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Foreign Affairs

Exploitation and misinformation hinder DRC Ebola response

In the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many families work in mines for the global technology industry – often in appalling sanitary conditions.

A doctor with the Swiss NGO Medair explains why the fight to contain the Ebola epidemic has so far failed.

By Patricia Islas

Teams from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies prepare for burial at Mbiyo cemetery the body of a fourth orphan who died from Ebola virus disease at an orphanage in Bunia, Ituri Province, June 19, 2026

Global health

Ebola vaccine: ‘In an outbreak situation we’re racing against time’

By Annegret Mathari

The Democratic Republic of Congo produces over 70 percent of the global supply of cobalt. The metal is a critical component of batteries and seen as key to the renewable energy transition.

International Geneva

UN experts warn Congo’s conflict minerals slipping into global market

By Pauline Turuban

International Geneva

Inside Geneva Summer profile: tackling Ebola in DRC

By Imogen Foulkes

Paper trail shows how Switzerland negotiated with Taliban

On August 15, 2026, the Taliban celebrated the fifth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan.

This content was published on Oct 24, 2026 New documents shed light on Swiss cooperation with the Taliban that led to the deportation of three Afghan men after a Taliban delegation’s visit to Switzerland in 2025.

The votes on November 29 are fast approaching – are you ready?

This content was published on Oct 26, 2026 The first SBC poll ahead of the November 29 votes shows strong support for the fireworks initiative. Voters remain undecided on the other three proposals.

Remember when the exact time was given by the talking clock?

The pursuit of precision in timekeeping

This content was published on Oct 25, 2026 The Swiss Post was long responsible for bringing the exact time into households in Switzerland, whether by phone or by radio. Sometimes it also offered a morning wake-up call.

Céline Amaudruz, a prominent figure in the Swiss People's Party and a contender to succeed Guy Parmelin, has come under fire for her numerous professional commitments. But the Geneva politician says the criticism has only strengthened her resolve.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Oct 26, 2026 Céline Amaudruz, a contender to succeed Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, says criticism has only strengthened her resolve.

How Trump’s magnet fixation puts Swiss high-tech industry in tough spot

This content was published on Oct 23, 2026 As China and the US vie for control of rare-earth minerals, Switzerland faces growing risks to supplies vital for its high-tech industries.

US news reported by the Swiss media

Every Wednesday: “Swiss views of US news”

Swiss former president tackles Nazi-era and colonial loot in museums

This content was published on Oct 23, 2026 A new Swiss commission led by former Swiss president Simonetta Sommaruga will review disputed cases and issue recommendations.

Geopolitics

Exploitation and misinformation hinder DRC Ebola response

Paper trail shows how Switzerland negotiated with Taliban

China dominates the production of rare earths. The country spent decades building up mining, refining and processing on a huge scale. By 2024, it delivered about 60% of world rare-earth mine output and 90% of separation and refining capacity.

How Trump’s magnet fixation puts Swiss high-tech industry in tough spot

Swiss drone defence: ‘We’re flying partly blind’

Trump and Putin, Silicon Valley war lords and rejecting Palantir

When international justice finds itself in Donald Trump’s crosshairs

Pharma pushes for higher European drug prices, Trump or no Trump

Guy Parmelin, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the package of agreements in March.

‘Switzerland is a partial member of the EU,’ says historian

Inequality may play a big role in the midterm elections

Rising inequality, diesel deal and another execution

Switzerland and the EU: So close and yet so far

How tiny Switzerland became a global trading power

Has the world forgotten Afghan women?

Is Afghanistan guilty of gender apartheid?

How should a neutral country like Switzerland handle arms exports to conflict zones?

Humanitarian crisis deepening amid global conflicts, says ICRC president

Middle East conflict

SWISS extends the suspension of its flights to Dubai

This content was published on Oct 24, 2026 In view of the situation in the Middle East and its uncertain future, SWISS has decided to extend the suspension of its flights to Dubai until 25 November 2026.

Two women protesting for Kurdish autonomy

Is Switzerland’s decentralised democracy a helpful model for the Kurds?

This content was published on Oct 12, 2026 Some Kurdish activists and intellectuals believe that Switzerland’s federal structure offers ideas for greater Kurdish autonomy.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (R)

What is the status of investigations into Hamas and Israel?

This content was published on Oct 9, 2026 The war crimes proceedings are progressing slowly, and in some cases have been halted by the deaths of those accused.

Beneath Gaza’s rubble lie the missing – and possible evidence

This content was published on Oct 9, 2026 Three years after the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war, much of Gaza is still in ruins – and many families still haven’t found the buried bodies of their loved ones.

War in Gaza: the victims that no one talks about

This content was published on Oct 9, 2026 According to the United Nations, Gaza’s maternal and newborn healthcare system has been “decimated”.

Protesters in Geneva are calling for sanctions against Israel

Geneva protest calls for sanctions against Israel

This content was published on Oct 4, 2026 Geneva demonstration calls for Switzerland to impose a military, energy and trade embargo on Israel.

