News

Scientists from Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have used an electric field to reverse the handedness of atomic vibrations known as chiral phonons. Chiral phonons link magnetism with atomic motion. The ability to control them opens new possibilities for phonon-based information technologies.

Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, and the mayor of Bern, Marieke Kruit, today presented the winning proposal for the creation of the place of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism in Bern. The winning design, entitled ‘unfolded minute’, which combines an artistic approach with an information element, will be installed on the terrace of the Casino by the end of 2027.

Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the presentation of the project for a Swiss Memorial to the Victims of National Socialism: a place of remembrance in the city of Bern. Check against delivery.

Switzerland is enhancing its international cooperation in the defence area – armasuisse takes part in the research project “Fuel Cells for Soldier Systems II” (FUSS II) of the European Defence Agency (EDA). On 3 September 2026, all parties involved signed the project agreement. The project will develop portable fuel cells for use by members of the armed forces and other mobile applications. Switzerland is thus strengthening its European cooperation in research and technology.

A similar trend was observed in market sector activities across the Swiss economy in the 2nd quarter 2026: turnover rose by 5.3% compared with the same quarter of the previous year and employment in these same market sector activities rose by 2.0% (total employment +2.0%).

The Swiss Confederation is offering two bonds on a public tender system on 09.09.2026: 0.875%, maturity 24.06.2041 (reopening) and 0.5%, maturity 30.05.2058 (reopening).

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.

The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Opening address of Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor, on the occasion of the Venice Production Bridge. Check against delivery.

Switzerland is increasing its support for the people of Nepal affected by the flash flooding of 26 August 2026. Just one day after the disaster the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) made USD 1 million available for emergency humanitarian relief. In response to the UN appeal published today, it is now committing a further USD 1 million. At the same time three Swiss specialists are being deployed to provide on-the-ground assistance with reconstruction and disaster risk management.

Fifty-one years after the Helsinki Final Act was adopted, the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship brought together political leaders, diplomats, historians and experts in Bern to reflect on the origins of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) – the predecessor organisation of today’s OSCE – and the relevance of its founding principles for European security today and tomorrow. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ignazio Cassis, and the OSCE Secretary-General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, also took part in the conference.