Switzerland - News and perspectives

Swiss abroad

The information hub for the Swiss community abroad

Go to: Swiss abroad

PODCASTS

Listen and subscribe to our latest podcasts

Go to: PODCASTS

moving abroad

Helpful articles on emigrating and living abroad

Go to: moving abroad

Debates

Join the discussion in our multilingual debates

Go to: Debates

Foreign Affairs

Switzerland secures US tariff rate cut to 15%

Trump reduces tariffs for Switzerland to 15

The United States will cut its tariffs on goods from Switzerland to 15% from 39% under a new framework trade agreement.

Drug pricing

How pharma became Switzerland’s Achilles heel in US trade talks

By Jessica Davis Plüss

After feeding in the Alps all summer, cows are escorted back to their farms.

Trade policy

Facing Trump’s tariffs, Swiss farmers find themselves with too much milk

By Liz Alderman

Global trade

Are you noticing or anticipating any changes in your life as a result of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump?

By Giannis Mavris

Explainer: Why Europe is bringing back conscription

Military personnel shortages are becoming a global issue.

This content was published on Nov 14, 2025 Europe’s shortage of professional soldiers, amid mounting concerns over Russian military ambitions, is forcing countries to revisit the idea of conscription.

UN’s Mô Bleeker: ‘Everything we have built is being called into question’

This content was published on Nov 14, 2025 Mô Bleeker, the UN’s voice on atrocity prevention, speaks to Swissinfo about defending humanity’s red lines in times of war.

A police officer leaves a distribution center after collecting polling material for the upcoming presidential election, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.

Can Swiss-style federalism help power-sharing efforts in Sri Lanka?

This content was published on Nov 13, 2025 A delegation from Sri Lanka visited Switzerland to learn about direct democracy and federalism. They want to put some aspects into practice.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Nov 14, 2025 It’s a deal! US tariffs on Swiss exports will be reduced from 39% to 15%. Plus, the “Shame of Istanbul” 20 years on.

Emission reductions: the countries doing the ‘dirty work’ for Switzerland

This content was published on Nov 12, 2025 Switzerland has pioneered international carbon offsetting under the terms of the Paris Agreement. But the practice has generated fresh concerns and criticism.

US news reported by the Swiss media

Every Wednesday: “Swiss views of US news”

Around 75% of companies in Switzerland mainly use AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Copilot for tasks like text generation, coding and data analysis.

‘Switzerland must not give in to the Big Tech narrative’

This content was published on Nov 12, 2025 Switzerland can be more independent from tech giants like Microsoft when it comes to artificial intelligence, says a leading digital sovereignty expert.

Geopolitics

UN’s Mô Bleeker: ‘Everything we have built is being called into question’

Explainer: Why Europe is bringing back conscription

End of the shutdown, tariff reduction rumours, and a COP30 no-show

Inside Geneva podcast: war and the press

Exports account for more than 70 per cent of Switzerland’s GDP.

Switzerland nears deal to cut US tariffs to 15% after business push

Formally, the two Koreas are still at war until today: a South Korean officer facing his North Korean counterpart in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two countries in a scene of "Joint Security Area".

Neutrality under fire: the enduring power of Park Chan-wook’s DMZ thriller

Facing Trump’s tariffs, Swiss farmers find themselves with too much milk

Gunvor drops $22 billion bid for Lukoil assets after US moves to block deal

Gunvor warns of fuel shock as $22 billion Lukoil deal prompts concern over Russia ties

A conference room filled with participants during the opening session of the PRE-COP30 meeting

What to expect from Switzerland’s climate diplomacy at COP30

A group of people waiting, a lorry in the background

As Sudan’s agony deepens, scrutiny sharpens on UAE and gold

The new mayor of New York, the government shutdown, and Grokipedia

A road destroyed by the storm with fallen electricity pylons, debris and people walking along the road

‘Flexibility is key’ in the race to deliver aid after Hurricane Melissa

School children in Ivory Coast looking at a textbook.

Charitable giving comes under pressure as donors slash education aid

The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford passes through the Oslofjord in Norway in in September.

US intervention in Venezuela, the Trump-Xi summit, and nuclear investment

Middle East crisis

CHF 20 million to support the Gaza peace plan

Switzerland supports Gaza peace plan with CHF20 million

This content was published on Nov 5, 2025 Swiss to give CHF10m in humanitarian aid in Gaza, followed by another CHF10m.

Zurich government does not want to take in children from Gaza

Zurich government rejects proposal to take in Gaza children

This content was published on Oct 30, 2025 The Zurich cantonal government is sticking to its guns: it does not want to take in any injured children from Gaza. The security concerns are too great.

Zurich court partially acquits ETH squatters

Zurich court partially acquits pro-Palestine university squatters

This content was published on Oct 28, 2025 Zurich court partially acquits four pro-Palestine activists who had occupied the main hall of ETHZ.

Cassis welcomes a common position on Gaza at the end of his tour

Swiss foreign minister hails Mideast unity on Gaza at end of tour

This content was published on Oct 26, 2025 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait were aligned on the Gaza peace plan, supporting a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, as he ended his Middle East visit on Saturday.

Seven children from Gaza and their families on their way to Switzerland

Seven injured children from Gaza and families travel to Switzerland for treatment

This content was published on Oct 24, 2025 Seven injured Palestinian children from Gaza took off on Friday morning from Amman in Jordan for Switzerland. They are to be treated in Swiss hospitals.

Ignazio Cassis was welcomed to Amman by his Jordanian counterpart

Switzerland and Jordan discuss Gaza peace plan

This content was published on Oct 23, 2025 Swiss Foreign Minister to discuss US sponspored Gaza peace plan with Jordanian counterpart.

