Tight security surrounds Austrian Chancellor’s visit to Switzerland
The state visit of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer was held amid tight security in Switzerland following concerns of disruption by opponents of coronavirus restrictions.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Nehammer chose Switzerland as the venue of his first official trip since becoming Austrian Chancellor on December 6. Austria has adopted some of the strictest pandemic measures in Europe, including a recent requirement for all adults to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
The town centre at Zofingen, in northern Switzerland, was cordoned off from the public as it was feared Nehammer would attract the ire of people opposed to vaccines.
He met Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, and Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter. Talks centred on the Ukraine crisis, migration and Switzerland’s recent issues with the European Union.
Nehammer promised to support Switzerland in its fractious relationship with the EU that has been at stalemate since Swiss negotiators broke off talks last year on the future shape of bilateral ties.
“We are on Switzerland’s side when it comes to building a bridge between Switzerland and the EU,” Nehammer said.
Both Nehammer and Cassis told reporters that they were committed to finding a peaceful solution for the growing threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Since mid-2021 more than 5,000 migrants have entered eastern Switzerland illegally by train from Austria, mostly young Afghans with France as their destination. Switzerland wants to speed up the process of sending them back to Austria.
Study: high pollen concentrations increase blood pressure
This content was published on
A high concentration of pollen can increase blood pressure in allergy sufferers, according to a Swiss study. The effect is much more pronounced in women and people who are overweight.
New asylum regulations come into effect in Switzerland
This content was published on
Several asylum-related changes come into effect in Switzerland on June 1 aimed at improving the employment and housing situations of refugees.
Swiss unions call for CHF5,000 monthly salary for qualified apprentices
This content was published on
All workers who have completed an apprenticeship should earn at least CHF5,000 per month, the Swiss Trade Union Federation said on Friday.
Flooding risks in parts of Switzerland and Germany after heavy rains
This content was published on
There is a significant risk of flooding on the River Rhine from Lake Constance to Basel and on the Thur River in canton Thurgau in eastern Switzerland.
Switzerland to intensify border checks during sporting events
This content was published on
In the context of events including the European Football Championships and the summer Olympics, border security will be increased.
Integration of Credit Suisse into UBS now complete
This content was published on
Credit Suisse AG was formally integrated into UBS AG on Friday, with the former being subsequently deleted from Canton Zurich's commercial register.
This content was published on
Switzerland does not expect a sustained wave of Afghan refugees despite large numbers crossing the border in recent months.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.