Swiss Abroad

Swiss expats hear good news and bad

This content was published on Jun 19, 2011 But the beauty of the ancient city of York in the north of England and the wealth of sightseeing opportunities enjoyed by the delegates and attending dignitaries did not distract them from the business at hand, and on some issues passions ran high. Nevertheless, perhaps because of the fresh northern air, or simply being in…

Swiss Politics

Justice minister stresses fair asylum policy

This content was published on Jun 18, 2011 Swiss Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga, tells swissinfo.ch that she wants to simplify and speed up the asylum process, while ensuring that it remains fair. There is a real dilemma: in the world as a whole, tens of millions of people are in flight from persecution, violence and disaster, but no one wants to take them…

Swiss Politics

Defence minister ponders cyber-security

This content was published on Jun 18, 2011 The danger was unlikely to come from individuals he told handelszeitung.ch, but from organisations seeking specific information that they could use against Switzerland. Some states could also be involved. He said Switzerland was one of the world leaders as far as protection against cyber-attacks is concerned because it had invested a lot of money in…

Swiss Politics

Banking secrecy rules on tax matters simplified

This content was published on Jun 17, 2011 On the final day of the summer session, the Senate approved amendments to double taxation agreements in line with internationally applicable standards. The other parliamentary chamber, the House of Representatives had agreed the treaties last April. It is no longer necessary for those countries to provide the name and address of a taxpayer to request…

Swiss Politics

Neuchâtel may become corporate tax pioneer

This content was published on Jun 17, 2011 Supporters of the reform claim it will make Neuchâtel more attractive, while boosting the tax coffers. Observers say it could give the canton a head start in view of any changes arising from future tax talks between Switzerland and the European Union. But opponents warn that it may lead to a downward spiral of tax…

Swiss Politics

Interest rates held despite lingering risks

This content was published on Jun 16, 2011 The SNB also expressed reservations about the exposure of the big banks to creaky overseas credit, the quality of their risk absorbing capital, and the level of mortgage lending in the domestic market. Switzerland’s central bank warned on Thursday that many financial institutions have not taken adequate steps to protect themselves against future economic shocks.…

Swiss Politics

Politicians run circles around parliament

This content was published on Jun 16, 2011 Jogging or on rollerblades, the 15 female and 32 male parliamentarians covered a total of 154,200 metres in 20 minutes. But despite the enthusiasm from parliamentarians, Sport Minister Ueli Maurer, who blew the starting whistle at 6.30am, declined to join them. In a statement the Federal Sport Office said Maurer did not join the group…

Swiss Politics

ILO adopts landmark domestic workers treaty

This content was published on Jun 16, 2011 Under the new international legal instrument an estimated 100 million household employees should benefit from the right to vacation, maternity leave, unemployment insurance and regular working hours. Governments, employers and unions meeting at the 100th ILO conference in Geneva voted on Thursday by 396 to 16 with 63 abstentions to approve the Domestic Workers Convention.…

Swiss Politics

Swiss to sign up to European forests convention

This content was published on Jun 16, 2011 The decision to open negotiations for a legally binding forest convention for Europe was taken at the Forest Europe ministerial conference which wraps up in Oslo on Thursday. The convention aims to create a single set of standards for European forests, and to facilitate the development of trade regulations covering imports and sales of sustainably…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey looks to strengthen Russian ties

This content was published on Jun 15, 2011 Meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Geneva on Wednesday, Calmy-Rey said trade relations with the two countries were “excellent”, but could be improved in other areas. “We need to progress in a certain number of specific areas,” Calmy-Rey said. “As such, we would like to establish a strengthened cooperation in the areas of…

Swiss Abroad

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Swiss Abroad

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Swiss expats hear good news and bad

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Justice minister stresses fair asylum policy

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Defence minister ponders cyber-security

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Banking secrecy rules on tax matters simplified

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Neuchâtel may become corporate tax pioneer

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Interest rates held despite lingering risks

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Politicians run circles around parliament

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ILO adopts landmark domestic workers treaty

More

Swiss to sign up to European forests convention

More

Calmy-Rey looks to strengthen Russian ties

Popular Stories

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