

Swiss Lawyers Won’t Face Duty to Flag Dirty Money: Minister

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 – 11:00

Swiss Campaign to Cap Population Is ‘Dangerous,’ Minister Says

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 – 08:55

UBS Senior Banker Behind Novel Debt Swaps Is Said to Leave

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 – 22:26

Stocks Mixed as Apple Down, Amazon Up on Earnings: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 – 19:19

Swiss Finance Minister Says Stricter Bank Rules Needed for Trust

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 – 17:42

SoftwareOne Shares Tumble to Record Low After Guidance Cut

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 – 14:52

UBS Still Embroiled in Mozambique Case After Swiss Opened Criminal Probe

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 – 12:56

BIS Steps Back From Digital Payment Project Touted by Putin

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 – 07:21

SNB Reports Nine-Month Profit as Portfolio Gains Offset Franc

This content was published on Oct 31, 2024 – 06:00

Why Staid Swiss Watchmakers Are Embracing a YouTube Loudmouth

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 – 21:36

Tech Hit in Late Hours as Meta Fails to Inspire: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 – 17:30

US Imposes Sanctions on Suppliers of Russia’s War Machine

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 – 13:07

SNB Ready to Fight Franc Jump From Trump Election, Schlegel Says

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 – 12:53

UBS Profit Outstrips Expectations as CEO Warns on Looming Risks

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 – 12:06

Roche Discloses Patient Death in Alzheimer’s Trial

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 – 11:12

SNB Plans New Banknotes Despite Dwindling Demand for Cash

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 – 10:40

Ermotti Says Brace For Volatility as Markets Expect Trump Win

US stooge or neutral Swiss? Diplomat defends key AI deal as tenure ends

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 Swiss diplomat Thomas Schneider has brokered a historic treaty on AI. SWI swissinfo.ch met him as he prepared to leave his post at the embattled Council of Europe.

The flowers still blossom in the city park Lucien Chevallaz built, and they are still a joy to behold. His statue shows that he had a profound impact on the city of Plovdiv. zvg

How a Swiss gardener became Bulgaria’s ‘minister of flowers’

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 More than a century ago, Swiss landscape architect Lucien Chevallaz had a profound impact on the southern Bulgarian city of Plovdiv.

Love for life in Gaza – and human rights at COP29

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 Inside Geneva this week looks at life in Gaza and asks whether Azerbaijan should really be hosting COP29 next month.

Fabrice Aragno receives a Special Palme d'Or award on behalf of director Jean-Luc Godard for his film 'The Image Book' (Le Livre D'Image) during the closing ceremony of the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival, May 2018.

The man who holds the legacy of Jean-Luc Godard

This content was published on Oct 27, 2024 Fabrice Aragno collaborated with Jean-Luc Godard in the last 20 years of his life. He tells SWI swissinfo.ch what it’s like to make films after Godard’s death.

Why the Georgian cultural scene is hoping for an opposition victory

This content was published on Oct 26, 2024 Swiss-Georgian cultural collaborations are an example of a transnational civil society. Now it is under threat from an authoritarian law.

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.

Global rankings: where Switzerland gets good marks – and where it could do better

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 Whether it is quality of life, universities or globalisation, Switzerland regularly excels in international rankings. SWI swissinfo.ch digs into the results of recent global surveys.

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?

Rebels in the snow: a history of Swiss snowboarding

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 A journey through 40 years of Swiss snowboarding culture, with the pioneers, punks and pop stars who triggered a revolution in winter sports.

The Japanese ‘watch doctor’ who restores historic Swiss timepieces

This content was published on Oct 13, 2024 Masaki Kanazawa has forged a remarkable career in Western Switzerland’s ‘Watch Valley’.

Groundbreaking solar railway project gets back on track

This content was published on Oct 11, 2024 Swiss authorities have given the greenlight to a three-year pilot project to install removable solar panels on a railway track in western 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.

Climbing the iconic Eiger mountain in Switzerland

This content was published on Oct 4, 2024 The Eiger, situated in the Bernese Oberland, is one of the most famous mountains in the Swiss Alps. This spectacular video takes you on a climb to the top.

In Focus

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.