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Bridges, support structures, and industrial steel constructions are often subjected to stress for decades. As they age, fatigue cracks can compromise safety. However, replacing permanently installed components is often impractical or very costly. Empa researchers are therefore investigating how steel components can be specifically repaired or even redesigned in the future – using metallic 3D printing.

More than 70 experts from 18 European nations came together on 23 and 24 June 2026 at the meeting of the “Energy and Environment Capability Technology Group” (EnE CapTech) of the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Zurich. Representatives from defence ministries, EU organisations, industry and research institutions from EU member states and partner states discussed challenges and solutions to promote European research and technological development in the energy sector and thus to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the armed forces of the states involved.

In 2025, federal government expenditure on R&D and associated support activities reached an all-time high of CHF 3.2 billion. This is an increase of CHF 644 million over the previous year (+25%). The marked increase is due to the renewal of Switzerland’s association in  Horizon Europe, the European Union’s framework programme for research and innovation. These findings are based on administrative data processed by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

From 29 June to 9 July, President Guy Parmelin will visit the US and Canada on an economic and scientific mission. He will then continue to Mexico, where he will meet President Claudia Sheinbaum. The purpose of the trip is to strengthen and extend Switzerland’s economic and scientific ties with North America. On 2 July, Mr Parmelin will attend the Swiss national team’s round of 32 match in the football World Cup in Vancouver.

At its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council set out the key parameters for international cooperation from 2029. In future, Switzerland will focus its development cooperation in a more targeted manner, establish a clear division of responsibilities between the SDC and SECO, and strengthen its humanitarian aid. In doing so, it is responding to the altered geopolitical situation, enhancing the impact of its international cooperation and, at the same time, achieving savings for the federal budget. The budget for international cooperation remains virtually unchanged at around CHF 2.4 billion per year. The measures that have been adopted will result in an annual reduction of around CHF 20 million from 2027. The FDFA and the EAER were tasked with drafting a consultation document on the International Cooperation Strategy 2029–32 on this basis.

On 24 June, the Federal Council appointed Günther Dissertori as the new president of ETH Zurich, following a proposal by the ETH Board. The 56-year-old is currently the rector of ETH Zurich and a professor of particle physics. He will take up his post on 1 January 2027, succeeding Joël Mesot.

During its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Protocol of Amendment to the Agreement between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on the automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance. The Agreement will be aligned with the revised OECD standard and also contains new provisions on administrative assistance for the recovery of VAT claims. The overwhelming majority of consultation participants agree with the proposal.

At its meeting on 24 June, the Federal Council approved strategic objectives for RUAG International Holding AG (RUAG International) for the 2026–29 period. Following Parliament’s decision to retain control of Beyond Gravity, these new objectives will position RUAG International and its operating subsidiary Beyond Gravity as a globally active Swiss space company, aligning them more closely with broad security policy interests and strengthening Switzerland’s space resilience.

Switzerland will be represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) to be held in Gdańsk from 25 to 26 June by a delegation led by Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine. Launched in Lugano in 2022 at Switzerland’s initiative, the Conference has become the key international forum for the reconstruction of Ukraine. This year’s event will focus on the country’s economic recovery, support for critical infrastructure, strengthening security capabilities, and promoting reforms and the fight against corruption.

Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will visit Nigeria from 28 June to 1 July. During this visit, the Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs will sign a cooperation agreement concerning the import, export and return of cultural property. Twenty-three items of cultural property will be returned on this occasion. The Federal Councillor will also take advantage of her trip to meet her counterparts responsible for women’s affairs and health, and to visit various sites.

A new final report (railways) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.

The Swiss Armed Forces have successfully completed their mission as a partner of the Canton of Nidwalden to ensure the safe conduct of the LAKE LUCERNE SUMMIT on the Bürgenstock in the canton of Nidwalden. Approximately 1,300 military personnel were on duty each day. A total of five violations occurred in the restricted airspace. Two aircraft were escorted out of the restricted airspace by the Air Force.