News

The Federal Council approved a partial revision of the Postal Services Ordinance at its meeting on 19 December. Swiss Post is to gain more flexibility in the delivery of letters and parcels as the universal service will be supplemented by the provision of digital letters.

At its meeting on 19 December 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Consular Strategy 2026–29. In a world undergoing profound change, marked by the return of war to Europe, the erosion of the multilateral order and the fragmentation of alliances, consular action is taking on new importance. Whether it be assistance for Swiss nationals, administrative services or visa processing, consular action remains a key lever of Switzerland's presence abroad. By adopting its Consular Strategy the Federal Council aims to provide a coherent, structured and forward-looking response to the challenges facing this area of Swiss foreign policy and continue to offer Swiss citizens simple, easily accessible and reliable administrative services.

Switzerland and NATO have defined the objectives of their cooperation for the period from 2025 to 2028. The Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) is drawn up within the framework of NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP), in which Switzerland has been participating since 1996. The agreed activities are in line with the Federal Council's intention to intensify international cooperation in security policy.

Switzerland has concluded privileges and immunities agreements with the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd) and Justice Rapid Response (JRR). In signing these agreements, Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting International Geneva and strengthening its role as a global centre for peace, justice and human rights.

During the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a high-level UN meeting on the future of the internet and digital cooperation, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to an open and inclusive information society that respects human rights. Switzerland welcomes this strategic decision, which is in line with its commitment to a digital environment that benefits everyone.

The Construction Price Index rose by 0.3% between April and October 2025, reaching 116.2 points (base October 2020 = 100). This result reflects an increase in building and civil engineering prices. Year on year, construction prices rose by 0.9%. These are some of the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Over a period of more than ten years and in nine separate proceedings, COMCO investigated agreements on the financial markets. The investigations involving twenty banks in total concerned the business areas of interest rate derivatives, foreign exchange spot trading and precious metals trading. COMCO concluded seven investigations with settlements and discontinued two proceedings. It imposed fines totaling CHF 237.5 million.

From 8 to 19 December 2025, Swiss attack and defence drones will be tested at the Hinterrhein (GR) shooting range. The goals are a market survey and a qualitative assessment of the drone systems used, in order to estimate the maturity of the technology. The technical trials will be carried out by the Taskforce Drones with the participation of the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse, the Swiss Armed Forces and other partners. They aim to accelerate the capability development of the military in the field of drones and bring together industry, science and the military.

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

Switzerland has signed the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The Commission will review, assess and decide on claims resulting from damage caused by Russia in Ukraine. It will also determine the amount of compensation due in each case.

Ultra-light, super-flexible, highly insulating: An aluminum-coated polymer film is used to shield satellites from temperature extremes. Researchers at Empa have succeeded in making the material even more resistant by implementing an ultra-thin intermediate layer. The technology could in future also be used to improve flexible electronics and medical sensors.

You could be interested by new pages which have been published on the OFCOM website between 01.12.2025 and 14.12.2025.