The measure, which comes into effect on July 1, fits into the country’s broader strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from air travel by 30% by 2030. Cities such as Paris, Florence, Leipzig and Salzburg are among the “train only” destinations.
The Federal Personnel Office said on Thursday that even if the journey time were longer, government officials would have to travel by train if that option were shorter than taking a flight.
Otherwise, air travel should be carried out on the cheapest-available economy-class fare. Upgrading to business class is possible for direct flights exceeding nine hours, or flights with layovers exceeding 11 hours.
Direct trains to run from Zurich to Florence and Livorno
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The Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia will offer direct trains from Zurich to Florence and Livorno and vice versa from 2026.
Number of Swiss armed forces exceeds specified limit
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The Swiss armed forces had an effective headcount of around 147,000 as of March 1, 2024. This exceeds the upper limit of 140,000 specified in the army organisation by 5%.
More than 400,000 cross-border commuters now work in Switzerland
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More than half of all cross-border commuters were resident in France (around 57%). Large proportions also lived in Italy (23%) and Germany (around 16%).
Amherd and von der Leyen discuss ongoing Swiss-EU negotiations
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Swiss President Viola Amherd and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have met and talked about the ongoing negotiations between Bern and Brussels.
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One million francs, 34 million euros and around 830 kilos of gold: this is the fortune that two Swiss nationals are accused of having moved across borders for at least four years.
Girls in female-dominated classes earn more later on
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At the age of 30, women from school classes with a 55% share of girls earn $350 more per year than women from classes with a 45% share of girls.
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Geneva-based luxury goods group Richemont reported a downturn in performance for the first half of its 2024/25 financial year. Both sales and profit declined.
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The Swiss parliament has moved to impose an environmental tax on airline tickets, as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Should academics be taking the plane for short trips?
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The University of Basel is considering a proposal for students to take the train rather than fly for short-haul academic trips.
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