Cassis at the UN: “Without the US, little gets done in this world”

Swiss maintain efforts to find global peace: foreign minister

This content was published on Sep 24, 2026 Swiss foreign minister keeps up peace diplomacy work at UN meeting in New York.

Israel, record exodus: Switzerland attracts scientists and wealth

Switzerland attracting Israeli scientists and wealth

This content was published on Sep 18, 2026 Many Israelis are leaving their country, and quite a few are settling in Switzerland.

UBS: "Oil price could hit $200 if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed"

Oil could hit $200 if Hormuz stays shut, UBS economist warns

This content was published on Sep 11, 2026 Oil prices could soar to $200 (CHF162) a barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for a prolonged period, UBS economist Alessandro Bee warns.

Israel accused of war crimes in Syria (UN female investigators)

UN investigators in Geneva raise concerns over Israeli detentions in Syria

This content was published on Sep 9, 2026 UN investigators say Israel detained dozens of Syrians inside Syrian territory before reportedly transferring them to Israel.

Aerial view of destroyed buildings in Gaza

A Palestinian former employee of the Swiss foreign ministry makes allegations

This content was published on Sep 3, 2026 The story of Jaser Abu Mousa illustrates Switzerland’s restrictive policy on humanitarian visas.

Global trade war

Berlin and Paris open the door for Switzerland to join the ‘Made in Europe’ initiative

Berlin and Paris open ‘Made in Europe’ door to Switzerland

This content was published on Oct 16, 2026 Germany and France are opening the door for Switzerland to the ‘Made in Europe’ scheme.

How tiny Switzerland became a global trading power

Switzerland plays a major role in world trade for such a small country. But why is that, exactly?

Alliance against Mercosur free trade agreement sees rainforest under threat

Swiss alliance against Mercosur FTA kickstarts referendum challenge

This content was published on Oct 13, 2026 Alliance against Swiss FTA with Mercosur states begins collecting referendum signatures.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) walks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin (L) ahead of their meeting on various topics, including Swiss-Indian trade and intellectual property. New Delhi, India, October 5, 2026.

Explainer: Watches win, pharma waits as Swiss-India trade deal turns one

This content was published on Oct 9, 2026 In October 2025, Switzerland, as a member state of EFTA, entered into what was billed as a historic free trade deal with India.

Switzerland and Kuwait want to strengthen their trade ties

Kuwait and Switzerland want to strengthen trade ties

This content was published on Sep 29, 2026 Swiss President Guy Parmelin welcomed the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, to Bern on Tuesday to “strengthen ties between the two countries”.

SECO Director Helene Budliger Artieda announces her resignation

Switzerland’s top trade negotiator resigns

This content was published on Sep 17, 2026 Switzerland’s SECO chief Helene Budliger Artieda will resign after key trade deals with India, Mercosur and the US.

Mercosur agreement allocating half a billion to agriculture approved

Swiss parliament approves Mercosur free trade deal

This content was published on Sep 16, 2026 Following the Senate, the House of Representatives has also approved a compromise under which the agricultural sector will receive half a billion Swiss francs in support.

Donald Trump causes a slump in travel to the US by Swiss nationals

Trump blamed for decline in Swiss travel to US

This content was published on Sep 9, 2026 After falling last year, bookings for the US dropped even further in the first half of 2026.

The Swiss-China FTA entered into force in 2014

Swiss seek China business boost as old trade links unravel

This content was published on Aug 31, 2026 A beefed-up Swiss-China free trade agreement could compensate for unreliable US/EU trading partners.

US customs policy: Study warns of billions in losses for the pharmaceutical industry

US policy study warns Swiss pharma industry could lose billions

This content was published on Aug 27, 2026 A industry-backed study estimates potential losses for the Swiss pharma industry from US policies could be in the billions.

The threats to ‘Swiss Made’

This content was published on Aug 25, 2026 For decades the country’s exporters focused on adding value, but US tariffs and the strong franc are now hitting them harder.

Read more: The threats to ‘Swiss Made’

US price pressure ‘threatens new drugs’ in Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 24, 2026 Boss of Swiss pharma research association bemoans political pressure of drug prices.

A Swiss woman fulfilled her dream of owning her own shop in the US – then Trump’s tariffs came along

Owning her own shop in the US was a dream come true until Trump’s tariffs came along

This content was published on Aug 2, 2026 Jacqueline Judd owns and runs a shop selling Swiss products in New Glarus, Wisconsin. US President Donald Trump’s tariffs have taken a toll on her inventory.

US surcharges of 10 to 12.5 per cent targeting 60 countries, including Switzerland

US imposes new tariff of 12.5% on Switzerland over forced labour

This content was published on Jul 24, 2026 Following Canada and Brazil, Switzerland and around 60 other countries face new US tariffs on Friday for allegedly not doing enough to combat forced labour.

Sandoz "takes note" of the new US tariffs

Swiss pharma firm Sandoz takes note of proposed US tariffs on generic drugs

This content was published on Jul 22, 2026 Generic drugs giant Sandoz said on Wednesday that it had “taken note” of Washington’s announcements regarding new tariffs of up to 200%.