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The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, visited the Republic of Moldova from 13 to 15 May 2026. While there, he represented Switzerland at the annual Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in Chisinau. As Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), he also held a series of meetings aimed at supporting the organisation's role in the Transdniestrian conflict settlement process and encouraging the parties to engage in dialogue.

Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on the occasion of the 135th Ministerial Session of the Council of Europe in Chisinau (Moldova) – Check against delivery

On 14 May 2026, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Mihai Popșoi, the OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, met in Chisinau. The promotion of effective multilateralism and the use of the respective and complementary strengths of the two organisations were at the centre of the discussions.

At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's fourth country report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The interim results for the years 2022–26 are mixed. This report is also the last country report in the current format. Cantons, communes and cities have developed many new approaches to implementing the sustainability goals. Despite geopolitical shifts, the 2030 Agenda remains the global frame of reference for sustainable development.

At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council took note of the tenth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). Under the Act, companies wishing to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland are required to notify the competent authority in advance. In 2025, the competent authorities received 82 declarations from companies. Although no activities were prohibited, two criminal complaints were lodged with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.

At a time of far-reaching geopolitical developments, the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in support of freedom of navigation and international law. At its meeting on 13 May 2026, it approved Switzerland's accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. The Protocol stipulates that there should be open and secure transit through the Panama Canal for all nations at all times.

The Swiss Confederation issued two bonds by auction on 13.05.2026: 1.25%, maturity 27.06.2037 (reopening) and 0.50%, maturity 24.05.2055 (reopening). The issuance volume (excluding own holdings) amounts to a total of 450.000 million francs.

During takeoff and landing, planes emit ultrafine aerosol particles. Some particles also contain lubricating oil, as shown by measurements made by researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in the environs of the Zurich Airport. Low-sulphur fuels could be the solution.

The Swiss Science Council SSC sees significant strategic development opportunities for Switzerland in the field of data- and compute-intensive research. In a recent report, the SSC highlights the potential for the targeted further development of existing academic computing infrastructures in order to meet growing demands, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), in a sustainable manner. To ensure internationally competitive research on and with AI, Switzerland requires a suitable national computing infrastructure with sufficient computing ressources and international connectivity. Computing resources are understood to include all necessary components, services and personnel required to make them usable for the end-user. The SSC proposes a multi-tiered, interoperable computing infrastructure system that covers regional to international levels, is based on a national strategy, is led by a strategic committee and is supported by long-term funding.

Switzerland and Tunisia are co-chairing a meeting as part of the Rabat Process, aimed at strengthening the link between the sustainable reintegration of returning migrants and development in their countries of origin. The meeting brings together more than thirty countries located along the migration routes between Europe and Africa.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit the Republic of Moldova from 13 to 15 May. As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, he will hold a series of meetings in which he will address the organisation’s role in the settlement process of the Transdniestrian conflict. He will also attend the annual session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which is hosted this year by the Republic of Moldova.

Hiking, jogging, biking – when enjoying outdoor activities, it's easy to get caught off guard by unexpected weather. Modern performance clothing can be waterproof and stain-resistant, but it is often treated with chemicals containing PFAS. It's not easy to find alternatives to these harmful substances. Researchers at Empa are therefore working with textile manufacturers to develop a technology that can be used to find substitutes for PFAS and apply them more precisely – in line with the Safe and Sustainable by Design principle.