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Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) – Check against delivery

From 22 to 25 June, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama led a scientific delegation to Seoul. The aim of the trip was to strengthen Switzerland's cooperation with South Korea in research and innovation. The agenda included a meeting with Chang Yune Lee, Vice Minister for Science and ICT, as well as visits to research institutions, universities, companies and start-ups. The thematic focus was on quantum science, artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing and life sciences. Ms Hirayama was accompanied on her trip to South Korea by a high-ranking Swiss science delegation.

The Federal Tax Administration has published FATCA group requests pursuant to Article 12 paragraph 1 FATCA Act.

On 24 June 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will sign a joint declaration in Brussels. It sets out arrangements for cooperation between Switzerland and the EU from the end of 2024 until the entry into force of the Swiss–EU package. At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements, protocols and statements for the new package to stabilise and further develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process.

Empa and the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) have, for the first time, conducted a joint research project. The study set out to investigate how the noise levels of electric cars and cars with combustion engines differ. While hardly any differences can be detected at constant speed, e-cars are significantly quieter when accelerating.

On 23 June, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin attended the Ministerial Conference of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Norway. In addition to signature of the free trade agreement with Malaysia, a key item on the agenda was the free trade policy outlook for EFTA member states within the current trade policy environment.

On 23 June, on the sidelines of the EFTA Ministerial Conference in Tromsø, Norway, a free trade agreement was signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and representatives of fellow EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway with the Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Tengku Zafrul Aziz.

In 2024, tourism expenditure both in Switzerland and abroad continued to grow. It grew the most among Swiss residents travelling abroad, however. Swiss residents travelling abroad spent CHF 18.9 billion, an increase of 7.8% over 2023. In comparison, revenue from foreign visitors to Switzerland rose by 2.2% to CHF 19.6 billion. These developments negatively affected the tourism balance. While remaining positive at CHF 720 million, the balance was lower than in 2023 according to initial estimates from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland is seeing a steady decrease in religious affiliation. The share of the population that practises a religion has also continued to fall. In particular, attendance of religious events and church services has decreased significantly compared with ten years ago. Fewer people believe in God, even among those with a religious affiliation. However, religion and spirituality continue to play a role for most people in times of difficulty or sickness. These are the preliminary results of the Survey on Language, Religion and Culture of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The cement industry produces around eight percent of global CO₂ emissions – more than the entire aviation sector worldwide. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have developed an AI-based model that helps to accelerate the discovery of new cement formulations that could yield the same material quality with a better carbon footprint.

On 20 June, the Federal Council decided to lift economic sanctions against Syria. Switzerland is thereby aligning itself with the EU's decision of 27 May. The decision will take effect at 6pm on the same day.

In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. All expatriate staff have now left Iran and are safe. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. Switzerland is continuing to fulfil its protecting power mandate for the US in Iran through its good offices in agreement with both countries. Switzerland calls for an urgent return to dialogue with a view to de-escalation.