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Foreign affairs

Switzerland’s drone dilemma

A Ukrainian serviceman launches a mid-range reconnaissance type drone to fly over positions of Russian troops in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine June 19, 2024.

In the age of drone wars, the military industry is a lucrative market for Swiss innovations – but engaging with it clashes with Switzerland’s neutrality.

By Marguerite Meyer and Ariane Lüthi

Read more: Switzerland’s drone dilemma

Foreign affairs

Switzerland’s lead in AI drone technology raises ethical questions

By Marguerite Meyer and Ariane Lüthi

Foreign affairs

Swiss researchers warn about autonomous weapons

By Marguerite Meyer and Ariane Lüthi

Foreign affairs

What is the future of Swiss neutrality?

By Giannis Mavris

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.

Ukraine's new mobilization law affects Ukrainian men, labeling them draft dodgers. Many feel torn between duty to their homeland and safety.

Go to war or stay put? Ukrainian men in Switzerland face fresh dilemmas

This content was published on Oct 21, 2024 Six months ago, Ukraine passed a new mobilisation law. It has affected the lives of Ukrainian men in Switzerland.

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

This content was published on Oct 21, 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.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Oct 21, 2024 The Swiss steelworks are in crisis, the right-wing Swiss People’s Party is gaining voter share, and there’s a legal vacuum regarding pee breaks.

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

This content was published on Oct 21, 2024 Swiss mountain guides went to Canada 125 years ago. To mark the anniversary, the Edelweiss Village rescuers take a look back.

Roche’s big bet on big diseases

This content was published on Oct 20, 2024 Swiss pharma giant Roche is the latest company to refocus its R&D investment on diseases like obesity that weigh heavily on healthcare budgets.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu visiting Bern in 2023 alongside the then President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset.

Embezzled funds test Swiss-Moldovan relations

This content was published on Oct 19, 2024 Switzerland sends Moldova a great deal of aid, but at the same time takes four years to confiscate Vladimir Plahotniuc’s villa.

Recent stories for the Swiss Abroad community

Swiss Abroad

The Swiss Abroad in five charts

The number of Swiss people living abroad continues to increase, and many have more than one passport. Five charts explain their characteristics and geographic distribution.

By Pauline Turuban

Giusep, a dairy farmer on the Alpe di Ramosa.

Swiss Abroad

LA-based Swiss photographer turns lens on his Alpine village

By Claire Micallef

Swiss Abroad

Swiss popular votes – everything you need to know

Swiss Abroad

Dear Swiss Abroad, what difficulties did you encounter when your foreign spouse applied for Swiss nationality?

By Emilie Ridard

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

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

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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.

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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.

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.

Tribute in Zurich to the victims of the Hamas attack in Israel

Vigils held in Swiss cities for October 7 attack victims

This content was published on Oct 8, 2024 Hundreds of people gathered in Zurich and Basel on Monday evening to pay tribute to victims of the October 7 attacks.

One year since October 7, seen from Geneva

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 One year ago, Israel suffered a terrorist attack carried out by Hamas, from Gaza. The shock, suffering, and trauma were immense and Israel responded.

President Viola Amherd commemorates the victims of October 7

Swiss President remembers victims of October 7 attack

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 One year after the attack on Israel by Hamas, Swiss President Viola Amherd remembered the victims and called for the release of all hostages.

Picture of two young girls in Palestine.

Inside Geneva special: a year of war in the Middle East

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 A year after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the violent conflict that has ensued, we look back at our coverage of the Middle East crisis.

Mourning and words of warning at memorial event in Bern synagogue

Memorial service held in Bern for October 7 attack victims

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 Over 200 people commemorated the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel one year ago in Bern’s synagogue on Sunday evening.

Middle East: solidarity and calls for peace in Switzerland

Swiss call for peace on eve of anniversary of October 7 terrorist attack

This content was published on Oct 6, 2024 Calls for peace and solidarity with the victims of the Middle East conflict are multiplying in Switzerland.

Thousands attend pro-Palestinian rally in Basel

This content was published on Oct 6, 2024 Several thousand people gathered in Basel on Saturday afternoon for a national pro-Palestinian rally.

Switzerland warns against traveling to Lebanon and Israel

Swiss nationals warned against travelling to Lebanon and Israel

This content was published on Sep 24, 2024 The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Bern has issued a warning against traveling to Lebanon and Israel.

FDFA expresses concern after explosions in Lebanon

Swiss foreign ministry expresses concern after explosions in Lebanon

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed its deep concern following the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday. In a post on X, it calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in order to prevent a major regional escalation.

Switzerland receives UN mandate for meeting on Middle East conflict

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 Switzerland will organise a meeting of the parties to the Geneva Conventions on the Middle East conflict within six months.

Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?

Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.

Join the discussion

Oct 8, 2024

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22 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 Oct 22, 2024 – 12:48

Germany’s Scholz pledges to boost investment, attract more skilled workers

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:43

Ukraine’s population has fallen by 10 million since Russia’s invasion, UN says

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:40

Italy nudges up 2023 debt-to-GDP ratio to 134.8%

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:38

Luxury brand Chanel to sponsor Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:34

Germany identifies its first case of new mpox variant, Bild reports

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:29

UN agency head calls for temporary truce in northern Gaza

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:19

Blinken in Israel in last big ceasefire push before U.S. election

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:17

EU lawmakers clear up to 35 billion euro loan for Ukraine, using Russian assets

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:10

Exclusive-Harris holds 46%-43% lead over Trump amid voter gloom, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:03

HSBC splits East and West in major revamp and appoints first female finance chief

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 11:39

War knocked human development in Gaza back to 1955, UNDP says

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 11:27

Three killed, including child, in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Sumy

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 10:48

Britain’s grid operator asked to provide energy infrastructure plan

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 10:41

Factbox-Airlines suspend flights as Middle East tensions rise

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 10:20

Spanish government faces pressure from hard left, throwing budget passage into question

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 10:15

Crowds turn out to see King Charles at Sydney Opera House

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 10:11

South Korea may consider supplying weapons to Ukraine over North Korea-Russia ties

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 09:59

Hezbollah says it fires volley of rockets into Israel, Blinken returns seeking ceasefire

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 09:11

Analysis-Italy’s low defence spending could cramp Meloni’s style if Trump wins US vote

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 09:03

Poland needs reforms to keep up economic success, IMF officials say

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 12:23

US Stock Futures Slide With Rate-Cut Path at Risk: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 – 10:03

US Will Continue to ‘Tighten the Screws’ on Russia LNG Flows

This content was published on Oct 21, 2024 – 22:22

Stocks Fall From Record as Earnings Set to Pick Up: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 21, 2024 – 08:07

UBS Bankers Under Pressure From Lawyers to Rethink ESG Labels

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 22:27

S&P 500 Bulls Drive Longest Weekly Advance in 2024: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 09:58

Swiss Authorities Investigate Firms Dodging Russia Sanctions

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 06:00

Swiss Health Reform Gains Support But Could Yet Fail, Poll Shows

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 22:13

Wall Street Dials Back Fed-Cut Bets on Solid Data: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 17:57

European Shares Extend Gains as ECB Cuts Rates; Nestle Advances

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 13:32

Partners Said to Weigh Options for Conveyor-Belts Maker Ammega

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 13:23

Nestle’s New CEO Kicks Off Overhaul to Reverse Sagging Growth

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 08:54

Swiss Watch Exports Plunge as Chinese Demand Dries Up

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 05:12

Hong Kong Regains Title as World’s Freest Economy From Singapore, Researcher Says

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 22:04

Stock Rotation Lifts Small Caps to Three-Year High: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 19:23

Swiss Government Proposes Sales Tax Rise to Finance Pensions

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 18:11

Switzerland Won’t Implement the EU’s Russia Sanctions on Subsidiaries

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 17:05

Lafarge to Face Trial Over Terrorism Funding Accusations

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 11:23

Holcim Considers Dual Listing of $30 Billion US Business

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 – 22:02

Stocks Halt Rally as Nvidia, ASML Getting Crushed: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 – 14:19

Private Equity Pushes to Keep Dividends Even When Profits Slump

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?

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.

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.

How much protest should a democratic state accept?

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 Attention-grabbing stunts by climate activists have tested the limits of legitimate action in Switzerland and elsewhere. How should judges react?

Key facts about Switzerland’s demining conference for Ukraine

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 The upcoming humanitarian mine action conference in Lausanne aims to explore viable solutions to address the threat of mines and unexploded ordnance.

Oleksandra Yevdokimova, deminer, Ukraine

‘Ukraine can be a tipping point’ for ridding the world of landmines

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 British photographer Giles Duley, who is speaking at this week’s Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Switzerland, says it’s time to end the use of landmines that kill long after wars are over.

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’.

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.

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.

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”!

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.

Object of a collection, terracotta sculpture of the «Tumbas de Tiro» tradition

Artefacts held in Swiss private collection return to Latin America

This content was published on Oct 1, 2024 Private individuals increasingly choose to return cultural artefacts to their countries of origin. Here’s a notable case from Switzerland.

LA-based Swiss photographer turns lens on his Alpine village

This content was published on Oct 1, 2024 For 30 years, Verner Soler, a Swiss photographer who lives in Los Angeles, has travelled back to Vrin in southeastern Switzerland to capture everyday life in the small mountain village where he grew up.

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.