Switzerland donates two million francs for humanitarian aid in Gaza

Switzerland pledges CHF2 million for humanitarian aid in Gaza

This content was published on Oct 23, 2025 Switzerland donating CHF2 million in humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Swiss Solidarity collects for the Gaza civilian population

Swiss Solidarity collects CHF4.5 million for Gaza

This content was published on Oct 23, 2025 Swiss Solidarity collects over CHF4.5 million in donations for the civilian population in Gaza.

Around 2000 people attend pro-Palestine demonstration in Geneva

Around 2,000 people attend pro-Palestine demo in Geneva

This content was published on Oct 20, 2025 Around 2,000 in Geneva demanded that multinational corporations be held accountable for their complicity in the genocide in Palestine.

BE: pro-Pal demonstration, organisers complain of police violence

Organisers of pro-Palestinian protest in Bern demand investigation into violence

This content was published on Oct 15, 2025 Pro-Palestinian groups in Bern demand an independent probe into alleged police brutality at protests.

Initiative calls for recognition of the State of Palestine

Swiss initiative demands Palestinian state recognition

This content was published on Oct 14, 2025 Coalition launches popular initiative for Switzerland to officially recognise Palestine as a state.

Peace summit in Egypt: Switzerland will not be present

Switzerland absent from Egypt peace summit

This content was published on Oct 13, 2025 Switzerland will not be present at Egypt-hosted peace summit to end conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Police officials: 'severe punishment for violent protesters'

Swiss police condemn pro-Palestinian demo violence

This content was published on Oct 13, 2025 Police demand punishment for troublemakers at pro-Palestinian demo that turned violent.

18 police officers injured during the pro-Palestine demonstration in Bern on Saturday

Pro-Palestine protest in Bern: 18 police officers injured

This content was published on Oct 12, 2025 Eighteen police officers were injured during a pro-Palestinian protest in the Swiss capital Bern on Saturday, according to local police.

5,000 people hold a tense demonstration in Berne in support of Palestine

Thousands join pro-Palestinian protest in Bern amid clashes with police

This content was published on Oct 12, 2025 Around 5,000 people marched through the Swiss capital, Bern, on Saturday to protest against the war in Gaza.

Global trade war

Switzerland secures US tariff rate cut to 15%

This content was published on Nov 14, 2025 The United States will cut its tariffs on goods from Switzerland to 15% from 39% under a new framework trade agreement.

Swiss tech sector feels full impact of US tariffs in third quarter

Swiss tech sector feels the squeeze of Trump’s tariffs

This content was published on Nov 14, 2025 The Swiss tech industry remains under heavy pressure. On top of global political uncertainty and a strong Swiss franc, US tariffs are making life difficult for companies.

"A very good discussion" on customs duties, says Parmelin

Swiss economics minister praises ‘very good’ tariff talks with US

This content was published on Nov 14, 2025 Economics Minister Guy Parmelin was upbeat on Thursday after his visit to Washington to discuss tariffs.

Switzerland close to finalising US customs deal, according to Bloomberg agency

Switzerland reportedly close to finalising US customs deal

This content was published on Nov 11, 2025 The Bloomberg news agency reported on Monday that an agreement was emerging in the negotiations between the two countries. This could be reached in the next two weeks, it said.

Tariffs: Swiss minister talks with US trade representative

This content was published on Nov 8, 2025 Economics Minister Guy Parmelin had talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer today. According to Parmelin, the dialogue was constructive.

Facing Trump’s tariffs, Swiss farmers find themselves with too much milk

This content was published on Nov 7, 2025 Swiss dairy farmers produced a bumper harvest of milk, but higher U.S. duties have forced them to consider ways to cut back, including slaughtering cows.

Six top Swiss business leaders in Washington to talk to Trump

Top Swiss business leaders meet Trump in Washington

This content was published on Nov 6, 2025 The heads of six major Swiss companies took part in discussions with Donald Trump in Washington.

Pay negotiations: the 2026 vintage looks slim

Swiss wage negotiations weighed by tariff fears

This content was published on Nov 5, 2025 Trade barriers and anaemic inflation will weigh heavily on Swiss wage negotiations for 2026.

KOF: despite duties, economic situation in Switzerland improves

Swiss economic forecast improves despite tariffs

This content was published on Nov 5, 2025 The Swiss economy is once again looking to the future with optimism despite tariffs

Trump holds trade talks with Switzerland

This content was published on Nov 5, 2025 US President Donald Trump meet Swiss representatives to discuss trade.

Former ambassador sees the WEF as an opportunity for dialogue with the USA

Former US ambassador pessimistic about tariff breakthrough

This content was published on Oct 31, 2025 The former US ambassador to Switzerland, Suzi LeVine, does not believe that US punitive tariffs on Swiss products will be lowered any time soon.

US duties? 'Chill out,' suggests former WTO ambassador

US tariffs? ‘Keep cool,’ suggests former WTO ambassador

This content was published on Oct 25, 2025 Robust Swiss companies should not react too soon to the 39% customs barriers imposed by Washington.

Negotiations on the customs dispute continue

Talks with US on tariffs ongoing: Swiss economics minister

This content was published on Oct 18, 2025 A Swiss delegation led by Economics Minister Guy Parmelin held talks with US representatives on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank meeting in Washington.

German economists expect subdued growth due to US tariffs

Swiss economists expect slower growth due to US tariffs

This content was published on Oct 16, 2025 The Swiss economy is not gaining momentum, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs said on Thursday, blaming US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.