News
Ukraine: Federal Council implements 20th package of sanctions in line with previous practice
On 19 August, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures from the European Union’s (EU) 20th sanctions package against Russia in line with previous practice. The new measures will take effect on 20 August. Switzerland already added 115 individuals and entities to its sanctions list on 22 May.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 19.08.2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER updated the notification and authorisation forms for money transfers pursuant to Art. 21 of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As of August 26, only the updated forms will be accepted. The forms can be accessed here.
Where the wind blows from – and where we are heading (DE)
Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at the 2026 Ambassadors’ Conference in Bern. The guest of honour was the German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul – Check against delivery.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organisations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaïda
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.
Protection status S to continue, subject to further restrictions
There is still no sign of lasting stabilisation in the situation in Ukraine. Status S for people from Ukraine seeking protection will therefore be extended to 4 March 2028. Support measures for people with protection status S (Programme S) will also continue until that date. The Federal Council decided this at its meeting on 19 August, following consultation with the relevant stakeholders. In addition, protection status S will be restricted for certain further groups of people from 20 August.
Federal Council brings Federal Act on the International Automatic Exchange of Information on Salary Data into force
During its meeting on 19 August 2026, the Federal Council decided to bring the Federal Act on the International Automatic Exchange of Information on Salary Data into force with effect from 1 January 2027. The Federal Council is thus laying the legal foundations for the exchange of information set down in agreements with France and Italy.
How the “unicorn of the seas” got its helix
A narwhal tale with a twist
EasyGov is valued by companies – redesign to deliver greater impact
The University of St Gallen published in August a new periodic Use Assessment Study of the EasyGov electronic platform on behalf of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The results clearly show that EasyGov saves Swiss SMEs a considerable amount of time and money.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 17 August 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER has amended annexes 12, 13 and 14 of the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The entries relating to six individuals have been removed, the entry relating to one entity has been amended, and two individuals and one entity have been added to the annexes. The measures come into force on 18 August 2026 at 11 p.m.
In the 2nd quarter 2026, the employed population grew by 0.8% and ILO unemployment stood at 4.9%
In the 2nd quarter 2026, the number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.8% year-on-year. The unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) rose from 4.6% to 4.9% in Switzerland, whereas in the EU it remained at 5.9%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Audit of the implementation of the third Rhone correction
The third Rhone correction is the largest flood protection project in Switzerland. It is aimed at protecting over 100,000 people from flood events and prevent damage worth up to CHF 10 billion. This once-in-a-generation project will cost CHF 3.6 billion, and was given the go-ahead in 2016. It involves around 870 hectares of land, including arable land for which the compensation has not yet been clarified in the Valais. The canton of Valais undertook a project revision in 2024. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined whether the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) had taken the risks to and interests of the Confederation into account. It concluded that the FOEN actively exercises its supervision and has reduced financial risks to the Confederation since 2022 by suspending payments for pre-funded services. The SFAO also examined whether the FOEN had implemented past recommendations. This was the case for three of the four recommendations, while the recommendation on subsidy refunds was not implemented.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organisations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaïda
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.